Serpentine Belts

Q: My mechanic told me that I need a new serpentine belt. What is a serpentine belt?

A: A serpentine belt is sometimes referred to as a fan belt. However, a serpentine belt may or may not rotate the fan. It is flat on one side and has grooves that run parallel with the belt on the other. The serpentine belt connects the engine’s crankshaft, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and sometimes the fan. If the serpentine belt breaks, you will need a tow. To be on the safe side, replace it about every 100,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer.