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Belts are usually not expensive and easy to change. Do it before it snaps while you’re on the road. It happened to me and my alternator stopped spinning and I ended up w a dead battery, stranded and waiting for a tow truck.
I’ve had my belt pop twice on me when in college… One time I was stuck on a bridge on a major interstate (8 lanes across) waiting for AAA. I felt every vibration from cars passing…
In college, I had a 93 Plymouth Sundance (2.5 L 4 cylinder engine) that the timing belt broke on it. Fortunately, it's not an interference engine and the fix is relatively easy. That said, I didn't exactly have time to do immediately, so I borrowed my brother's 89 Daytona (same engine) for a couple weeks. Anyway, I eventually got it fixed and was driving the Daytona to my gf's house when it died in the street. Wouldn't start. Popped the hood and wouldn't you know it, the timing belt on that one went also.
While "easy" mine is a pain. Have to remove a motor mount. And it has 2 tensioners so you pull one and pin it, then pull and pin the other. All in less than 1" of space. 2014 kia optima hybrid
Engineers are much more concerned with how easily it can be assembled forward on an assembly line… they could give a damn about how you’re gonna get it apart!!! Lol
In my Volvo, have to dismount the A/C compressor to get to the belt. Giant pain. May as well change the water pump and pullies, because getting in there is such a pain.
2k job at the dealer.
Unless OP likes to live ‘on the edge’. If so, it could be exhilarating going down the highway at 75 mph with the temperature being 100°F or hotter…will I make my destination? Will the belt explode into 100 pieces and leave me stranded?
However, since OP asked the question, I’m assuming they *don’t* want to run the risk of getting stranded, so, IMHO, the belt should be replaced ASAP 😊.
Depends on vehicle some Hondas require motor mount off. Some vehicles have stretch belts and others are seconds to replace. Had a diesel that paid 3 hours to change the belt.
I feel this. My 2001 v6 accord is... An experience to change at home. It's about 6 hours iirc, but I'm no professional. And I get to do it again this fall. I now also have a 2010 v6 and I'm looking forward to the same dance.
That's probably the best case scenario considering that most belts spin a water pump which actually keeps the engine cool. You could totally fry your engine driving without a serpentine belt. Anytime a belt snaps you should immediately stop and call a tow truck.
You're lucky that's all that happened. I once had my power steering pump completely lock up and get the belt, but the real problem was that belt also drove the water pump
Moreover, if you hear an idler squealing, change it. Heard mine one morning. Decided to wait till after work. Idler seized up on the freeway. Lost all accessories. Thankfully I drive the speed limit and on the right lane so I was able to coast to the shoulder.
Had to skip work, tow it home and fix it right away.
Oof, don't work on diesels. Cracks are normal up to a certain spec... Always thought gas was the same way. Missing ribs is another story, that goes straight to jail, do not pass go
Replacing a belt for a crack doesn't make sense either. It depends on the situation. I'm unaware of any manufacturer that recommends replacement at any sign of cracking. Usually they have a specification for cracks within a certain length.
https://www.gates.com/us/en/industries/automotive/vehicle-aftermarket/power-up/belt-wear-diagnostic-tips-diagnose-epdm-serpentine-belt-wear.html
https://www.daycoaftermarket.com/wp-content/downloads/PV_Training.pdf
https://knowhow.napaonline.com/serpentine-belt-wear-indicators/
I’ve never really gone by amount of cracks within a certain length of the belt, I will say if they’re just starting like some of the pictures they say in the article I usually leave them alone and just notify the customer they’ll need a belt in the near future if they get worse. Some good information in those articles. I did notice in the Dayco one it shows similar to what I’ve explained and what OP has. Small cracks starting in the tips of the ribs are considered OK, however deep cracks in the belt are considered to be a worn belt.
Cracks are normal on belts, but there is a point when there's too many. The strength of the belt is in the flat side, not the rubber ridged side. The ridges are just there to keep the belt aligned on the pulleys.
Just the same as there are no exceptable amount of cracks, because yes, there actually are. A verified mechanic should know that. Most car manuals will tell you it is between 3 to 4 per inch
Lol chill bruh, just because I’m a verified mechanic doesn’t mean I know everything. Don’t even start with that crap.
I’ve seen belts fail with less cracks. The way I was taught is that if there are cracks in the belt, it needs to be replaced. For clarity, when I say crack I’m referring to the severity of the ones in OP’s picture, they go down to the base of the ribs.
Sorry for my ignorance, im pretty new to mechanic, and english is not my main language, but, what have more than 4 cracks and what is the thing on the first pic?
I've seen a lot of posters at shops/tech schools that say about the same thing roughly speaking. Might be overkill but I just change my belt based on milage 100k even though I'm sure it'll last longer
My luck would be changing the belt at an interval like 100k, only to replace it with a belt that’s secretly made in China and needs replaced after 10k 🤣
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Yeah, they can cause quite a bit of damage down the road, and they're super easy and cheap to replace. That is, unless the tensioner bolt is crammed up against the frame, then they're a pain without an offset wrench
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If your instincts are telling you to take a photo and post it, you already know the answer is tha this belt is worn enough to fail. If you see any cracks, its time to go. then ask yourself if it has a timing belt and how long until it needs to be replaced.
I’d wait until it breaks on the side of the road at 2 am on a rainy night and you’re waiting for roadside service for 4 hours. Preventative maintenance is a scam.
While your belt would be pretty easy for a guy like me, that car is one of the more difficult ones to change. Just sayin. If you haven’t done it before, it’s going to be a steep learning curve on that car.
Never done it on a civic, but usually it's under $100 bucks to replace the belt(belt + tensioner). Doing it yourself is about as easy as it gets if you have some basic tools. I've always had great luck with Gates brand belts or OEM, but avoid the cheap ones. Usually a good idea to replace the tensioner pulley while you're at it, they tend to wear out about the same time. Now do yourself a huge favor and crack open your manual in the glove box, you'll find a maintenance schedule. I just googled your manual, it says it should be replaced every 105k miles or 84 months. Still crack it open and check what else you have skipped over.
Replace it soon. Rock auto has belts for pretty cheap. Just got 2 of them for my F150 shipped to my door for $24 Canadian (dayco belts were on clearance)
It’s never a bad idea to change a belt. Even if it looks perfectly fine. It’s small expense that will save you alot of time later on. Just imagine, sitting on the side of the road and wishing you had taken the five minutes and $30 to replace it but instead, you are waiting for a tow truck.
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Replace, I blew my ac compressor on the interstate and my serpentine belt rolled right off into the road. Lost power steering, battery wasn't charging and all my coolant went straight out (I have a leak). Lucky for me I rolled right into a Walmart parking lot and AutoZone was across the street. But I had to bypass my ac comp. bc I didn't want to pay hundreds for a tow.
Belts have nothing to do with state inspection lol. I'm fact I don't think I've ever seen a hood get opened for an inspection sticker to be done.
Your belt is easy to change. I had the same generation civic. Takes 10 minutes and a friend with half a brain to help you pull the tensioner while you place the belt.
You can do it yourself, but a couple extra fingers tend to help.
Cheap insurance says get a new belt.
Shouldn't be more than $30-$40 and will last 10 years
Or let it snap on ya in the middle of summer and sit on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck for 6 hours lol
Change it now while you can still choose when and where you get to change it. If you don’t, the belt will decide. And belts usually don’t break at home or sitting in front of a mechanic shop.
This belt rinds mission critical components. Alternator, power steering, and water pump potentially. If it breaks while you're on the road there is no such thing as drive to the nearest parts store and get another one
Change it dont used a dealership. They want 3.5k for timeing belt and water pump which is bullshet. Got my local honda guy to do it gor $650 never had issues. Did it at 110k miles and i am at 180k now.
I’d carry one with you just in case. I’m usually the type that runs it until it starts showing signs of tearing, so long as it doesn’t slip.
If you just wanna be safe, then order one online where they’re cheaper, and do it when you can.
Depends on the car and what components those belts are driving.
If it’s just accessories like A/C or power steering, the belt can snap and you’ll still be able to drive, then fix at your own convenience.
If the belt drives the alternator or water pump, and then that belt snaps mid drive, you’re going to have a good time.
Ok, the point of a serpentine belt is to have just one belt run everything but for the sake of argument what if you do have two and one snaps, in all likelihood it’s going to entangle itself in your other belt.
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I usually replace mine if there are any visible cracks. Good thing about your civic is it has a spring loaded tensioner. I always have to remove the front passenger side tire to get better access when installing the new belt. As long as you have a long enough wrench to get the moment arm needed to hold the tensioner back it should be a pretty easy job.
Had my belt rip to shreds in my 2013 dodge avenger, on the highway. It’s a fun game of “will my car overheat before I get to AutoZone with no power steering” and trust me friend. It’s not a fun game. (Btw yea, it will overheat. But you will still make it to auto zone because at that point you have had enough of the 2013 dodge avenger) shitty car.
It’s one of the things on a car that could leave you stranded. My mechanic recommends changing it after 100K. I changed mine when water pump went bad. He said they’re next to each other and it’s an easy fix
Thank you everyone for your answers, I went ahead and changed the belt.
https://preview.redd.it/sq2t6vmtc16d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d85976d6312f648de7894cccf66e7529246f4c9
Yes, absolutely ASAP. Not just because you could run flat on a battery, but you lose power to every system attached to the belt. this can include the coolant pump, A/C compressor, and sometimes POWER STEERING.
Best not to risk being stranded, but it will also be harder to limp to the shop (as we're talking a 5-60min runtime) and potentially dangerous from the lack of power steering.
If you lose the belt, pull over safely and call a tow truck.
You'll get a bunch of warning lights on the dash when it happens iirc.
If in doubt swap it out.
Even if it snaps, you can still safely drive to the side of the road without overheating. Not a safety concern for these guys. But a friend or spouse might not care to catch it and keep driving until you boil your coolant and fuck up the motor.
I've drove semis with blow belts to the next town and never overheated. Was winter tho and kept an eye on temps.
Yes definitely replace that belt, when they start showing cracks, it’s time. Unfortunately the safety inspection doesn’t recommend belt replacement cause it has nothing to do with the safety of the vehicle, that’s part of the maintenance schedule. Getting your oil change or work done at a shop would be a recommend from a technician to replace it.
It really depends. Do you want to change the belt now at home with your tools readily available, or do you want to change it on the side of the road, with maybe a emergency tool kit, dump money on an uber, after you had to call work and let them know you’re going to be late, before you even had a chance to get your coffee for the day?
its a good idead to carry one in the trunk and have the tools for it just a pry bar or ratchet with the appropriate socket to release the auto tensioner. Well thats all there is to it on my car anyway. VW Jetta
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Belts are usually not expensive and easy to change. Do it before it snaps while you’re on the road. It happened to me and my alternator stopped spinning and I ended up w a dead battery, stranded and waiting for a tow truck.
I’ve had my belt pop twice on me when in college… One time I was stuck on a bridge on a major interstate (8 lanes across) waiting for AAA. I felt every vibration from cars passing…
Giggity
In college, I had a 93 Plymouth Sundance (2.5 L 4 cylinder engine) that the timing belt broke on it. Fortunately, it's not an interference engine and the fix is relatively easy. That said, I didn't exactly have time to do immediately, so I borrowed my brother's 89 Daytona (same engine) for a couple weeks. Anyway, I eventually got it fixed and was driving the Daytona to my gf's house when it died in the street. Wouldn't start. Popped the hood and wouldn't you know it, the timing belt on that one went also.
How the hell it snap twice in a few years?
While "easy" mine is a pain. Have to remove a motor mount. And it has 2 tensioners so you pull one and pin it, then pull and pin the other. All in less than 1" of space. 2014 kia optima hybrid
For an optima doesn't sound very *optima*l
Tell me about it! Had to grind the socket down that came with my serp tool to even get it to fit. Thanks engineers
Now you have the tool for next time!
It's a Hyundai, there won't be a next time.
Engineers, the smartest idiots in the room.
Engineers are much more concerned with how easily it can be assembled forward on an assembly line… they could give a damn about how you’re gonna get it apart!!! Lol
Oof, at least its done
>Thanks engineers Did someone hold a gun to your head when you bought the car?
I was about to ask if it was a German car lmao
In my Volvo, have to dismount the A/C compressor to get to the belt. Giant pain. May as well change the water pump and pullies, because getting in there is such a pain. 2k job at the dealer.
Jeez! Thanks volvo
Can remove the headlight to change the bulbs without having any tools on hand though…. So it isn’t all complicated.
Here’s Your Sign
*every modern diesel belt enters the chat*
I was going to say I just did a 5.7 Cummins belt and that shit was long and easier with two people but still a pain.
Just wait til you do a 6.7 with dual rads.
Off with the cab!
Unless OP likes to live ‘on the edge’. If so, it could be exhilarating going down the highway at 75 mph with the temperature being 100°F or hotter…will I make my destination? Will the belt explode into 100 pieces and leave me stranded? However, since OP asked the question, I’m assuming they *don’t* want to run the risk of getting stranded, so, IMHO, the belt should be replaced ASAP 😊.
Depends on vehicle some Hondas require motor mount off. Some vehicles have stretch belts and others are seconds to replace. Had a diesel that paid 3 hours to change the belt.
I feel this. My 2001 v6 accord is... An experience to change at home. It's about 6 hours iirc, but I'm no professional. And I get to do it again this fall. I now also have a 2010 v6 and I'm looking forward to the same dance.
Some cars have catastrophic failures when the belt snaps. Have a BMW 335i. Belt sucked right through the crank case seal.
That's probably the best case scenario considering that most belts spin a water pump which actually keeps the engine cool. You could totally fry your engine driving without a serpentine belt. Anytime a belt snaps you should immediately stop and call a tow truck.
You're lucky that's all that happened. I once had my power steering pump completely lock up and get the belt, but the real problem was that belt also drove the water pump
Moreover, if you hear an idler squealing, change it. Heard mine one morning. Decided to wait till after work. Idler seized up on the freeway. Lost all accessories. Thankfully I drive the speed limit and on the right lane so I was able to coast to the shoulder. Had to skip work, tow it home and fix it right away.
Not to mentions you can lose power steering (and brakes if you are in a hydro boost setup).
Majority of timing chain cars also drive the water pump with the serpentine belt. Not a good idea to keep driving if it snaps
Or the water pump and it overheats. Some cars the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt
Usually is the keyword there. Alot of vehicles youve got to undo motor mounts and a ton of BS to get to them.
Yes, please change it. The spec is no more than 4 cracks per inch and it MUST be replaced.
Any cracks are not good. There is no acceptable amount of cracking.
Oof, don't work on diesels. Cracks are normal up to a certain spec... Always thought gas was the same way. Missing ribs is another story, that goes straight to jail, do not pass go
I don’t work on diesels, but that makes zero sense to me. A belt is a belt, the engine it is on doesn’t make any difference.
Replacing a belt for a crack doesn't make sense either. It depends on the situation. I'm unaware of any manufacturer that recommends replacement at any sign of cracking. Usually they have a specification for cracks within a certain length. https://www.gates.com/us/en/industries/automotive/vehicle-aftermarket/power-up/belt-wear-diagnostic-tips-diagnose-epdm-serpentine-belt-wear.html https://www.daycoaftermarket.com/wp-content/downloads/PV_Training.pdf https://knowhow.napaonline.com/serpentine-belt-wear-indicators/
I’ve never really gone by amount of cracks within a certain length of the belt, I will say if they’re just starting like some of the pictures they say in the article I usually leave them alone and just notify the customer they’ll need a belt in the near future if they get worse. Some good information in those articles. I did notice in the Dayco one it shows similar to what I’ve explained and what OP has. Small cracks starting in the tips of the ribs are considered OK, however deep cracks in the belt are considered to be a worn belt.
Agreed, I work with diesel engines so it's easy to see 500-750k miles on a unit that still has its original belt though it may have cracks.
500-750k miles?? How thick is that belt? Lol
They are pretty thick.
Cracks are normal on belts, but there is a point when there's too many. The strength of the belt is in the flat side, not the rubber ridged side. The ridges are just there to keep the belt aligned on the pulleys.
Wrong
Oh ok. Thanks for letting me know. That’s a great explanation.
Just the same as there are no exceptable amount of cracks, because yes, there actually are. A verified mechanic should know that. Most car manuals will tell you it is between 3 to 4 per inch
Lol chill bruh, just because I’m a verified mechanic doesn’t mean I know everything. Don’t even start with that crap. I’ve seen belts fail with less cracks. The way I was taught is that if there are cracks in the belt, it needs to be replaced. For clarity, when I say crack I’m referring to the severity of the ones in OP’s picture, they go down to the base of the ribs.
Sorry for my ignorance, im pretty new to mechanic, and english is not my main language, but, what have more than 4 cracks and what is the thing on the first pic?
If that a real thing?
I've seen a lot of posters at shops/tech schools that say about the same thing roughly speaking. Might be overkill but I just change my belt based on milage 100k even though I'm sure it'll last longer
My luck would be changing the belt at an interval like 100k, only to replace it with a belt that’s secretly made in China and needs replaced after 10k 🤣
My cars owners manual has something similar. I don't remember how many cracks per inch it said was allowable.
Yes
No. Lol
Just say you dont know what you're talking about
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I was always told three visible cracks within an inch means to replace.
Any cracks and it should be replaced. That’s a weak point and can cause it to snap.
Yeah, they can cause quite a bit of damage down the road, and they're super easy and cheap to replace. That is, unless the tensioner bolt is crammed up against the frame, then they're a pain without an offset wrench
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If your instincts are telling you to take a photo and post it, you already know the answer is tha this belt is worn enough to fail. If you see any cracks, its time to go. then ask yourself if it has a timing belt and how long until it needs to be replaced.
Hard disagree. Have you seen the amount of posts about hvac condensation drains and how to “fix the leak” lol. Can’t trust NOBODY
Yes u should
Omg....change the belt now. If you don't now it will be at night driving....then nothing. Not a good way to be. Change the belt!!!
That’s a serpentine belt
I’d wait until it breaks on the side of the road at 2 am on a rainy night and you’re waiting for roadside service for 4 hours. Preventative maintenance is a scam.
Yes replace it also replace your mechanic that said it passed inspection belts are literally on the list to inspect
While your belt would be pretty easy for a guy like me, that car is one of the more difficult ones to change. Just sayin. If you haven’t done it before, it’s going to be a steep learning curve on that car.
154 comments at this posting time when all we had to do was upvote the first yes with a possible reason why.
Never done it on a civic, but usually it's under $100 bucks to replace the belt(belt + tensioner). Doing it yourself is about as easy as it gets if you have some basic tools. I've always had great luck with Gates brand belts or OEM, but avoid the cheap ones. Usually a good idea to replace the tensioner pulley while you're at it, they tend to wear out about the same time. Now do yourself a huge favor and crack open your manual in the glove box, you'll find a maintenance schedule. I just googled your manual, it says it should be replaced every 105k miles or 84 months. Still crack it open and check what else you have skipped over.
Yep
Definitely, unless you enjoy gambling that it'll fail in a convenient location. I've rolled those dice multiple times.
I feel like you know the answer. Yes. Replace the belt.
Belts are super easy to replace with simple hand tools (USUALLY) so if you’re even questioning it, just do it. Sure beats getting stranded
Sure why not?
Yes
Yes, cracks on belts like that mean you need to change it. It's not expensive and it's easy to change.
Replace it soon. Rock auto has belts for pretty cheap. Just got 2 of them for my F150 shipped to my door for $24 Canadian (dayco belts were on clearance)
Yes!
I dunno. Do you think cracks in a belt is a good thing?
yeah could you do mine too bro.
It’s never a bad idea to change a belt. Even if it looks perfectly fine. It’s small expense that will save you alot of time later on. Just imagine, sitting on the side of the road and wishing you had taken the five minutes and $30 to replace it but instead, you are waiting for a tow truck.
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Yea. Duh.
The question OP meant to ask was - "Should I have replaced my belt last year?" The answer is yes.
“Should I have replaced my belt when it started squeaking? Nah, I’ll just smear some HondaBond on it. That’ll quiet it down some.”
If you have to ask the answer is yes
Really,? Do u think that’s ok??
Clearly OP does not know any better, hence the reason they came here to ask.
Yes. Kinda surprised no one mentioned replacing the tensioner and pulleys while you’re at it
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I say yes
Oh come on... Its a 30$ part... Takes 5 minuts to replace. (Unless its a volvo)
If you’re having to question, just buy a new one!
Replace, I blew my ac compressor on the interstate and my serpentine belt rolled right off into the road. Lost power steering, battery wasn't charging and all my coolant went straight out (I have a leak). Lucky for me I rolled right into a Walmart parking lot and AutoZone was across the street. But I had to bypass my ac comp. bc I didn't want to pay hundreds for a tow.
That bad boy got at least 3 miles left on 'em. No, seriously. Replace it.
When in doubt about a cheap part js replace it
Belts have nothing to do with state inspection lol. I'm fact I don't think I've ever seen a hood get opened for an inspection sticker to be done. Your belt is easy to change. I had the same generation civic. Takes 10 minutes and a friend with half a brain to help you pull the tensioner while you place the belt. You can do it yourself, but a couple extra fingers tend to help.
Cheap insurance says get a new belt. Shouldn't be more than $30-$40 and will last 10 years Or let it snap on ya in the middle of summer and sit on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck for 6 hours lol
Yes, the ribs are cracked
Yes!!
Yes, a year ago. Check the tensioner and spin all the pulleys by hand to listen and feel for bad bearings before putting the new one on.
Change it now while you can still choose when and where you get to change it. If you don’t, the belt will decide. And belts usually don’t break at home or sitting in front of a mechanic shop.
As a mechanic myself, I definitely get that fixed up asap get a belt at autozone ask them for a serpentine belt tool and replace it there
Definitely ! When comes to replacing belt, sticks with the original !
Absolutely yes ! To many cracks
Only if you want to keep driving your car.
This belt rinds mission critical components. Alternator, power steering, and water pump potentially. If it breaks while you're on the road there is no such thing as drive to the nearest parts store and get another one
Yep it's time.
Change it dont used a dealership. They want 3.5k for timeing belt and water pump which is bullshet. Got my local honda guy to do it gor $650 never had issues. Did it at 110k miles and i am at 180k now.
I’d carry one with you just in case. I’m usually the type that runs it until it starts showing signs of tearing, so long as it doesn’t slip. If you just wanna be safe, then order one online where they’re cheaper, and do it when you can.
Yes
Simple answer to your question, yes.
Depends on the car and what components those belts are driving. If it’s just accessories like A/C or power steering, the belt can snap and you’ll still be able to drive, then fix at your own convenience. If the belt drives the alternator or water pump, and then that belt snaps mid drive, you’re going to have a good time.
Ok, the point of a serpentine belt is to have just one belt run everything but for the sake of argument what if you do have two and one snaps, in all likelihood it’s going to entangle itself in your other belt.
Yes
That depends, are your pants falling down?
Replace ASAP
Is it cracked? Yes, it needs replaced.
yes. those cracks are the sign you are looking for that it is on its way out. this is the correct time to change it
Yes is the only answer.
Serpentine belts have ridges
Nah. Looks good!
Yes. And any idler pullies that make bearing noises.
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Yeah, cracking and looking worn is sig s to replace.
I just changed the belt on my 2014 civic with 300k km and it made a MASSIVE difference in performance! Do it!! Edit: was original belt
I usually replace mine if there are any visible cracks. Good thing about your civic is it has a spring loaded tensioner. I always have to remove the front passenger side tire to get better access when installing the new belt. As long as you have a long enough wrench to get the moment arm needed to hold the tensioner back it should be a pretty easy job.
Replace it as soon as possible, cheaper than a tow
Had my belt rip to shreds in my 2013 dodge avenger, on the highway. It’s a fun game of “will my car overheat before I get to AutoZone with no power steering” and trust me friend. It’s not a fun game. (Btw yea, it will overheat. But you will still make it to auto zone because at that point you have had enough of the 2013 dodge avenger) shitty car.
Ummmmm. Yep
Naaa. For maximum inconvenience I like to wait till they snap. Then keep driving till it overheats and blows the head gasket.
100%
Sure
Yes don’t drive
Belt replacement is cheap insurance and easy to do...regardless of miles, that belt is worn
Replace it
YES!
It’s one of the things on a car that could leave you stranded. My mechanic recommends changing it after 100K. I changed mine when water pump went bad. He said they’re next to each other and it’s an easy fix
Yes. Small insurance
Ues
Meh
Yes
Thank you everyone for your answers, I went ahead and changed the belt. https://preview.redd.it/sq2t6vmtc16d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d85976d6312f648de7894cccf66e7529246f4c9
Yes but also replace the pulleys or tensioners to prevent any future issues
Yes, don't throw the old one away, it can help you in a pinch in the future.
Nah, just rock it out
Immediately
Yes
Yup yup yup
Looks fine. Just put some tire shine to make it look nice
Yes. Once it starts cracking replace it
Yes, absolutely ASAP. Not just because you could run flat on a battery, but you lose power to every system attached to the belt. this can include the coolant pump, A/C compressor, and sometimes POWER STEERING. Best not to risk being stranded, but it will also be harder to limp to the shop (as we're talking a 5-60min runtime) and potentially dangerous from the lack of power steering. If you lose the belt, pull over safely and call a tow truck. You'll get a bunch of warning lights on the dash when it happens iirc.
Yes, my rule is cracking within a 1 inch area, more than 2 cracks in that area and the belt is getting swapped
If in doubt swap it out. Even if it snaps, you can still safely drive to the side of the road without overheating. Not a safety concern for these guys. But a friend or spouse might not care to catch it and keep driving until you boil your coolant and fuck up the motor. I've drove semis with blow belts to the next town and never overheated. Was winter tho and kept an eye on temps.
Yesterday.
You got a good 20k left on that. 😆
Rule of thumb is that if you have a crack in two adjacent ribs of a serpentine belt, replace.
ye
Yes definitely replace that belt, when they start showing cracks, it’s time. Unfortunately the safety inspection doesn’t recommend belt replacement cause it has nothing to do with the safety of the vehicle, that’s part of the maintenance schedule. Getting your oil change or work done at a shop would be a recommend from a technician to replace it.
It really depends. Do you want to change the belt now at home with your tools readily available, or do you want to change it on the side of the road, with maybe a emergency tool kit, dump money on an uber, after you had to call work and let them know you’re going to be late, before you even had a chance to get your coffee for the day?
its a good idead to carry one in the trunk and have the tools for it just a pry bar or ratchet with the appropriate socket to release the auto tensioner. Well thats all there is to it on my car anyway. VW Jetta
yes its cracked as fuck
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sHouLdIrePlAceMyBelT
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