

Even some of the higher end vehicles still use timing belts, so the original price or how technologically advanced your car would not be a good indicator. And others have switched over to metal timing chains, which lasts longer. If you have a newer model, you may still have a timing belt. If you have an older car, manufactured in the 90's or before, you almost certainly having a timing belt. Ultimately, it keeps the top half of the engine, which includes the cylinder and valves, synched up with the bottom half composed of the crankcase and pistons. Its role is to keep the crankshafts and camshafts timed correctly. The engine’s good health and operation mostly depend on the condition of these belts.The ribbed belt called the timing belt is placed in a very specific way along one side of your engine. However, it is not rare to see them lasting for more than 100 thousand miles. The rubber-made component lasts for a long time, something between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. Whether it is a drive or serpentine belt, it is a part of the accessories that drive a car’s engine. It is also called a serpentine belt when there is only one drive belt in a car. There is actually no difference between a drive belt and a serpentine belt. When it fails, it may cause the entire engine to stop functioning. However, it is easy to replace and you have to spend on only a single belt.Ī failed serpentine belt creates a screeching or squeaking sound. The belt is a standard in modern vehicles.Īs a single belt supplies power to almost all engine accessories, multiple components will be affected if the belt loosens or gets damaged. It is the alternative of multiple v-belts in newer cars. (Photo Source: throttledlife)Ī prolonged serpent-like belt that runs through all engine components and powers them up.

They do this by having constant friction with a number of pulleys. There are different types of car belts, and their job is to keep the engine running by transferring power to various parts. However, none of these parts would work had there been no drive belt. The engine of a vehicle has plenty of various components that perform different functions.
