Are OEM Toyota Serpentine Belts Better Than Aftermarket Belts?
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Is it time to replace the serpentine belt in your Toyota? You might be weighing the options between OEM and aftermarket replacements. Which one offers the best value for your money? That's exactly what this guide is here to help with.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a replacement serpentine belt. We’ll also compare OEM and aftermarket options, and explain why OEM is often the smarter choice. Keep reading to find out why.
What Is an OEM Serpentine Belt?
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) serpentine belt is produced by the car manufacturer or its authorized vendor. This means that OEM belts are exact replicas of the original belt that came with your vehicle. Toyota offers a wide range of OEM serpentine belts, each specifically designed for certain models or model years. For example, the part number 84210-35060 is suitable for various 2013–2019 models, including:
- Avalon
- Camry
- Highlander
- Sienna
These belts are engineered to match the specifications of your engine, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
What Is an Aftermarket Serpentine Belt?
Aftermarket serpentine belts are made by third-party manufacturers and are not controlled by the original car maker, like Toyota. While some aftermarket belts may look similar to OEM parts, their design, materials, and dimensions can vary significantly. This can lead to issues with fit, performance, and durability.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the three most important factors when choosing a serpentine belt: material quality, dimensions, and warranty.
1. The Quality of the Materials
Serpentine belts endure constant stress and high temperatures as they rotate continuously while the engine is running. Over time, this can cause wear and tear on lower-quality materials. A belt made with subpar materials may:
- Shrink
- Crack
- Fray
- Break
OEM serpentine belts are built using high-quality reinforced rubber that resists shrinking, cracking, and breaking. Toyota ensures that these belts are durable enough to handle the demands of daily driving.
On the other hand, many aftermarket belts use cheaper materials that can fail prematurely, leading to costly repairs down the line.
2. The Dimensions
The serpentine belt plays a crucial role in powering essential engine components such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. If the belt doesn’t fit properly, it can cause serious issues.
A belt that’s too tight will wear out quickly, while one that’s too loose may slip, causing misalignment and damage to pulleys. A belt that’s too thin could break, and one that’s too thick might come off entirely.
OEM belts are manufactured to precise OE dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit every time. Aftermarket belts, however, may not always meet these standards, even if some do. To avoid potential problems, it’s safer to go with OEM.
3. Warranty
While serpentine belts are relatively inexpensive, it’s still wise to choose one that comes with a warranty. A warranty indicates that the manufacturer stands behind its product and is willing to cover any defects.
Toyota offers a 12-month, unlimited-mile warranty on its OEM serpentine belts. If your belt fails within that period, you can get it replaced at no cost. In contrast, many aftermarket belts don’t come with any warranty at all.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to performance, cost savings, and longevity, OEM serpentine belts are the superior choice. They’re built to last, fit perfectly, and come with a reliable warranty.
We offer wholesale pricing on all OEM Toyota parts, including serpentine belts. Simply look up your specific Toyota model to find the correct part number. If you need assistance finding the right part, feel free to reach out to us—we're here to help.
Written by Jason Lancaster