1. Age and Wear: Serpentine belts are made of rubber, which naturally degrades over time. As the belt gets older, it becomes less flexible and more susceptible to cracking and breaking.
2. Excessive Heat: The engine compartment of a car generates a lot of heat, which can eventually damage the serpentine belt. If the belt is exposed to excessive heat for too long, it can become brittle and break.
3. Oil Contamination: Oil leaks or spills can get onto the serpentine belt, causing it to deteriorate and break prematurely.
4. Misalignment: If the serpentine belt is not properly aligned, it can rub against other components in the engine compartment, causing it to wear and break.
5. Defective Tensioner or Pulley: A faulty belt tensioner or pulley can cause the serpentine belt to become loose, which can lead to premature wear and breakage.
6. Worn or Loose Bolts and Nuts: Over time, the bolts and nuts that secure the serpentine belt components in place can become loose or worn, allowing the belt to come loose and break.
