Look on the back side of the serpentine belt (the side of the belt with the ribs). If any of the ribs are cracked the belt should be replaced. Take a look at the physical condition. If it is cracked on the inside (groove or V side) it needs to be replaced.
Your belt should be checked for cracks or tears if you see these it should be replaced asap
When I bought my '02 I was told that it no longer has the timing belt/chain that needs to be replaced at around 60,000 miles (my '96 did have a timing belt that needed to be replaced every 60,000 miles). I have put over 80,000 mi. on my '02 and nice to know I won't be getting surprised by timing belt failure. Did have to have the serpentine belt on the engine replaced recently though.
It is probably not a belt, but rather a chain
That I know of, there is NO serpentine belt, unless you are talking about the the Timing Belt (hardly serpentine, but anyway), it has a belt tensioner, not automatic, though.
Look on the ribbed side of the belt as it is going over pulleys. If you see cracks it would be wise to replace it.
Signs of: Cracking Wear Glazing Slippage It is original after 6 years?
According to Honda specs the serpentine belt, surrounding belts, and water pump should be replaced very 105,000 miles. I know people wh waited past that point and their Honda is now in the junkyard after the belt broke and the engine parts flew together.
Don't know whether my experience is "normal", but just replaced my serpentine belt on my 2006 Civic at about 59,000 miles. Started hearing some screeching for a few seconds on starting the engine when the weather was wet.
It is an interference engine. Belt should be replaced approx every 100,000 miles.
when the belt has no slack in it
It needs replacing every 60,000 miles.
Getting the serpentine belt onMost vehicles don't require you to remove parts to install the serpentine belt. Most vehicles have a diagram on the hood or under the hood showing the proper alignment and direction of a serpentine belt. There is a tensioner that must be pulled to allow you to install the belt. With out a 1/2" Socket wrench you will not be able to put the belt on your car. If you don't have a diagram and cant find the tensioner pulley I suggest asking a mechanic for help. Its not time consuming if you know what your doing. I can change my serpentine belt in 10 mins MAX, on my Lincoln caddy and x terra. None of them require removing a part.