4 Types Of Car Belts And Their Uses

A car’s engine is the powerhouse of every vehicle and is composed of many individual parts. These parts are in different parts of the engine and are effectively pulled around by pulleys and belts. These belts help to keep the engine running and distribute power effectively across the engines. 

Most of these belts are made of high-quality rubber that is built layer by layer with strength and durability. These belts are to be monitored for cracks, and signs of being worn out, to prevent damage to the engine. Here are four car belts that are present in the engine and their uses.

1. Timing Belt:

The timing belt is also called the camshaft drive belt, or the Gilmer belt. Its main role is to turn the camshaft by making use of the rotation created by the crankshaft. It makes the pistons and the valves in the engine open and close in a synchronized manner. It is usually made out of rubber, however, in most modern vehicles, it is a chain, as this prevents a lot of damage if it snaps.

2. Fan Belt:

The fan belt powers the cooling system in the car which includes the radiator fan, water pump, and air conditioning. If this belt snaps, there will be a malfunction of the cooling system, causing the car to overheat. In some cars, the cooling system is driven by a serpentine cable. 

3. V Belt: 

The V belt functions by distributing power through several pulleys. In cars, there are usually multiple belts. The V belt carries power from the crankshaft to other components of the car like the power steering pump, water pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. The belt is so perfectly engineered, in conjunction with the pulley it drives, that it rarely slips. Wear and tear, or fluid contamination are the leading causes of damage in the V belts. 

4. Serpentine Belt:

The serpentine belt is similar to the V belts in function. It transfers power effectively across the engine components and is done by only one belt, unlike the multiple V belts. The main difference between the serpentine belt and the V belt is the number of belts involved. The serpentine belt is usually found in newer vehicles. 

Serpentine belts and V belts basically carry out the same function of transferring movement from the crankshaft to other components in the engine. V belts are multiple, meaning that when one snaps, all functions are not totally cut off. However, the serpentine belt is a single belt and is usually in newer vehicles.