How important is getting the serpentine belt changed?

So if the original owner didn't change the belt on my prius, that means the belt has held up 275K miles and 15 years. Impressive

 

the belts rarely needs replacement, mine has all original belts at more than 150k+, other Priuses I have has 245k+ miles.. if you see cracks on the belts just replace them. The water pump will probably needs replacement first before the belt wear out. I've experienced water pump seized on other cars when they are very old and not leaking at that age, at this point when they seized the belt breaks.

 

The water pump on my 06 was seeping some at 190k. I just put on a new belt and tensioner pulley when I did the pump. Should outlast the car.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I have been stranded on the road with a broken belt. I paid for towing and then the shop with a total of $200 when I could change it myself in 5 minutes for $20. So, the answer is change it now to avoid issues later if it looks old.