Does every engine have a serpentine belt?

No, not every engine has a serpentine belt. A serpentine belt is a specific type of accessory drive belt used in many modern vehicles, but it is not a universal component found in all engines.

What is a Serpentine Belt?

A serpentine belt, also known as a multi-V belt or a poly-V belt, is a single, continuous belt that powers multiple accessories in a vehicle's engine, such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. The belt winds its way through these components in a serpentine pattern, hence the name "serpentine belt." Serpentine belts are designed to be more efficient and durable than traditional V-belts, which they have largely replaced in many modern engines.

Engines Without Serpentine Belts

While serpentine belts are common in many modern vehicles, there are still some engines that do not use them. Some examples include:

• Older vehicles that still use individual V-belts to power each accessory separately.


• Engines with a timing chain or timing belt to drive the camshaft, rather than a serpentine belt.


• Engines with electric power steering or water pumps that do not require a serpentine belt.


• Engines in some heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles that use a different type of accessory drive system.

In these cases, the engine may use a different type of belt, such as a V-belt or a timing belt, to power the necessary components.

Conclusion

In summary, while serpentine belts are a common feature in many modern engines, they are not a universal component found in all engines. The presence or absence of a serpentine belt depends on the specific design and configuration of the engine and its accessory systems.

Do all cars have a serpentine belt?

No, not all cars have a serpentine belt, particularly older vehicles which might have multiple individual "V-belts" and some modern hybrid or electric cars which use electrically driven accessories and therefore do not require any drive belts. However, most modern gasoline-powered cars use a single serpentine belt to drive accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. 
You can watch this video to learn how to identify a serpentine belt and its components: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Mar 28, 2021
Vehicles without a serpentine belt

• Older cars: Some vehicles, especially older models, use a series of separate V-belts instead of one serpentine belt. 
• Hybrid and electric vehicles: These cars often have electric-powered pumps and components, eliminating the need for a serpentine belt. 

Cars that have a serpentine belt

• Most modern cars: A single serpentine belt is common on most contemporary internal combustion engine vehicles and is used to power multiple accessories. 
• Some older or performance cars: Some engines may use two serpentine belts instead of one. 

How to tell what your car has

• Visual inspection: Look at the front of the engine. If you see a single, continuous belt weaving through several pulleys, it's likely a serpentine belt. If you see multiple individual belts, it has a different system. 
• Hybrid/EV: If your car is a hybrid or electric, it's highly unlikely to have a serpentine belt, as the accessories are typically electric. 
• Check your owner's manual: This will have specific information about your vehicle's engine and its components. 

What happens if I don't have a serpentine belt?

This single belt powers essential components within your vehicle, allowing systems like the alternator and water pump to function. Without a working serpentine belt, your engine would overheat, and crucial systems would fail.

What is the belt called that runs the alternator?

The belt that runs the alternator is called the serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt. It's a single, winding belt that powers multiple engine accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor.
 

• Function: The serpentine belt transfers mechanical power from the crankshaft pulley to the alternator, which generates electrical power for the car's systems. 
• Name origin: It gets the name "serpentine" from the winding, snake-like path it takes as it wraps around the various pulleys. 
• Modern vs. older cars: Most modern cars use a single serpentine belt, while some older cars may use separate belts for different components. 

How often should a serpentine belt be replaced?

A serpentine belt should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or every four to six years for drivers who cover less mileage. However, it's crucial to inspect the belt for signs of wear like cracks, fraying, or squealing noises, as a failure can cause systems like the power steering and air conditioning to stop working. 
This video explains how to identify signs of a worn-out serpentine belt: 59sHomeowner RepairYouTube · Dec 16, 2018
Mileage and age

• General rule: Replace the belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
• Low mileage: If you drive less than 10,000 miles annually, a replacement every four to six years is a good proactive measure. 

Signs of a failing belt

• Noise: Squealing or chirping sounds from the engine, especially when the car starts or the air conditioning is on.
• System failure: Power steering becomes sluggish or fails, or the air conditioning stops working.
• Visible damage: Cracks, fraying, or missing chunks on the belt itself.
• Other indicators: A malfunctioning battery or the engine overheating can also be symptoms. 

What to do

• Routine inspection: Have the belt inspected during regular maintenance, such as during an oil change, especially once you hit 60,000 miles. 
• Proactive replacement: It's often recommended to replace the belt proactively at the recommended service interval to avoid an inconvenient and potentially dangerous breakdown on the road.