Most drivers never think about such a useful car component as a serpentine belt. However, you should realize that having the best serpentine belt is a must for any driver! As all the praise usually goes to the car’s engine and its horsepower, this belt is known as a fan belt is the essential element that helps your engine work in a proper way. Those cars equipped with poor engine belts are very noisy and cannot ensure a comfortable ride. Moreover, it can be even dangerous to drive with the damaged belts, which has already lost its functionality.Besides, the serpentine belt cost is not so high, the price starts at less then $20.
If you find yourself in a situation, in which you need to find a high-quality serpentine belt replacement, then this article is everything you need to make a good choice you will never regret about!
I have prepared a professional review of 6 top-rated serpentine belts you can order right now to improve the performance of your favorite vehicle. Moreover, I will also teach you on how often you should replace this component and how to choose a durable option that will help your car’s engine work quietly and smoothly!
Serpentine Belts Reviews
Bando 6PK1305 Belts
This particular brand is known for manufacturing products for both OEM applications and the aftermarket. After testing this component, I would like to say that I am very pleased with its quality, as it uses strong tensile cords that can easily carry horsepower loads without any sign of stretching. This is the evidence of the fact that the product will unlikely get damaged soon. The product also has 6 ground rubber ribs, which are made of high-strength synthetic rubber, which also promises a long lifespan and the highest level of the wear resistance.
What I also find worth mentioning is that the 6PK1305 is a quiet serpentine belt, which will definitely make your driving experience better. I can also pay respect to the manufacturers of this serpentine belt for their successful effort of creating the model that is heat-resistant but still perfectly works in winter. Although the model has medium package dimensions (12.2 x 3.4 x 0.7 inches), it seems to be a bit lighter than similar models (only 0.32 ounces).
Pros
- The model can be characterized as a versatile one, which can work equally good on different types of vehicle.
- The product boasts perfect tension when installed properly.
- This serpentine belt is very cheap.
Cons
- The ribs on the belt seem to be a bit shallow compared to most OEM serpentine belts.
Gates K081264HD Serpentine Belt/Fan Belt
After having an opportunity to test this model, I just need to say that this belt has deserved its place in the serpentine belt reviews. This item is the product of talented manufacturers who have made this item using high-quality synthetic rubber. I must say that the K081264HD has a perfect structure, which enables this engine belt perfectly work cope even with the toughest tasks. The item is characterized by superior load capacity, stability, and flexibility. Its top-in-the-class cord makes the item very sturdy to prevent it from unexpected cracking. The product is rather long and thin (20 x 6 x 1 inches) but weighs sensational 13.6 ounces.
I also want to note that the product can easily work with both high-performance cars and average passenger cars. The item boasts noiseless performance, which makes it one of the quietest options available in the market today. Its high-quality and well-fitting ribs are designed to ensure perfect connection between significant parts of your vehicle to make them work smoothly.
Pros
- This drive belt can be easily installed and replaced.
- The product is suitable for all types of car engines.
- The item ensures excellent tension.
Cons
- It is rather expensive.
- This model is not the OEM component.
Continental 4060882 6-rib, 88.2″ Multi-V/Serpentine belt
I can fairly admit that this multi-V belt is conceivably the best quality serpentine belt for most modern cars, as it provides excellent adhesion and smooth work of your engine. This particular model has an improved straight-ribbed construction making this product the desired option for drivers. As the item features six high-quality and precisely engineered ribs, it can be equally good worn on high horsepower and less powerful engines.
What I like the most in this model that it is capable of handling tension with high efficiency. Moreover, the item also has heat-resistant qualities, but it can still work effectively during winter days. The item has average dimensions (16 x 6 x 1 inches) and weighs as much as 4.5 ounces. The use of high-quality materials enables the model to be considered a durable option.
Pros
- The Continental 4060882 can be used on car engines of all types.
- Comfortable installation and removal, which can be performed even by not very experienced drivers.
- The product delivers very quiet rides.
Cons
- The product is pretty expensive.
- It may seem too tight when worn on truck engines.
Bando 7PK1781 Belts
After having luck to test this high-performance serpentine belt, I want to indicate that this model has a very solid construction, which allows the item to be compatible with different kinds of vehicles without losing its best properties. I want to point out that the product has seven precisely built ground rubber ribs, which can grant even the most powerful trucks with smooth and quiet work of the engine. What is more important, this particular model is stuffed with very strong tensile cords making the product carry high horsepower loads decently without stretching. Not only this fact gives it good tension resistance but also the use of high-strength synthetic rubber giving the product wear resistance and durability.
Additionally, the 7PK1781 is considered the OEM for many cars (e.g. Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Nissan, General Motor, etc.), though it is also actively sold in the aftermarket due to its versatile compatibility properties. The model has seemingly small dimensions (10.9 x 3.7 x 1.1 inches), but it still weighs as much as 5.6 ounces.
Pros
- This is rather an affordable model, which still delivers quiet and smooth rides.
- The model boasts easy installation, maintenance, and replacement.
- It works well with different types of engines.
Cons
- This one may appear too short when worn on high-performance engines.
ACDelco 6K930 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt
The first thing I would like to say about the ACDelco 6K930 is that I really like the materials used in it. The product is made using crack- and temperature-resistant EPDM rubber, which almost always is associated with long life span and quiet performance when being used as the core element in serpentine belts. Moreover, its precisely engineered ribs guarantee perfect adhesion and smooth performance of different components of the engine. The product can be called both flexible and sturdy thanks to the high-quality materials used in it. Hence, the model will unlikely get overstretched even during topside and backside bends and high loads.
When speaking about the product dimension, it should be mentioned that the model is pretty long (46.6 x 0.9 x 0.5 inches) weighing some 4.8 ounces. The ACDelco 6K930 is also designed perfectly to accept and operate misalignment in the accessory belt drive systems. The item also works reliably and effectively even during extreme conditions and cold weather.
Pros
- The product is compatible with different types of vehicles.
- The item is characterized by easy-going installation and replacement.
- It also works with different kinds of engines.
Cons
- The products may appear too long for some cars.
Continental 4060740 6-rib, 74.0″ Multi-V/Serpentine belt
After testing the top-class Continental 4060740, I want to say that its Gatorback Poly-V belts quiet channel technology is what gives this model an ability to guarantee quiet performance even when installed on high-performance engines. The model has precisely developed unique staggered-cog profile and advanced rubber compounds to significantly reduce noise that is typically associated with pulley misalignment. I also want to say a word of appreciation to the manufacturers of this component as its high-strength tension properties result in great wear resistance.
Being constructed pretty reliably, the 4060740 model can be still called very flexible. All six ribs of the item are very sturdy and tight to ensure flawless adhesion of the belt with different parts of the car engine. When describing the dimensions of the component, it is necessary to point out that it has medium length and width (16 x 6 x 1 inches) and weighs as much as 5.8 ounces. This item goes an OEM on different car models, though it can be still used as the aftermarket option.
Pros
- The item is characterized by smoothly going installation and replacement.
- It is compatible with most types of vehicles and engine kinds.
- The model works perfectly even in extreme weather conditions.
Cons
- The product is expensive, especially when compared to other items with similar characteristics.
Buyer’s Guide
What Does the Serpentine Belt Do?
Although the function of this vital component of any car often remains unknown for many drivers, it does not mean that it is useless. So, what is a serpentine belt? A serpentine belt is nothing but a long snaking rubber belt with a certain amount of ribs (depends on a model) that connects the engine with some important parts of the car. In fact, you cannot ride a car normally without having a serpentine belt installed in it.
So what does this drive belt do? The main function of this car item is to transfer power from the engine to significant automotive components. If the serpentine belt in the car got overstretched, then these vital automotive components will not receive enough power from the engine. This is where the car will start working poorly producing annoying noise. That is why, if you want your car work properly and all the processes under its bonnet run smoothly, you need to ensure that your vehicle has a high-quality fan belt.
How Long Does a Serpentine Belt Last?
Obviously, everything depends on the quality of your product. In fact, every serpentine belt is meant to last long due to the use of the advanced types of rubber belts extremely reliable in their crack-resistant and heat-resistant properties. In the ideal world, your new belt is destined to work for an average of 60.000 to 100.000 miles before being replaced. At the same time, you should keep in mind that some models become manually tensioned, so they need to be adjusted properly.
Moreover, some models have a so-called self-tensioning mechanism, which results in the situation that they would wear sooner than the most lasting options in order to prevent from occasional cracking of the nearly worn-up serpentine belt. Try to check this component from time to time, especially if you notice that your car has been working with annoying noise going out from under the bonnet.
How Often to Replace Serpentine Belt?
The obvious question rises at this point: when to replace serpentine belt? Everything depends on the model of your component and its functional properties. The most obvious sign to replace your serpentine belt is when you have noticed that it got cracked. However, the time X may come sooner, for example, if it has lost its flexibility and ribs no longer provide the desired adhesion level. At this point, it is always better to remove your old serpentine belt and replace it with a new one in order to prevent potential problems during your ride.
It can be advised to look under the bonnet from time to time and check whether your serpentine belt retains its shape and it has no visible fissures or damaged zones. If you have already covered 100,000 miles with the same serpentine belt, it is high time for you to replace it and buy the same long-lasting model again as this is definitely the best serpentine belt for your car.
How to Change Serpentine Belt?
If you feel like your serpentine belt started making a squeaking noise, it’s time to think about drive belt replacement. Just follow these simple tips:
#1 Before replacing, you need to be sure how the belt is located inside your car. That’s where the serpentine belt diagram will come in handy. You can find it on the Internet or to be 100% sure how it goes for your engine, I recommend drawing belt routing schematic manually. Just take a pen and a piece of paper and make a drawing. It’s really important to have everything done accurately since this belt drives everything and your car just won’t start up if it goes wrong.
#2 To get the belt off, you need to lose the tensioner pulley first. Take the serpentine belt with your hand and carefully start moving it. After the belt starts moving, the pulley under it will be spinning. That is a tensioner pulley. It would be great to check the pulley too. Test all idler pulleys and pumps, they all have to move freely. Don’t forget to check pulleys for the water pump, alternator, smog pump, A/C compressor, and other parts.
#3 Take a special serpentine belt tool — gearwrench serpentine tool remover. Hook it up to the belt and then pull on it, but don’t push too hard. After pulling it down, the belt comes out.
#4 Take your belt diagram, remember the way your old belt was placed. Get a new one and fish it around the pulleys according to the drawing. Then push the adjusting bolt down with the help of the gearwrench. After that feel free to slide the new belt on. Make sure that it is not twisted.
#5 At the end, start the car. If your car got started, the belt is spinning right and now you know how to replace the serpentine belt.
My name is Brandon, and I’ve been interested in cars since I was a kid. I got a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology and worked in a private car workshop. I have two cars that have been completely upgraded with my own hands. So I successfully put all my knowledge into practice.
Last update on 2023-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API