![]() ![]() However these added benefits come at a price, because they are about twice as much to replace than V-belts. This helps them last longer, only needing to be replaced every five years or 50,000 miles. They are more flexible and run cooler than V-belts. Serpentine belts are what is installed on most new cars. The incidence of failure rises sharply after three years. V-belts should be replaced every three years or 36,000 miles. While they do not have the same life span as a serpentine belt, they are not as expensive to be replaced. V-belts are typically found on older vehicles. There are two types of drive belts that car manufacturers use. Accessory Drive Beltsĭrive belts are another important maintenance item that should be replaced on schedule before they break and leave you stranded. While it is not required, it is recommended that the water pump be replaced at the same time as the timing belt because these also wear out over time, and you can save yourself some of the cost of labor by having the two replaced at the same time. On most cars with timing belts, the water pump is also driven by the timing belt. While you will still need to be towed to a repair facility, usually a new belt is all that is required to make the car run again. In these engines if the belt breaks the engine will stop running and will prevent internal damage from occuring. If your vehicle is not an "interference engine" it is known as a "free-running engine". In worst case scenarios, the engine may need to be replaced. This usually involves open valves becoming bent as they strike the pistons, which results in expensive engine damage. In "interference engines", when the timing belt breaks severe internal engine damage can occur. However, on some vehicles the engines are refered to as "interference engines." If this occurs the engine will stop running and will not restart. ![]() If the belt isn't changed it will eventually break. This is typically at 90,000 miles, but see our timing belt replacement guide for vehicle-specific information. ![]() Most manufacturers recommend that the timing belt be replaced on schedule, as a form of maintenance. Unfortunately, like other rubber componants, timing belts wear out and must be replaced. This is why it is so important that the timing belt and tensioner be in good working condition all the time. The timing between camshafts, valves, pistons, and the crankshaft are so precise that if it is off even just one degree, the engine may not run or worse cause severe damage. Timing belts are critical compenants to ensuring a reliable running engine. For more information concerning each type of belt and when they should be changed click the links below. The drive belt is responsible for using the engine's revolutions to drive the power steering pump, a/c compressor, alternator, water pump, and other belt driven accessories. (Hence the term timing belt.)Īccessory drive belts are used to drive all the accessories that run off the front of the engine. The timing belt is responsible for making sure the engine's crankshaft, pistons, and valves operating insync or in time. Older vehicles use to have timing chains, but newer modern cars have changed to timing belts because they are much lighter, quieter, and more efficient. While they are similiar in nature to make up and what they do, they are very different. On most modern cars there is two kinds of belts timing belts and accessory drive belts. ![]()
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