Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

What happens if your serpentine belt breaks while you’re driving?

I’ve had my car for almost five years and I’ve heard that’s how long your serpentine belt is good for. Although my car drives pretty well, I’ve noticed small issues that could be related to my serpentine belt. What happens if it breaks while I’m driving?

avatar
Kaitlin May · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Those subtle warning signs can be scary for sure! You should get your car checked out as soon as possible. If your serpentine belt issue breaks while driving it can cause sudden loss of power steering.
Other serpentine belt mishaps include an overheated engine or a dead battery. While most belts can last up to 80,000 miles without any problems, it’s a good idea to check out your car’s manual to verify when you should be on the lookout for complications.
You’ll know your serpentine belt is faulty when you notice any of the following symptoms:
  • Squealing noises coming from the front of your car
  • Visual wear and tear on your serpentine belt
  • The air conditioning or power steering fail
  • Your engine overheats
Staying on track with a car maintenance schedule can be a lot simpler when you have the
car insurance
 comparison app
Jerry
 on your side. Jerry will seek out the best rates from over 50 top insurance companies to find the best policy for you in just minutes. Use your savings to ensure your car gets the check-ups it needs.
MORE:
What is a vehicle service contract?
Car RepairsRoadside AssistanceRoad SafetyCar Maintenance
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

Can You Drive With a Broken Serpentine Belt?

It is possible to drive with a broken serpentine belt but doing so will endanger multiple systems in your car like the water pump, alternator, and power steering.
avatar
Andrew Hobson
card cover

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

If you are experiencing car troubles, make sure to memorize your location, safely pull over, alert other drivers, call for help, and stay in your car. Here's what to do if your car breaks down.
avatar
Jason Tushinski
card cover

Can You Drive With a Broken Alternator Belt?

While it is possible to drive with a broken alternator belt, it isn’t recommended, as you could lose power at any time—click here to learn more.
avatar
Andrew Biro

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

8 Top Hyundai Sonata Competitors

The Hyundai Sonata may not lead in every category, but it stands out against its competition as one of the most well-rounded mid-size sedans.
avatar
Drew Waterstreet
card cover

5 Reasons You Should Consider an Auto Loan from a Credit Union

Credit unions can offer auto loans with lower interest rates and loan minimums. You also have a better chance of being approved for a loan from a credit union.
avatar
R.E. Fulton
card cover

2010 Audi A5 Convertible

The 2010 Audi A5 convertible is a coupe convertible with a starting price of $9,261, so there are plenty of options for buyers on a budget.
avatar
Liz Jenson

What Others Are Asking

Does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta have Bluetooth?
My sister is moving out of the country with her husband, so she’s looking to unload her 2014 Jetta on the cheap. She’s not very car-savvy, so she’s a bit lax on the details. Does the 2014 Jetta have Bluetooth?
avatar
Eric Schad
How old do you need to be to rent a car in Ohio?
I’m a huge baseball fan and I love to travel. I want to fly into Cincinnati, see a Reds game, and then drive to Cleveland for a Guardians game. My only concern is that I won’t be able to rent a car in Ohio because I’m only 24 years old. How old do you need to be to rent a car in Ohio?
avatar
Eric Schad
What's the best driving route from Spokane to Phoenix?
I have to go to Phoenix for a work conference, but I have a fear of flying. Driving is really the only alternative, although I don’t have a ton of time to take the scenic route. What’s the best route from Spokane to Phoenix?
avatar
Eric Schad
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

    √
    No long forms
    √
    No spam or unwanted phone calls
    √
    Quotes from top insurance companies
    Find insurance savings
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all