Friday, February 28, 2014
Types of Automobile Drive Belts
Knowing when to replace the drive belt on your car can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. There is no "quick fix" should your drive belt break from too much wear and tear. Regularly check the belt to avoid getting stranded -- and monster repair bills. Serpentine belts, standard V-belts and "cogged" V-belts are the three main types used.
Serpentine Belt
Controlled by a belt tensioner or an idle pulley, the serpentine belt is also known as the "poly-V-belt." According to an article on the Engine Blox website, this belt was named from its flexible nature, allowing it to "snake" around pulleys. The belt is wide and can withstand higher tension than older belts, reducing stress on the engine and boosting gas mileage. A serpentine belt needs to be replaced every five years or 50,000 miles, according to AA1Car.com. Most new cars include a diagram under the hood that explains how to replace it.
Standard V-belt
The V-belt is a half inch wide. Narrower than the serpentine belt, it is typically found on older automobiles. Its tapered sides fit between pulleys or gears and it works best with light loads, since the flat base does not rotate gears precisely. A standard V-belt should be replaced every three years or 36,000 miles, and replacement costs roughly half the price of a serpentine belt, according to International Auto Repair.
Cogged V-belt
The cogged belt is similar to the standard V-belt, except that it has grooved base. These grooves allow a firm grip on gears and engine accessories, making the belt ideal for high-load applications. As does the standard V belt, the cogged belt should be replaced every three years or 36,000 miles.
