The shafts in an automobile engine are driven to the motion of a rotary by using a series of pulleys connected by belts. The motion of the rotary is where or how the engine gets its power to various accessories that are mounted to the engine. Accessories such as pumps, exhaust fans and air compressors are crucial to the operation of the vehicle.

Types of belts:

The belts used to provide high-traction type power and fits into a groove shaped like a V are called V-belts. Another belt that provides high-traction power is the Poly-V belt. This belt is flat on the outside but has many V-shaped grooves on the inside. A drive belt that is similar to these V-belts but are open-ended belts that do not require meal clamps are called V-Link belts. The V-Link belt is used only when other belts cannot reach or fit. They have a small load capacity and are costly items.

Flat belts are much lighter in weight and function better at high speeds. However they do tend to slip as they do not have a lot of traction. Unlike other drive belts, the Timing belt operates without friction and does not have teeth. This is one of the most important types of belt. In contrast with other belts, the Timing belt has a small capacity for power.

The function of drive belts:

Drive belts do just what their name implies; they drive different components of the vehicle. A vehicle with a broken belt can be rendered completely immobile although the belts themselves are quite inexpensive. Without the belt to drive the vehicle component, there can be no motion or function from that component. 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. The serpentine belt drives several components of the vehicle so if this one breaks, many functioning parts are immediately affected.

Why do drive belts break?

These belts are made of rubber and are not very expensive. Wear and tear is a normal part of use. Over time the rubber of the drive belt may harden, dry out, or even crack. This aging process can have an effect on the strength of the drive belt. As the strength wanes, it becomes more and more likely that the belt will break.

How hard is it 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. Serpentine belts, however, are more complicated. It may be best to let a mechanic replace these. In most cases the serpentine belt will only need to be changed every thirty-five thousand miles. Both the serpentine belt and the timing belt can last up to sixty thousand miles.

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