Serpentine Belt

Per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpentine_belt, serpentine belts were first used by the Ford motor company in 1979 for the Mustang, and have been used in many different makes and models since.

Serpentine belts are more popular than the old system, which needed almost one belt per device which needed power, because they conserve space. Basically, you are replacing multiple different smaller belts with one wider, thicker belt when you use the serpentine belt system.

This enables you to have one belt with more tension. With more tension you can avoid slipping, which prolongs the life of the belt. Serpentine belts are also cheaper and easier to replace. Instead of having to deal with several belts all at once, you just have to deal with one.

The one major drawback to a serpentine belt is that, if the belt breaks, you lose the function of all your peripheral engine devices. However, a lot of people say that serpentine belts give plenty of warning before they break.

In most cases, serpentine belts will visibly show signs of stress and wear before finally breaking. If a visual inspection of your serpentine belt reveals any wear and tear, then you should definitely think about having it replaced. Having your serpentine belt break along the side of the road is never a good thing!