Overall costs
The belt itself is relatively affordable, averaging around $40, depending on your specific car. The majority of the cost comes from labor, as a mechanic usually charges 50 minutes of work for this repair. Some vehicles, like the Honda Accord, offer easy access and the quick replacement of one belt. Others, like GMC Yukon models made after 2017, have three stretch belts, increasing both time and cost.
Many modern vehicles use multiple belts, especially trucks that have an extra air conditioning compressor belt. Premium belts are usually made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) in order to last longer and wear differently than older neoprene belts. These EPDM belts gradually lose rubber material so don’t expect to see obvious cracking, as appearance alone may not tell the full story.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
The price you pay for a serpentine belt replacement isn’t random. Here’s what influences it:
- LocationLabor rates are higher in major cities. According to Jerry’s database, labor costs for a serpentine belt job in San Francisco, California are 32% higher than Springfield, Illinois, for example.
See what a typical serpentine belt replacement cost could look like for drivers like you. Here are some examples of costs for real vehicles and locations1.
| Date | Customer name | Location | Car | Parts cost | Labor cost | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/6/2025 | Emma R. | Indianapolis, Ind. | 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL | $39.91 | $95.86 | $135.77 |
| 10/6/2025 | Jamal W. | Bethlehem, Ga. | 2019 Honda Accord | $43.04 | $93.11 | $136.15 |
| 10/6/2025 | Sofia M. | Brooklyn, N.Y. | 2009 Toyota Prius | $30.90 | $99.02 | $129.92 |
| 10/6/2025 | Noah C. | Milwaukee, Wis. | 2004 Chrysler Concorde LXI | $32.69 | $105.19 | $137.88 |
| 10/6/2025 | Chloe N. | Worcester, Mass. | 2009 Jeep Patriot Sport | $36.85 | $88.91 | $125.76 |
- Shop typeDealerships offer services completed by trained, more expensive brand specialists. Independent shops often use high-quality aftermarket parts and can usually save you money without sacrificing quality.
- CarEngine layout matters. On some cars, the belt is front and center. On others, it’s buried behind other components that have to be removed and reinstalled.
- Additional partsAn experienced mechanic will inspect the belt tensioner and idler pulleys during the same visit, as they are also wear items. Replacing them as needed can add upwards of $295 to your total bill but may save you from a dangerous breakdown later.
What is a serpentine belt?
A serpentine belt is the single, long belt in a car engine that loops around multiple pulleys to deliver power to essential accessories:
- Alternator: Keeps your battery charged and electronics running.
- Power steering pump: Provides power assist to make steering effortless.
- A/C compressor: The heart of the air conditioning system.
- Water pump: Circulates engine coolant through the cooling system.
Because one belt powers so much, its failure can disable multiple important systems at once.
Pro tip: Some tensioners come as sealed units and can’t be serviced independently. If yours is squeaky or loose, it may need a full replacement.
Your action plan: How to save money
Follow these steps to get the job done right at a fair price:
- Get competing quotes: Repair quote products like the Jerry app can do this for free, with no phone calls and quotes in around 30 minutes.
- Ask the right questions: There are three questions you should ask when getting your serpentine belt replaced:
- “Does your quote include OEM or quality aftermarket parts?” This clarifies if you’re paying for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or a more affordable aftermarket one. A good shop is transparent about which option they use and why.
- “Will you be inspecting the tensioner and idler pulleys for wear?” Asking this prevents surprise charges and shows you understand the whole system. A good mechanic will confirm they check these parts and will call you for approval before adding any work to the bill.
- “Is the price you quoted me the final, ‘out-the-door’ price?” This is the most important question to avoid hidden “shop fees” or taxes on your final bill. It locks in the price you were quoted and ensures there are no surprises.
- Check for recalls: Enter your VIN into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or the Jerry app to ensure there are no active recalls affecting your belt system or accessories.
- Bonus tip: If your mechanic is already doing another job near the belt, like an alternator or power steering pump replacement, ask if installing a new belt may be included in the labor since the old one is coming off during service. Similarly, if the water pump fails and engine coolant leaks on the serpentine belt, those chemicals will shorten the life of the belt and it must be replaced. The point being, adding the belt to this repair will only increase the part cost, not labor.
How can you tell when you need to repair your serpentine belt?
Here are some symptoms of a failing serpentine belt:
- Squealing or chirping noises: A loud squeal on startup, acceleration or when turning on the A/C usually points to a worn or loose belt.
- Visible damage: Open your hood and locate the long belt routed around several pulleys, likely on the passenger side of the engine bay. Do you see cracks, fraying or missing ribs on the serpentine belt? If so, it’s time for replacement.
- Accessory failures: If the belt snaps, you’ll lose power steering, the battery light will come on and the engine may overheat fast. Pull over immediately and turn off the engine.
Pro tip: Turn the A/C on and off at idle. If the squeal changes or gets worse, the belt or A/C pulley may be your culprit.
Related repairs
Sometimes a squealing belt doesn’t just mean it’s old — the noise is a symptom of another failing part. A bad tensioner or bearing from another drive system component can destroy a brand-new belt in days. Here’s how to tell if you need more than just a belt replacement:
- Belt tensioner: The tensioner holds the belt tight. If it fails, the belt will get loose and begin to squeal.
- How to tell it’s failing: Listen for a grinding or rattling noise (different than a belt squeal). A mechanic can also see if the tensioner is bouncing or fluttering while the engine runs, which means its spring is weak.
- Added cost: $178 – $330.
- Idler Pulley(s): These pulleys guide the belt. When their internal bearings fail, they can seize up and damage the belt.
- How to tell it’s failing: Listen for a whirring or grinding sound that gets louder as the engine revs. When the old belt is off, a mechanic should spin each pulley by hand. If it feels rough, makes noise, or wobbles, it must be replaced.
- Added cost: $117 – $157 per pulley.
- Water pump: The serpentine belt drives the water pump. If the pump’s bearing fails, it can damage the belt and cause your engine to overheat.
- How to tell it’s failing: Look for coolant leaks (drips or crusty pink/green residue) near the pump’s pulley. A groaning noise from the engine or a wobbly water pump pulley are also clear signs of failure. If your car has been overheating, the water pump is a primary suspect.
- Added cost: $387 – $552 for this essential repair.
Discussing these options with your mechanic could save you hundreds of dollars in separate labor charges down the road.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
Yes, but only if you’re comfortable working in tight engine bays and have the right tools. Unless you’ve done this before and your vehicle has good belt access, we’d recommend letting a pro handle it. That said, here are the factors to consider when deciding if you want to do this repair yourself:
| Factor | DIY | Professional mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $23 – $94 (part only) | $120 – $191 (parts & labor) |
| Time | 1-3 hours (first-timer) | About 1 hour |
| Tools | Wrench/socket set, belt tensioner tool | Pro-grade tools |
| Risk | High. Misrouting, over/under-tension, or pinched fingers are real concerns | Low. Warranty-backed with experienced mechanics |
Pro tip: Take a photo of the belt routing or find the diagram under your hood before doing the replacement. If you route the belt incorrectly, you could damage your accessories or cause a breakdown.
What our customers are asking us
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Is the serpentine belt the same as the timing belt?
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Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
- Estimates are modeled using real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition. ↩︎
