A drive belt is a critical component of your engine bay, ensuring the smooth running of multiple components. There are various engine accessories that can be connected to the drive belt, depending on the vehicle:
- Compressors used in air conditioning
- Pump for power steering (possibly with separate belt)
- An alternator
- The radiator fan
- Water pump and more
You may have a bad belt if you have noticed odd behavior in your car, such as an AC malfunction, overheating, and odd steering.
You should not confuse the drive belt with the timing belt, which syncs the crankshaft and camshaft. Hence the name, it ensures accurate engine timing. An engine that has a failed timing belt may need to be completely rebuilt as a result of extensive damage.
It is unlikely that a broken drive belt will harm engine internals, but it can still make getting to your destination challenging. As a result, it may be unsafe to drive, especially if it affects the cooling system for your engine and the hydraulic power steering.
Does your belt show any of these signs of a break? Here are the steps you need to take.
The Natrad range of drive belts is suitable for a wide variety of vehicles. For more information, contact your local store.
What is a drive belt and what does it do?
Various accessories in your engine bay are connected to your engine via the drive belt. There are a variety of car accessories, but the most common are the air conditioner compressor, alternator, fan clutch and water pump, depending on the car’s make and model.
By transferring power to these moving parts, you can ensure that your vehicle operates properly. Your vehicle’s power output and cooling will be maintained if you maintain this.
Your engine won’t be destroyed by a broken drive belt, unlike the timing belt. When severed, it may cause severe damage to nearby engine bay components. For preventative maintenance and to avoid expensive repairs, check your drive belt regularly.
In addition, incorrect belt tension can cause the belt to slip off or cause strain to connected components, resulting in failure of the belt tensioner and the connected components.
Belts Types
A drive belt is sometimes called an accessory belt or a serpentine belt. Depending on vehicle needs, serpentine belts can be manufactured in a variety of configurations and materials. There are a variety of belts available from Natrad that are of OEM quality. Find out more by reading below:
V-belt
Natrad’s Optibelt V-belts have a tapered cross-section that is shaped like a “V”, hence their name. In some cases, the belt is flat, and in others, it has ridges (or teeth), which are designed to help it run smoothly and efficiently. In passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, it is an ideal belt because it is cost-effective.
Ribbed belt
In contrast to flat belts, Optibelt’s ribbed belts do not have flat surfaces. A number of horizontal ribs are raised in order to enhance durability and temperature resistance. With its high performance design, the RBK belt features inbuilt wear indicators that reveal red rubber markings when the black layer wears away. By utilizing wear indicators, you can determine belt condition without using special tools or removing it.
As well as timing belts, Natrad carries timing belt kits from Optibelt. No matter what belt you need, we have it!
Signs & symptoms
In your logbook or owner’s manual, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommendation for when to replace your drive belt. Typically, your drive belt needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles or so according to your owner’s manual.
It is possible that the drive belt has failed if you notice anything unusual while driving. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Front of your car squeaking or squealing
- RBK belts with visible cracking or wear (or red rubber visible)
- Overheating of an engine
- Poor AC performance
- Visible wear on pulleys or gauges
- A power steering problem
You should inspect the cause of any of these problems as soon as possible if any of these occur. We can help you with repairs and advice at your nearest Natrad store.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re unsure about the cause of your car problems or unsure about the condition of your drive belt, Natrad technicians can help.
You can rely on our team of specialists to inspect your vehicle, identify problems with the drive belt, and provide you with a high-quality replacement that meets your specific needs. Various belts are available for different vehicles, so we can provide you with the right one.
