If you are one of those people who has been enjoying a smooth ride with your car, you are very lucky indeed.
If you have never been stranded on the highway, then give a big thanks to the serpentine belt in your car engine.
Do you know why?
It’s responsible for carrying power to important parts of your vehicle – including but not limited to the alternator, power steering pump, air pump, water pump, etc.
The serpentine belt is a very important part in the make-up of your entire car. You can say that the serpentine belt is a multi-functional part of any vehicle.
Its duty is to make sure all other components under the bonnet function properly.
But… What Happens When Your Serpentine Belt Breaks Down?
The serpentine belt controls all these other features built into the mechanism of your car engine to provide you with a smooth and comfortable ride.
This is why a break-down of your serpentine belt can lead to serious problems.
In fact, anytime and anywhere this happens, you are going to have to decide whether to continue and risk overheating your engine or pull over and get a solution.
Bearing this in mind, you should make sure that that the belt in your engine is the best to start with.
Also, you must regularly check and change your serpentine belt with the best one any time it breaks down.
This is why it is important to get the right one when buying a new one.
With this guide, you’ll be able to choose one of the top 10 serpentine belts on the market. You can read the reviews, features and benefits of each one so you can easily decide which one is for you.
Comparison Reviews of the Top 10 Best Serpentine Belts:
If you are still reading, that means you want an in-depth review of each of these serpentine belts. Here is a detailed review of each model:
1. Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt
The Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/Serpentine Belt is one of Gatorback Poly-V belts that are designed for both quiet performance and efficient driving.
The belt features a Quiet Channel Technology with a unique staggered-cog profile and advanced rubber compounds to eliminate annoying noise that typically emanates from pulley misalignment.
Not only will you enjoy a quiet ride with the belt but it’ll also last longer, thanks to the quiet channel technology, giving you better value for your money.
The belt features high-strength tension members, which helps in reducing elongation, thus ensuring a greater wear resistance. It’s also compatible with the new automatic tensioners used in vehicles so you can install it quickly and easily.
Also, the belt is engineered to run cooler with better abrasion and flexibility, making the belt lasts longer than models in its category.
Overview of Features:
- The Continental Elite serpentine belt is made with a Gatorback poly-V belt material that ensures its silent operation.
- There is also a silent channel technology which is triggered by the upgraded rubber compounds and the “cog” profile to eliminate noise from pulley misalignment.
- It has extra-strength tensioners which enable the belt to resist wear and tear.
- The advanced level technology of this belt helps to escalate the heat resistance, flexibility, and abrasion.
- This serpentine belt also meets the SAE J1459 specifications.
Pros of the Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/Serpentine Belt
- Easy Installation — One thing that sets this belt apart from the others is that it can be set up in under a few hours (or minutes with experience) if you decide to install it yourself. Before, you can pay close to a few hundred dollars for parts and labor. With the advent of DIY videos online, you can go the DIY-way and save yourself a ton of money. And you get to know and understand your car more. Note: make sure you know the diagram of how to install it and use the right tools.
- Good Replacement for OEM — If your original serpentine belt is broken or worn out, you don’t necessarily have to get the same brand (recommended if the OEM is on the market) as a replacement. This serpentine belt is great for replacing the old one without worrying about performance or quality issues.
- Stop the Squeaks, Chirps, and Squeals — If you can’t enjoy your ride because of annoying noises coming from the bonnet, it may not be the tensioner. Instead, you may need to change your belt. Fortunately, this model is a good option to try on your car, especially in cold/wet weather.
- If You Have a Corolla — Several users have confirmed this belt performs excellently on most Toyota Corolla engine. So, if you have one of these beasts, don’t be afraid to pull the trigger.
Cons of the Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/Serpentine Belt
- Not that Cheap — It’s not the cheapest in town. If you are working on a budget, you may have to up your budget a bit. It’s not so bad anyway since you can replace your OEM with it.
But…What’s the Overall Best Serpentine Belt Right Now?
If you’re curious (or in a hurry):
This specific Belt is suitable for most vehicle owner!
Whether you are looking for a strong belt that can quiet that squeaky noise under your wood, one that’s easy to install, or one that can help you go the DIY way and save a chunk of money, you will find the Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt to be suitable for your needs.
Check Price on Amazon2. ACDelco 4K378 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt
The ACDelco 4K378 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt features EPDM rubber, a high-density synthetic rubber that’s made from recycled material. This means they are environmentally friendly.
Moreover, it’s temperature resistance, meaning that it reflects heat so your engine can run cooler. Also, the belt is crack resistance, increasing the lifespan of the belt itself.
The belt has a precision dimension control of the rib profile so as to ensure an even distribution of load along all the accessory belt drive system. This keeps all the vehicle engine peripherals working at their optimal levels.
The belt can tolerate misalignment and operate with better consistency than other models in its class.
Moreover, its flexible and supple construction ensure that it withstand backside and topside bends so that it lasts longer while offering you a smooth ride anytime you are out in your car.
Overview of Features:
- This serpentine belt is made with the Ethylene Propylene- Diene Moner rubber materials to help it to last longer and still perform efficiently.
- The belt is so flexible that it can endure series of upside and backside cracks caused by long usage.
- This particular serpentine belt can tolerate misalignment in the Accessory Belt Drive Systems.
- The dimension control of this belt is accurately placed to ensure efficient load transmission.
- There is also the use of premium advanced technology V-rib in it’s making to meet your expectations.
Pros of the ACDelco 4K378 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt
- This brand of the serpentine belt is another one you can look out for. It is easy to install for both professional and DIY replacement and it is also quiet while operating
- It is one of the best serpentine belts that is constructed with advanced technology and the high-profile EPDM rubber materials to provide you with a first class product.
- The good news is that there will not be a large dent on your bank balance when investing in the ACDelco serpentine belt because it is inexpensive.
- The model of this belt is versatile in fitting and this means that it can fit into many car models.
- This brand has a v-ribbed high technology which makes it be flexible, resistant to high temperature, immune to crack and wear and long-lasting.
3. Continental Elite 4060882 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt
The Continental Elite 4060882 is your answer when it comes to avoiding squeak, chirp, squeal or noisy performance related to pulley alignment, It has an advanced level technology that enables it to operate smoothly and quietly.
Continental belt is constructed with qualitative materials which made the weight, the grooves, and the thickness better than the former ones.
In fact, this is a serpentine belt that its upgrade in technology will enable you to enjoy an efficient performance, easy maintenance, and effective results.
Also, if you are using this Elite serpentine belt, you don’t have to worry about any rise in temperature or cracks due to the EPDM rubber compounds it is designed with.
Overview of Features:
- This belt meets or exceeds the SAE J1459 specifications.
- There is the presence of the Quiet Channel Technology which enables the belt to run quietly and last for a long time.
- The unique-staggered-cog design and the high-quality rubber compounds enable this brand of the serpentine belt to be resistant to squeaks, chirps, and squeals.
- There are high-strength tensioners which ensure high resistance to wear in its system.
- Again there is the silent channel technology that increases the flexibility of this belt.
- This serpentine belt is accurate in its performance.
- The EPDM material used while constructing this serpentine belt ensures that it is durable and easy to install.
4. Bando 7PK1781 OEM Quality Serpentine Belt
This belt is the product of renown and an award-winning manufacturer no wonder it is suitable for high-performance engines.
In fact, this serpentine belt will ensure the smooth running of your vehicle and still last for a very long time. Believe me, you can forget the bitter experiences you had with other serpentine belts.
The maintenance, installation, and replacement of this brand are quite simplified that all you have to do is; install and enjoy a noise-free ride.
This particular belt is thoroughly tested to make sure that it reaches the specified rid profile needed by the OEM suppliers.
To be precise, there is nothing like inferior quality with this belt. What you ordered is what you will get.
Overview of Features:
- It is built with precision and adherence to the OEM standard.
- The EPDM rubber compound is a high strength synthetic rubber enabling the belt to be immune to wear caused by high heat and also ensure a long lifespan for the belt.
- In the make-up of this particular serpentine belt, you will find solid tensile cords which carry the horsepower loads without problems.
- The length and the width of this belt are usually 7 ribs x 1781 mm or 7 ribs x 70.1 inches respectively.
5. Continental Elite 4060855 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt
As always, this brand of a belt is amongst the best belts that come with guaranteed efficient performance.
It is made with EPDM rubber materials which are a sure way to do away with squeals, chirps, and squeaks respectively.
This belt also boasts of the Quiet channel technology which ensures that it operates silently and last longer.
The advanced level technology used in this brand ensure that there is an increment in the flexibility, abrasion, and high heat immunity.
In fact, if you are making use of the Best Serpentine Belt, be sure of durability and low maintenance belt drive.
Overview of Features:
- There are high-strength tension cords which strengthen the wear resistance of this serpentine belt.
- The design is made with the Quiet Channel technology so as to raise up the level of its flexibility. It also makes it long lasting, abrasion-free and immune to high heat.
- This brand meets the approved SAE specifications.
- The belt has a special Cog profile and a synthetic high-quality rubber compound which eliminate chirps and squeals.
- You can easily install your serpentine belt with stress or dangers.
6. Continental Elite 4060798 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt
This brand also made our list as one of the best belts among its contemporaries. It is a squeak, squeal and chirp silencer.
It is a heavy duty serpentine belt that you can use with confidence. You are advised to only use this belt for the main accessory drive and not for the AC drive.
Continental belt is a superior device and has high-quality materials to produce the best results. It is built with treated polyester material which is resistant to stretch and compatible with the automatic tensioners that are common today.
Overview of Features:
- It also has the quiet channel technology that ensures silent operation and long lifespan.
- The polyester tension used in the construction of this belt is treated to make sure it does not overstretch but works well with the automatic tensioners.c
- There also an advanced technology which ensures flexibility, crack-free and resistant to heat.
- This brand of a belt is to meet or exceed the SAE J1459 specifications.
- It is easy to install and replace.
7. Gates K060882 Multi V-Groove Belt
The gates multi V-groove belt is another serpentine belt that can operate so quietly. It works so well that you wouldn’t notice the difference between the one that came with the car and the replacement.
This belt is a product of high flyers in the USA with certified high-profile materials to reach the OEM standard.
The length is somehow versatile to be suitable for assorted types of car.
The Gates serpentine belt comes as a solid and easy to install belt. All you need to do the replacement is a one-kit torque wrench.
In fact, this particular serpentine belt is affordable to all and yet produces a top-notch performance that you will make you love it.
Overview of Features:
- It is made to be a perfect fit for many car models.
- Gate belt is easy to install or to replace by yourself.
- This belt is affordable and works efficiently.
- The body construction is strongly made with high-quality products to last long.
- It is designed to reach the OEM standard.
- With this belt, you are assured of squeal and squeak-free ride.
8. Bando 6PK1880 OEM Quality Serpentine Belt
Do you feel like enjoying a noise-free ride with smooth performance and the sense of originality? Then go for the Bando serpentine belt.
This particular serpentine belt is made with high-quality synthetic rubber compound known as the EPDM. It is also doubly tested to meet the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s {OEM} specifications. This material ensures that the belt is resistant to heat and lasts for a very long time.
The Bando serpentine belt is constructed with automotive power belt features. It meets the unique requirements of high powered engines and heavy light trucks.
With this particular belt, you don’t need to worry about the installation or replacement because everything is simplified.
Overview of Features:
- The dimensions of this particular serpentine belt are 6 ribs x 1880 mm or 6 ribs x 74 inches respectively.
- Built into the systems of this belt are powerful tensile cords that enable the belt to carry heavy duty loads without elongating.
- The ground rubber ribs are constructed from extra strength synthetic rubber which makes it immune to abrasion and long-lasting.
- It is built with the OEM specifications to ensure originality.
- The bando serpentine belt is specially made so that you can easily install or replace it.
9. Continental Elite 4070975 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt
This model is one of the serpentine belts that have the special feature of the Quiet Channel Technology. The introduction of this unique technology helps the belt to operate smoothly and quietly.
This advanced technology also ensures that the belt operates with flexibility, tear and wear-free and resistant to any rise in temperature.
Again, this brand of the serpentine belt is made with the combined unique materials of the staggered Helicog and the high-quality and upgraded EPDM rubber compounds.
These synthetic rubber compound are what will remove the chirpy, squeaky and squeals that are related to the pulley misalignment.
Overview of Features:
- It meets the SAE J1459 which guarantees originality.
- The quality of this serpentine belt is certified as high-profile.
- You can easily install or replace this serpentine belt.
- This serpentine belt produces height strength with powerful resistance.
- It is precisely constructed and tested to be accurate.
- This serpentine belt is efficient and quiet performance personified.
- There is the existence of high-strength tension compounds that makes the belt immune to wear.
- An advanced technology which raises the level of flexibility, abrasion and heat resistance.
- It is made with the EPMD rubber compounds and the staggered Cog profile which eliminates chirps, squeals, and squeaks.
10. Continental Elite 4060930 Poly-V/ Serpentine Belt
This serpentine belt model takes efficient performance to the next level. It is carefully built with the advanced technology design and high-quality materials to produce maximum performance, low maintenance and verified end results.
Even its polyester tension member is specially treated so that it will be resistant to stretching and still work together with the automatic tensioners of these days.
This serpentine belt also boasts of high-level helicog and EPDM rubber compounds which totally eliminates the chirpy, and squeaky sounds.
Overview of Features:
- It is built with the quiet channel technology which wipes away the noisy sounds.
- The construction is precise to ensure accuracy.
- There are high-strength tension members to ensure absolute resistance to wear.
- The EPDM rubber compound in this belt eliminates squeaks and chirps.
- This serpentine belt produces height strength with shear resistance.
- You can easily install or replace this serpentine belt.
- It is carefully built with certified materials so that it will meet the SAE specifications.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Serpentine Belt
There are so many brands of serpentine belts in the market with good qualities. So if you are not properly guided in the selection of your belt, you may end up not buying the best serpentine belt.
Immediately you notice that the serpentine belt needs replacement, carefully check out the following factors before making a commitment:
The Size of the Serpentine Belt
It is important to check the size of the serpentine belt you are going to buy to make sure that it is a suitable replacement for your old one.
To be certain, check the part no of your old serpentine belt or the instructional manual. If you can’t find them, you can use a string to measure the length of your old belt.
Again, do not buy a serpentine belt that is too big or too small for your replacement. It is important to buy a belt that is one size smaller than your measurement.
For example, if your measurement gave you 90 inches, then purchase one of 89 ½ inches to replace your old serpentine belt with.
If you use this tip, you will surely get the right size of serpentine belt that will match your old one because the belt has tension while the string which you used to measure it does not have it.
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The Quality of the Material
The quality of the material used in the designing of the serpentine belt is very important. After so much research, it has been discovered that serpentine belts designed with Ethylene Propylene-Diene Moner materials last longer.
This material is so high profile that even the small cracks on the belt cannot cause many issues.
But for you to be on the safe side, you need to measure how the wear affects the “Valleys” and “ribs” of the serpentine belt.
Also, make sure that the material used for the serpentine belt is not Neoprene.
Be Cautious While Purchasing Online
To buy your serpentine belt Online is always a tricky business. Therefore you should be very careful when doing so.
Hence you cannot see the serpentine belt before it is sent to you, make sure that the ID or the unit number of the product offered Online is a total match for the one you are replacing.
It is also advisable to purchase the online product that comes with a warranty provision. At least, with this, you are covered for any unforeseen occurrences.
Changing the Whole Unit
Another important factor you should take into consideration while purchasing a serpentine belt is the replacement of the entire unit. When you change the entire unit, it will help you to know when to do the next change over.
Again, you will have the opportunity to find out if there are problems arising from the other components. At least you will be able to ascertain the time limit which the other related components have before they cave-in.
Parts like the Gaskets and the Gasket adhesives are better changed together with the serpentine belts.
Compatibility
This is another important factor you should consider while searching for the best belt to replace your old one.
You need to determine whether the one you are buying will be compatible with the other components. You should thoroughly check the serpentine belt replacement to make sure that it will work very well with your
- Engine
- Tensioner
- Pulley
- Other accessories that work together with the serpentine belt
Ensure You Choose Belt with the Right Spec
It is advisable to carefully check the specifications and width of the replacement serpentine belt to make sure that they totally match with your old one.
Like I said earlier, there are many brands of serpentine belts out there and this is why I have put together this review for you.
By the time you are through with reading it, you will be informed on the best serpentine belt available for 2017.
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Best Serpentine Belt – Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Quietest Serpentine Belt?
If you are looking for a quick answer, the quietest serpentine belt is the Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/Serpentine Belt.
One of the most common questions from vehicle owners (especially beginners) looking to purchase a new quiet serpentine belt is “what’s the quietest serpentine belt?”
If you have encountered a noisy belt before while driving, you probably know that it can be unpleasant. Sometimes, it all comes down to a misalignment problem.
However, there are so many other factors that should be taken into consideration that might be the cause of the noise.
Sometimes, the noise is caused by a misaligned accessory like the water pump or alternator. Or, there might be a problem with the belt to pulley contact. And most times, it’s simply a problem with the serpentine belt itself.
If you’ve narrowed down the problem to the serpentine belt in your drive, you may need to change the belt to a better one.
If your old belt is the culprit, you need to change to a new one. And in this case, you need a belt with good flexibility and which can give you a smooth, quiet drive.
Therefore:
The quietest serpentine belt is one that has high quality and well-built internal rubber. In fact, a serpentine belt is not an item you should go cheap on since it can leave you stranded very quality.
Moreover, you are not just buying a quiet serpentine belt for the same of the name. Rather, you are buying it for a smooth and quiet drive (something every driver wants).
So:
To answer your question, Continental Elite 4060740 Poly-V/Serpentine Belt. It uses the latest technology and is produced by a reputable brand. Click the link above for a detailed review of the product.
What is a Serpentine Belt and How Does it Work?
What’s the Best Serpentine Belt Brand?
If you are looking for the best brand, you either want to get a new serpentine belt to replace your old one or the current one is giving you problems.
First, if you are looking at replacing your OEM, there are many brands out there to choose from, the most recommended ones being Continental, Bando, Gates, and Dayco.
They all have good products and are reputable brands that you can trust.
However, if you are looking at a specific brand you can choose right now, I’ll recommend you go with Continental. They are considered the best serpentine belt brand by many and most of their products have lived up to that.
Second, if the current belt in your drive is giving you problems, which is most likely the annoying squeaking sound, you may want to look at more than the best serpentine belt brand.
So, the first thing you need to look at is the root of the problem. Sometimes, it’s not about getting the best brand. Rather, how the product is being used.
This is because pulley misalignment might be the main problem for a squeaky belt.
It’s only after you have checked that this isn’t the root cause of the problem and that no other accessory is causing the noise, that you can depend on solely looking at the best serpentine belt brand.
For this reason, you can go with Gatorback (now Continental). Their belt is designed to withstand worn or misaligned pulleys.
Moreover, if you are a beginner, this is great because you’ll then only have to worry about getting the right product. As a caveat, that doesn’t mean you should condone with any accessory misalignment.
In addition:
Another thing is you may be looking for specific ideas like the “best serpentine belt brand Toyota or Honda”. The same principle applies here too.
The brands mentioned above are equally suitable for all of the different brands of vehicles. As long as you choose the right spec when buying the belt, you shouldn’t have problems with fitting it on your drive.
How to Replace Your Serpentine Belt
After getting your serpentine belt, it comes the fact – how to replace the belt. Here’s a video to make the process easier.
Enjoy the show:
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Final Words on the Best Serpentine Belt Reviews
If you have been following this article on the Best Serpentine Belt review so far, you will agree with me that the serpentine belt is an important component which your vehicle cannot do without.
It plays an important role in keeping your vehicle active and efficient in performance. That is the reason we carefully selected these ten powerful belts after much research so that you will not be misguided.
Always bear in mind that as the brands of these serpentine belts are different, so is their specific characteristics.
Therefore make sure that you make your decision according to your convenience and comfortability.
Do not forget to carefully check your vehicle whenever you are suspecting the symptoms and replace the serpentine belt to avoid failure or being stranded on the road or highway.