ARTICLEAFAN

The function of belts in an automobile is to connect and drive two shafts to the motion of a rotary. This is done by using a series of pulleys. This motion enables power to be transferred to various accessories that are mounted to the engine. These accessories are vital to the operation of the vehicle like pumps, exhaust fans and air compressors.  

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. Belts that have many V-shaped grooves on the inside and are flat on the outside are called Poly-V belts.  These belts provide high-traction type of power. Similar to the V-belts are V-Link belts. They are open-ended and do not require meal clamps. Using a V-Link is a last resort for when other belts will not reach or fit as they are quite costly and will only carry a small load.

Flat belts function well at high speeds despite the lack of traction and their tendency to slip. They are much lighter in weight than other belts. The Timing belt is one of the most important belts and is quite different to other types. It does not require friction to function, nor does it it have teeth. They have a small capacity for power compared to the other types of belts.

What do drive belts do?

Drive belts are simply used to drive components of the vehicle. Even though these belts are very inexpensive, they have the ability to put a stop to a functioning vehicle if they break. If the belt driving a particular component breaks, that component will almost instantly stop working. A component like the pump that pumps the water through the system of the vehicle functions by the use of a drive belt.  If the belt breaks the pump will stop working almost instantly and the water it takes to keep the engine cooled will stop and then the engine overheats. Although a broken drive belt is a large problem, a broken serpentine belt can be an even larger one. The serpentine belt drives multiple components at once, so if this belt breaks then multiple functions are compromised.

Why do drive belts break?

Drive belts are made of inexpensive rubber. Even if they do not wear out from use they will dry and crack over time. 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.

Is it difficult to replace a drive belt?

Depending on the location of the belt and your mechanical ap***ude, it may be a simple process to replace a drive belt. Serpentine belts, however, are more complicated. It may be best to let a mechanic replace these. Most professional mechanics recommend that the serpentine belt be changed every thirty-five thousand miles.  These belts can last up to sixty thousand miles as can the timing belts.

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