Serpentine Belt: How to Check for Wear

Updated: Jun. 30, 2017

When worn, replace your old serpentine belt with a newer EPDM type

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Family Handyman

Use a special gauge to measure wear on newer EPDM serpentine belts. EPDM belts are superior than older types.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Check serpentine belts for wear

Check serpentine belt wear

Lay the wear gauge in the ribs on the belt and run your finger across them. If the gauge sits flush with the top of the ribs, the belt is worn out.

Close-up of EPDM serpentine belt wear gauge

The gauge measures groove depth to determine wear.

Starting in 2000, some carmakers began installing a new kind of serpentine belt made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). The new belts last much longer and handle the heat better than the older neoprene formulations. That means fewer belt changes over the life of your vehicle. In fact, EPDM can go almost 100,000 miles between changes! But since EPDM doesn’t crack like the old neoprene belts, you can’t do a visual check. The only way to gauge belt wear is with—you guessed it—a belt gauge (photo). DIYers can get a free belt wear gauge at www.gatesbeltwear.com.

If it’s time to chuck your EPDM belt, replace it with the same kind. Don’t be fooled by low-price belts. They’re usually made from neoprene. Also, if your car has a neoprene belt and it’s cracked, consider replacing it with EPDM. Yes, it’s that much better.

Required Tools for this Project

You’ll need a special belt gauge to measure EPDM belts.

Originally Published: June 20, 2017