How often should we change our belts?

[Motorhead350]

I have broken a few belts on my car after I put the blower on and three were due to me putting them on the wrong way. When the car was N/A there was no problem at all.

My question is should I change the belt at a given amount of time like plugs and filters or should we keep them on until they break and keep a spare in the trunk?

I just don't wanna be stranded like I was a few years ago on the way to a Marauder event.

Thoughts?

[nomad]

I get a new one when the buckle breaks.

[RoyLPita]

I had to change a belt on a members s/c'd MM every 2 years because Gatorbacks stretch to the limit pretty quick. It has a Gates now so maybe there is some more time to buy.

As for my NA MM. I'm still on the original belt with almost 69k.

[RacerX]

I don't wear a belt, just use Mantyhose! :puke:

[dakslim]

I had to change a belt on a members s/c'd MM every 2 years because Gatorbacks stretch to the limit pretty quick. It has a Gates now so maybe there is some more time to buy.

As for my NA MM. I'm still on the original belt with almost 69k.

Original belt...97K.:cool:

[fastblackmerc]

Flip over your belt and look at the ribs.

Are the ribs cracked or missing?

If so you need a new belt.

I replace the belt every 2 years and keep the old one in the trunk for emergencies.

[Motorhead350]

Sounds good to me. I'll just check it every oil change and it if it looks worn, change it out.

[JimmyXR7]

Original belt...97K.:cool:

Good info that they can last that long. My 2002 build MM has the original and I have 63K on it. (10/09)
Rubber products deteriorate due to Wear, Age, Sun, and Temperature.
Wear appears to be 97K +
Age ~ 10 years if new or 5 years if on shelf at dealer for 5 years.
I do not know what the air temperatures are in NC but I expect Miami, Texas, and Southern California MMs have their A/C on alot. So, the belt life might be shortened due to the higher and longer heat exposure.

With these thoughts in mind, I believe I should change my belt at 100K or 10 years, which ever comes first.
Jim

[dakslim]

Good info that they can last that long. My 2002 build MM has the original and I have 63K on it. (10/09)
Rubber products deteriorate due to Wear, Age, Sun, and Temperature.
Wear appears to be 97K +
Age ~ 10 years if new or 5 years if on shelf at dealer for 5 years.
I do not know what the air temperatures are in NC but I expect Miami, Texas, and Southern California MMs have their A/C on alot. So, the belt life might be shortened due to the higher and longer heat exposure.

With these thoughts in mind, I believe I should change my belt at 100K or 10 years, which ever comes first.
Jim

My car has always been in a carport or garage but yeah, I don't want to push my luck...will change mine soon. Pretty hot & humid here in NC in the summer so do run the AC a lot.:)

[gja]

"When you run outta notches, or ya caint see the buckle 'less you lookin in the mirror, ya might need to new belt.....git er done"