The Cars

The function of belts in an automobile is to connect and drive two shafts to the motion of a rotary. This is done by using a series of pulleys. Various accessories mounted to the engine are powered through the use of this rotary motion. These accessories are vital to the operation of the vehicle like pumps, exhaust fans and air compressors.

Types of belts:

The belts used to provide high-traction type power and fits into a groove shaped like a Vee are called V-belts. Belts that have many Vee-shaped grooves on the inside and are flat on the outside are called Poly-V belts. These belts provide high-traction type of power. Similar to the V-belts are V-Link belts. They are open-ended and do not require meal clamps. Although V-Link belts only carry a small load and can be quite expensive, they are used at times when other alternatives will not reach or fit.

Flat belts function well at high speeds despite the lack of traction and their tendency to slip. They are much lighter in weight than other belts. The Timing belt is one of the most important belts and is quite different to other types. It does not require friction to function, nor does it it have teeth. It also has a much smaller power capacity in comparison with other belts.

Why are drive belts important?

Drive belts do just what their name implies; they drive different components of the vehicle. The belts themselves are usually quite cheap, but if they break they can severaly impair a functioning automobile. In simple terms, if there is no belt to drive a part of the engine, that part will no longer function. One of the many accessories to rely on a drive belt is the water pump. The water pump is designed to circulates water through the vehicle’s system, thus keeping it cool. If the water pump stops working, which happens instantly when the drive belt breaks, it takes only a short time for the engine to overheat. Although a broken drive belt is a large problem, a broken serpentine belt can be an even larger one. The serpentine belt drives multiple components at once, so if this belt breaks then multiple functions are compromised.

What makes drive belts break?

These inexpensive drive belts are made of rubber. Even if they do not wear out from use they will dry and crack over time. The belt will break as wear and tear compromises the integrity of the belt.

Is it difficult to replace a drive belt?

Some belts are pretty easy to replace if you have a basic knowledge of the vehicle’s engine and its components. On the other hand, serpentine belts are harder to replace and should be left for a professional. Although the serpentine belt, along with the timing belt, can last for as long as sixty thousand miles, most mechanics will recommend that you have it replaced after thirty-five thousand miles.

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