gmund-20 on the market in 2021.
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What to consider before buying
Compatibility
Leaving out compatibility from your considerations is like a baking cake without flour. How would that even work? You clearly cannot use a serpentine belt that doesn’t fit your car.
There’s a need for caution and extra carefulness when selecting serpentine belts – no belt size fits all cars. Before making a purchase, you should confirm it’s the perfect match for your car model, and it is highly compatible with it.
Therefore, to make sure you choose what meets your demand, follow these steps:
- Read the review of the products below and click on what you want
- Choose what year of vehicles you have and their make
- Choose your vehicle’s model
- Then, check fit
- To make sure it fits your vehicle correctly, choose the type of your vehicle’s trim and engine
- Finally, check fit again
If the product fits your vehicle, that is for you. But if not, choose another one instead.
If you have found the serpentine belt which is suitable for your car, you can read about a step-by-step guide about how to replace the serpentine belt. Also, you must pay attention to the bad signs of this belt to have it replaced at the right time.
Other considerations
Material
Up until recently, neoprene was the regular material for making serpentine belts. However, when belts started breaking up easily, manufacturers have switched to Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM), and it seems to be doing better.
EPDM is more heat-resistant, and it also prevents wear in belts. It has better elasticity and does not crack under high temperatures. If you’re looking for a belt to stick with you for years, then you know what to buy—a serpentine belt made with EPDM.
Size
The size of the belt is another key feature you need to consider when buying. To get an ideal aftermarket belt size, you’ll need your belt’s model number. Usually, the model number is found on the factory serpentine belt. But if your former best is completely worn out, you might not see the number.
In that case, take out the (old) belt and measure its length. Once you’re done, pick an aftermarket belt that’s about a size smaller. This is so you can get a perfect fit.
Alternatively, you can check your vehicle owner’s manual for the exact size of the previous belt.
Rib pattern
A serpentine belt can either be V-ribbed, Multi-V straight-ribbed, or Multi-ribbed, and each contributes to how long the belt lasts. The best of belts normally have cross cuts and lots of valleys for efficiency. So I’d recommend the Multi-ribbed. Besides preventing overheating, it allows air to get under the serpentine belt and enhances productivity.
Top serpentine belt brands
Bando
When it comes to producing high-quality serpentine belts, Bando is king. The company is not one of the very new ones you’ll see around these days – it’s been around for more than a century. If you’re wondering why the Bando brand is rated so high, here’s why: the belts you get from them last long; they don’t wear out easily like the others on the market. Also, Bando has made a name for itself as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for brands like Toyota and Nissan, which are, of course, very popular.
Check Price at AmazonGates
Check out Gates products when shopping for serpentine belt. It is another great brand with exclusive qualities. One unique thing about the brand is that it provides high quality at a low cost. You don’t have to break a bank to own this product. There are low-priced belts that do not sacrifice quality in any way.
Gates serpentine belts comprise EPDM rubber, making them one of the most durable drive belts you’ll ever find. Besides, they are quite elastic too.
If you aren’t impressed by belts produced by Bando or any other leading manufacturers out there, Gates is the company to patronize.
Check Price at AmazonACDelco
This shouldn’t come off as much surprise – ACDelco boasts several amazing feats in the belt industry, and its products last much longer than the others. Regardless of model, ACDelco serpentine belts will make your vehicle work pretty better, and they’ll save you the stress of replacing components frequently.
I’d not have known how great this product is if I never got one. Though it has its downsides, it remains one of the best I have ever used.
Check Price at AmazonBest serpentine belts review
Bando 6PK2135 – Timmy’s choice
Pros
- Cheap and durable
- Designed to deliver maximum horsepower and not break
- OEM quality
- Works perfectly with automatic tensioners or small diameter pulleys
- Heat and crack resistant
Cons
- Doesn’t work for all vehicles
- Alignment issues
