To help you with your search for the best serpentine belt, we examined over 20 products, ensuring that their materials are heat- and stretch-resistant, useful in a variety of car models, and designed to produce minimal noise during operation. Curious to know which car models are the best to buy? Check our vehicles guide.
Our top pick, the Bando 6PK2580, possesses these excellent qualities thanks to its ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) construction, Run Quiet design, and compatibility with 10 vehicle brands with models spanning over two decades. Keep reading to discover more about this Bando belt and our other highly recommended products.
Top 5 Best Serpentine Belt
#1 Bando 6PK2580 Serpentine Belt
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: Besides its superb material, this Bando belt’s strong tensile, bi-directional cords and Run Quiet design will ensure the smooth engine operation if you own a Chrysler, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes, or other vehicle included in the list below.
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- Fits various 1997-2019 engines
- Long length
- Run Quiet design
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- Won’t fit in certain engines
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The Run Quiet design of the 12.05-inch-long and 0.8-inch-thick Bando 6PK2580 ensures that your belt operates quietly as it winds around the pulleys of your engine. The belt is made of compounded rubber and strong tensile cords that are resilient to the wear and tear resulting from oil and heat exposure. It also features a bidirectional cord that minimizes tracking problems.
The belt is compatible with GMC Hummer H1 1997-2004, GMC Savana 1998-2002, Chevy Express (1998-2002), Mercedes (CL Class 1998-1999, S Class 1994-1999, SL Class 1994-2002), Lincoln Navigator 2005-2006, Ford (Expedition 2005-2006, F-150 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, and Mustang 2005-2006), Chrysler (Sebring 2007-2010 and 200 2011-2014), Jeep (Compass 2007-2016 and Patriot 2007-2017), Dodge (Avenger 2008-2014, Caliber 2008-2012, and Journey 2009-2019), Hyundai Santa Fe 2010-2012, and Kia Sorento 2011-2012. You buy the best tools like the best disc sander, so make sure you get top rated belts. Do you own an RV? Are you looking for a battery that can help you run the appliances in the “home” section? Find great options in our best RV battery page.
#2 Bando 7PK2217Serpentine Belt
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: Another product from Bando’s Rib Ace Line, the 7PK2217 is best for Nissan and Suzuki engines. It offers the same Run Quiet technology and heat and oil resistance as the 6PK2580 but is slightly wider than our top pick with its seven ribs.
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- Fits Nissan and Suzuki engines
- Seven ribs
- Run Quiet design
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- Won’t fit in certain engines
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This Bando product is just as thick as our top pick but it is longer, measuring 2,217 millimeters (87 inches). Just like the Bando 6PK2580, the 7PK2217 belt is made of EPDM and tensile cords that allow you to run on high horsepower without stretching. Its “less slip, more grip” Run Quiet technology reduces the chances of misalignment that results in squeaking and other sounds.
Bando 7PK2217’s high-strength synthetic rubber serpentine belt will provide quiet engine operations for any of the following vehicles: Nissan (Frontier 2005-2019, Pathfinder 2005-2012, Xterra 2005-2015, and NV 2012-2015) and Suzuki Equator 2009-2012. When disposing of my old belts, I like to cut them in half with the best hacksaw or knife so that animals can’t get hurt with them. Check out the Continental Elite line as well, which has a belt for everything, from generic serpentine belts to specific ones for air conditioning, power steering, etc. Be sure to also take a look at the Continental OE Technology Series Poly-V Belt, which uses quiet channel technology for quiet yet efficient performance. It is also more wear resistant due to the high-strength tension. Do you want to control the sway of your trailer or manage its stopping distance? Get the best trailer brake controller.
#3 Bando 4PK960 Serpentine Belt
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: The four-ribbed Bando 4PK960 is also a proud member of the company’s Rib Ace line. You’ll need this equally superb EPDM serpentine belt if you’re the owner of any of the Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Hummer vehicles, and more listed below.
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- Fits many 1987-2008 engines
- Affordable
- Run Quiet design
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- Won’t fit in certain engines
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The three-inch-wide Bando 4PK960 is just as thick as the first two Bando belts mentioned but is the shortest of the three, measuring 960 millimeters (37 inches) long.
This product is for you if you’re looking for one that is compatible with your: Subaru (XT 1987-1988, Justy 1989-1995), Peugeot 405 (1989-1991), Mazda Miata 1990-1993, Nissan 300ZX (1991-1993 and 1995), Hyundai Sonata (1992, 1994-1998), Honda Passport (1994, 1996-1997), Ford Aspire 1994-1995, Mitsubishi (Montero 1995 and Montero Sport 1997-1998), Acura SLX 1997, Kia Sephia 1998-1999, Chevy (Silverado 1500 1999-2008, Silverado 2500 1999-2008, Suburban 2000-2008, Tahoe 2000-2008, Silverado 3500 2001-2008, Avalanche 2002-2008, and Express 2003-2008), Cadillac Escalade 2002-2008, and Hummer H2 2003-2008. Along with all of your tools like the best sliding miter saw, you should always have some spare belts as well. Overall, you can’t go wrong with Bando USA, since it’s a reputable OEM supplier that’s been awarded over 100 major quality awards from manufacturers like GM, Toyota, Honda, and more. When it comes to making a quality serpentine belt Bando USA sure knows what they’re doing.
#4 ACDelco 6K930 Serpentine Belt
Award: Best Quality
WHY WE LIKE IT: This V-ribbed belt from ACDelco transmits power load efficiently and can keep your engine running safely despite misalignment. Its crack and high-temperature resistance prolongs its dependability aside from promoting noiseless operation.
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- Fits various 1985-2017 engines
- Adapts to misalignment
- Withstands heat and cracks
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- Expensive
- Professional help for installation
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The flexible six-ribbed, 2,363-millimeter (93-inch) ACDelco 6K930 allows the synchronized operations of your engine’s pulley-driven accessories and ensures it can withstand billions of topside and backside bends. No need to test that yourself by stretching it with the best bench vise.
Built by the General Motors-owned automotive parts brand, the product can fit the engines of the following: Lincoln (Continental 1985-1987, Mark VII 1985-1989), Ford Thunderbird 1986-1988, Mercury Cougar 1986-1988, Isuzu Trooper 1989-1991, Pontiac (Firebird 1989 and Grand Prix 1997-1998), Chevy (Camaro 1989, Caprice 1992-1993, Commercial Chassis 1992-1993, Silverado 1500 1999-2007, Silverado 2500 1999-2007 and 2015-2018, Silverado 3500 2001-2007 and 2015-2018, Tahoe 2000-2006, Suburban 2000-2006 and 2016-2018, Express 2001-2020, CK Pickup 2001-2002, Avalanche 2002-2006, Captiva Sport 2010, and Traverse 2013-2017), Buick (Regal 1997-1998, Enclave 2013-2017), Oldsmobile Intrigue 1998-2002, GMC (Sierra 1500 1999-2007, Sierra 2500 1999-2007 and 2015-2018, Yukon 2000-2006, CK Pickup 2001-2002, Sierra 3500 2001-2007 and 2015-2019, Savana 2001-2018, Yukon Denali 2001-2006, and Acadia 2013-2016), Cadillac Escalade 2002-2006, Hummer H2 2003-2007, Suzuki XL-7 2007-2009, Mercedes (CLS and E Class 2007-2011, CL Class 2008-2010, C Class 2008-2014, S Class 2008-2010, SL Class 2009 and 2011-2012, M Class 2011, and SLS 2012-2015), and Audi A8 2016. MOCA Autoparts’ 4PK895 OEM Quality Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt is another great option to consider, since it’s made with EPDM rubber for long-lasting performance and quality accessory belt drive systems.
#5 Gates K060841Serpentine Belt
Award: Best for Small Diameter Pulleys
WHY WE LIKE IT: Mercedes, Honda, and Acura vehicle owners will appreciate this precision-formed product, the quietest serpentine belt that is certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This Gates Micro-V belt is a combination of EPDM and Aramid fiber that’s also used in bullet-proof vests.
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- Quietest serpentine belt
- Passed or exceeds SAE requirements
- Easy installation
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- Possible issues with larger pulleys
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The six-ribbed product by the renowned maker of America’s best serpentine belts is made by form grinding—wherein a cylindrical grinder takes the shape of the end product—ensuring precise dimensional control. This optimum fit is also behind the belt’s quiet operation.
Designed for small diameter pulleys and backside idlers, the 2135-millimeter (84-inch)-long Gates K060841 is compatible with the engines of the: Acura (MDX 2003-2013, TL 2004-2008, RL 2005-2012, and ZDX 2010-2013), Honda (Accord 2003-2012, Pilot 2005-2015, Odyssey 2005-2017, Ridgeline 2006-2014, and Crosstour 2012), and Mercedes (M Class 2012-2015 and E Class 2013). Its design and flexible construction passed the specifications of the SAE for V-ribbed belts. The belt’s crack resistant and also easy to install using a torque wrench. Do not attach a socket to the best corded drill. Gates makes other highly-rated serpentine belts as well, like the heavy duty Gates K081264HD Serpentine and Fan Belt.
How We Decided
We chose serpentine belts made of EPDM as they offer better mileage than the older style neoprene belts. Vehicles made until the early 2000s used neoprene rubber belts that lasted only up to 60,000 miles or just half the capacity of EPDM products.
The brands we selected each made use of their unique technologies that promoted slip-free and flexible operations—regardless of width—making your engines work with virtually no noise.
Lastly, our shortlisted products aim to cater to a variety of car, SUV, and four-wheel utility drive models, not trucks for industrial use. Though we are part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, we are committed to providing unbiased, honest feedback in these product reviews for our readers.
Best Serpentine Belt Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Size (width and length)
To make sure that the product you’ll buy will be compatible with your vehicle, check the model number of your current belt. You can’t rely on the measurement of your existing belt, which by now would’ve been stretched from use. Read your vehicle’s manual or bring your car to a technician to be sure you get the appropriate width and length. But there’s also a way you can manually measure the length of your serpentine belt: While your vehicle is off and you’ve engaged the parking brake, open the hood of your car and check the path of your serpentine belt around the pulleys and other engine parts. You may find a diagram of it in your owner’s manual or under your hood. Take a string and follow the path of your belt. Wrap the string tightly around the path. Finally, put a mark on the part of the string where it completely wraps all the pulleys. - Materials
Modern serpentine belts are made of EPDM and synthetic rubber that can resist cracks and overheating better than the older, less elastic type of belts that are made of neoprene. - Rib pattern
Stretching and overheating are highly reduced in standard V-type belts because the ribs or grooves allow air to reach underneath the belt. - Range
Serpentine belts have an average lifespan of 60,000 miles. High-end belts go for up to 100,000 miles.
