Age time and tension are the cause - I am pretty sure most manufactureres COULD make a seprentine belt that lasted the life of the vehicle (and a lot of belts do last close to that long) - but it would kind of suck for the belt makers if they made bulletproof blets as they wouldn't get the replacment sales. Instead they make belts that have a finite life, due to rubber and fiber compounds selected.
Vehicles could be engineered to last 20-30 years with no repairs - - but the cost is prohibitive and most owners want the newer/better/more powerful and efficient technology making a vehicle like that obsolete by virtue of changing technology - and he lack of a "new car smell" :)
Once in a while they are just faulty. I drive a heavy truck and it runs double belts. Earlier this year they were replaced. About 3 months later they were ruined. I think the one belt took out the other when it shredded.
Could be the tensioner or your vehicle or idler.
#1. They should be changed every 60,000 miles. If you hear a "squeal" the belt should be removed to make sure thhare is no drag on the belt caused by one of the accessory pulleys (alternator, power steering, air conditioner compressor or water-pump pulley).
serpentine belts wear out like tires wear out, when the rubber wears away on a tire, it blows out, when it wears away on a belt, it shreds . . . simple
It is called preventative maintenance.
Normal wear and tear.
You need a new one anyway because debris gets trapped in it.
Then it sounds bad, and wears the pulleys.
You have other reasons to maintain your car and this is another way to get the hood open so a good tech can save you from a total breakdown.
A car breaking down costs excessive time, money, and trouble.
Having maintenance items planned into the design, Gets you to manage the rest of it over the vehicle's life.
Tires and belts are made by the same guys,
They like money.
They also like you giving it to them.
We all like knowing that something makes you get a safety inspection periodically.
.....I don't see mentioned in other (good) responses: if for some reason all the accessories, pulleys, idlers & tensioners aren't properly alligned - belt could ride on side of one or such which would prematurely wear it. (most commonly if something like alternator has been replaced and nrew one mispositioned).
Hi you are joking right. with all those those different turns the stresses are so large it is no wonder it gives up. yes it has been too long since it was changed and you need to get a grip when it comes to paying for servicing and repairs.
