Serpentine Belt is dry cracked

In for oil and filter change today. At check out, was advised my drive chain / serpentine belt is dry cracked, that it happens as the rubber dries out over time. $126 to replace. The dealership guy said if it breaks, I am stuck at the side of the road. I bought Carmine new in 2008, now have 88,060 miles.

Found this thread, which says it should be changed as about 60,000 miles, and I am over that. So it seems this should be done. BUT I usually keep up with stuff, so I have to check if I ever had that work done already. Cracked Belt question | PriusChat BUT I usually keep up with stuff, so I have to check if I ever had that work done already.

Also said the engine air filter needs changing; seems to me they tell me this every time I go in. Sometimes I say change it, other times I decline. I'll have to check when it was last changed.

And the cabin air filter. I have one, will change that myself in a few days. I normally do it annually, AFTER the whirli-gigs drop from the maple trees, as I always have 2 or 3 in the filter. So that's not a problem. When I said I would do it myself he replied that the engine air filter is easier to change than the cabin air filter, just have to be careful I don't dislodge any hoses. LOL that is exactly what I WOULD do, dislodge something, which is why I don't do it myself.

They were able to do some minor repair to the bumper, no charge, but to fix it properly they have to replace the support bracket and the entire bumper and have it painted. The temporary repair may last a few years, so I don't plan on doing anything more on that for now.

This is what happened re the bumper and missing mudflap: backing into my garage once a few months back, I was too far over and rubbed up against a wooden box. When I pulled forward, it caught and pulled the bumper out. I've been giving it a whack with my fist, but as soon as I drive on the highway it comes out again. I was hoping they could just fix it with a clip or some super glue. Hadn't realized the hole for the mud guard was ripped through, though. I can't kneel or get down on the ground, so it isn't really something I can do myself. (If I am on the ground someone has to help me get up and I live alone so that isn't a good thing.) The passenger left mud guard came off. I ordered new mudflaps, those haven't arrived yet. I was told I won't be able to put the new on one as one of the mounting holes from the old one is ripped through. So I have to figure out what I'm going to do about that. I prefer to have mudguards on the car, living in northeastern Massachusetts I consider them a necessity. The other 3 are on, but the rear driver's side one is broken and could also be replaced. Wish I knew someone who does DIY on cars. Darn nuisance when there are easier tasks that I would have done when younger but can't do now.

 

Thank you. I can guarantee that I do not have the tool to reach in for the 14 mm bolts, nor do I have the strength to loosen the 14 mm bolts. I kept watching, there is no way I have the ability to do that job. But thank you.