You’ve probably never had to think about the drive belts in your car unless you’ve owned a vehicle past the 100,000 km mark or your engine has overheated. If this happens, a mechanic will likely raise the issue, explain the condition of your drive belts, and share any recommendations for maintenance, repair or replacement.
But what exactly is a drive belt?
What do they do?
And what is the difference between timing and drive belts?
Read on to learn all about what they are, what their function is, and any symptoms you should look out for to prevent failing belts.
What is a drive belt?
Your vehicle’s drive belt is connected to various components within your engine bay. The specific parts differ depending on your vehicle’s make and model. However, generally, it powers the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning, and often the water pump.
Your car’s drive belt transmits power over to the critical moving components, which allows them to keep your vehicle on the move. A good drive belt is essential for your car’s power output and cooling.
A skilled mechanic should inspect your car’s drive belt for wear at every scheduled service. If impaired, it can damage the components which it serves. We recommend replacing it at the first sign of damage to avoid a potentially dangerous failure. If your drive belt is noisy or you suspect it is worn, contact your local JAX mechanic to prevent more costly damage.
How do drive belts work?
Your car’s drive belt transmits power between at least two pulleys. The exact power transmission from this pulley system differs depending on the type of belt used. There are three main types:
- V-Belt: As the name suggests, V-belts have V-shaped ridges on their surface. These ridges make the belt more durable, and efficient and run smoother. It’s a cost-effective option for passenger and light commercial vehicles.
- Ribbed Belt: This belt has several raised horizontal ribs for added durability and temperature resistance. Ribbed belts are high-performance belts.
- Toothed Belts: Synchronous belts are toothed belts where the teeth attach to the belt surface and are only really seen in only vehicle models. Toothed belts are always used when a precise position is required.
For drive belts like the ribbed and V-belts, power transfers through the frictional forces between the pulley and belt and vice versa. In the case of toothed belts, the power is transmitted positively by teeth attached to the belt, which engage in the pulley.
The power then transmits to the critical moving components, like the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning, and often the water pump. By doing so, the drive belt allows them to keep your vehicle on the move. That’s why a good drive belt is essential for your car’s power output and cooling.
As a general rule, many experts suggest at around every 60-000-100,000 kilometres or five years before you need to replace it. It’s best to check what the manufacturer recommends for your exact make and model. You can find the manufacturer’s guide in your logbook or the owner’s manual.
However, your drive belt may have failed if you notice anything odd while driving. Read below for signs and symptoms:
- Squealing or squeaking from the front of your car
- Visible cracking or wear (or red rubber observable on RBK belts)Engine overheating
- AC working poorly
- Power steering malfunction
If any of these occur, inspect the cause of the problem as soon as possible. Nip into your nearest JAX store for specialist advice and repairs.
The short answer is no.
We don’t recommend that you drive a vehicle with a broken drive belt. Even though it’s possible to operate with one for a while, the belt powers a range of essential components in the engine, and it can cause serious safety issues.
The serpentine belt powers various elements in the engine, including the alternator, water pump, and power steering. So, for instance, without a functioning belt, the water pump can’t cool the engine, making it likely that your engine will overheat quickly.
While belts require little maintenance, improper belt tension, misalignment of the pulleys, mishandling, or environmental factors can cause the drive belt to break:
- Improper tension: If the belt is too loose or tight on the pulley, it can cause the belt to break. If it’s too loose, there can be slippage leading to a heat build-up from the friction. If the belt is too tight, it will add stress to your bearings and overload your motor, leading to motor failure.
- Misalignment of Pulleys: Pulleys must be aligned properly to prevent premature wear. If misaligned, it can cause increased vibration and drive instability.
- Mishandling of Belts: If the belt was improperly assembled, it could cause the belt to break. Belts should never be forced onto pulleys, twisted, bent or crimped. Also, when replacing the belts on drive systems you should use a matching set.
- Environmental Factors: Even though belts are durable, harsh environments such as high humidity, extreme temperatures and direct exposure to sunlight can lead to premature failure.
As a general rule, your serpentine belt should last up to 60,000-100,000kilometres or five years before you need to replace it.
However, the drive or serpentine belt can fail over time due to the heat and friction it’s put through daily and may need a premature replacement. If you notice anything odd while driving, it may have failed. You should check in with a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem before it becomes costly.
Most modern cars have two kinds of belts: drive belts and timing belts. While these two belts are similar in nature and makeup, they have a few key differences. Older vehicles used to have timing chains, but modern ones do not. Instead, manufacturers installed a timing belt.
There are a few key differences between a timing belt and a drive belt:
- Physically: a timing belt has deeper, harder teeth than drive belts that attach to the belt surface. Additionally, most timing belts are more robust and thicker than serpentines.
- Function: Drive belts power the vehicle’s water pump, AC, alternator, power steering and water pump. On the other hand, time belts keep the engine’s internal components synchronised.
- Location: The drive belt is outside the engine, while the timing belt is housed in a protective shield.
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