Contents
Recap
The timing belt ensures that the engine’s crankshaft, pistons, and valves operate in sync or on time. Accessory drive belts are used to drive all accessories that run off the front of the engine.
The drive belt and timing belt are made of the same material, which they use to drive different components in internal combustion engines. Their designs are quite different since their positions in the engine are not the same. The two-belt works with a tensioner, giving it enough strength to drive the components.
Drive Belt
A drive belt, also known as a serpentine belt or alternator belt, is a rubber belt that powers the engine accessories. It performs critical functions, and when it breaks down, the engine won’t work well or can break down as well. The engine alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, etc. are driving the drive belt.
Almost all modern engines use multiple drive belts to at least drive two or more components. This makes it a bit more complex to change and most DIYers won’t be able to change them. There is a chance for drivers to drive home when one the belt breaks down, depending on what the belt powers.
Timing belt
The timing belt connects two important components in internal combustion engines. The camshaft and crankshaft are connected so that the engine components, such as the valves and pistons, synchronize timings. This ensures perfect compression and combustion cycles, making the engine work as expected.
The rotation of the timing belt controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. This allows air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber at the proper time and lets the exhaust gas escape. With this, the reciprocating movement of the piston is controlled, which then turns the crankshaft that powers the camshaft. Now you can see that the same energy is used to control the camshaft.
Learn More From The Video:
Difference Between Drive Belt And Timing Belt
| S/N | Drive Belt | Timing Belt |
| 1. | The drive components of the vehicle (alternator, fan, etc.) | Two essential components that cause the engine to work are the camshaft and crankshaft. |
| 2. | All components begin work immediately after the engine starts running. | The two components are synchronized |
| 3. | It can be complex when multiple belts are used to power the components. | Its working is less complex as it uses one drive belt to drive the components |
| 4. | Drive belts are less expensive. | Timing belts are expensive. |
| 5. | The damage to the drive belt will cause the device’s power to stop working | Damage to the timing belt will cause a breakdown of the vehicle. |
| 6. | Modern engines are designed to use multiple belts to power different components. | Timing belts use just a single belt to drive the components. |
| 7. | Drive belts are mounted on the tensioner pulley to avoid slipping. | Timing belts are attached to components that carry sprockets on them. This ensures the synchronization of the systems. |
| 8. | A broken drive belt may cause a complete breakdown of the engine. | While a broken timing belt will stop the engine from working, no component in the engine is damaged. |
Related Article:
- Things you need to know about a drive belt
- How Much Does Timing Belt Cost to Replace?
- Timing Belt Vs Timing Chain: Differences and Which is Better
- Symptoms Of a Bad or Loose Alternator Belt
- Symptoms Of a Bad Timing Belt
That is all for this article, in which we’ve covered the difference between drive belt and timing belt. I hope you learned from the reading; if so, kindly comment, share, and recommend this site to other technical students. Thanks!
Leave a Reply