In cars you can meet two types of belts – V-belts and multi-v-belts (multi-grooved). Only a good voltage of both will ensure the proper operation of the entire mechanism. The former wears out faster on the sides, while the latter adheres to the pulleys – it works more efficiently and quietly, which is why it increasingly replaces the usual V-belt.
The belts are primarily designed to drive the alternator responsible for charging the battery. The tasks of the belt include the transfer of torque from the pulley, mounted on the crankshaft of the engine, to the auxiliary device. As with any part of the engine, its proper operation is a necessity to enjoy the full efficiency of the vehicle.
The most common causes of wear of V-belts
The V-belt, although it usually wears out during typical operation, can also be damaged in other ways – after all, it is one of the most loaded elements of the car. The rubber from which it is made is not resistant to fuel and engine oil. Its wear will also be accelerated by drive elements that are not in the best condition themselves, e.g. tensioners, pulleys, guide rollers or a locked alternator or air conditioning compressor. Both dirt resulting from other faults and mechanical damage immediately qualify the strap for replacement.
Sometimes, however, it happens that the damage is not visible at first glance – the break occurs immediately, which in the case of diesel ends with stopping the car (they use high power consumption), and in the case of a car with a gasoline engine allows you to drive several kilometers. As long as the battery is functional, it is enough to independently drive to the nearest mechanic. This fault is not serious, as in the case of the timing belt, and usually does not involve large financial outlays.
Advantages of a multi-groove belt – why it is used more often than a V-belt
Driving the alternator and powering the same battery is the basis of operation. It happens, however, that the multi-groove belt drives the coolant pump, the power steering pump in cars with hydraulic assistance and the air conditioning compressor. Thanks to it, each of these elements works in the right way.
For their manufacture, synthetic rubber and polymer fibers are most often used. Thanks to this design, it is flexible, so it can be used to drive several devices – they work on the so-called. serpentine drive. The strap can also be contoured, which provides a greater friction surface. This means that it transmits torque better. In turn, the tensioner and roller are designed to ensure proper belt tension.
Cheap, quiet and does not require lubrication. On the contrary – any dirt can damage it. If you notice oil on it, perhaps the reason is a leak from damaged crankshaft simmerings. Wear of this part not only stains the belt, but at the same time contributes to a decrease in its durability and makes it able to break off while driving. Pay attention to simmerings especially during the winter – after a long drive and a strong warming up of the engine, leaving the car in the cold can finish this part of the vehicle. Therefore, if you see a leak on the V-belt, it will be necessary not only to replace the damaged part, but also the dirty belt.
When to replace the multi-groove belt?
In addition to the sudden breaking of the strap and staining it with oil, its squeaking is also disturbing. Ignoring the noise can not only aggravate the belt malfunction, but also cause damage to the alternator, compressor, air conditioning and even timing components.
The first signs of the strap aging – small cracks on the inside and abrasions – are also a signal to replace. The average durability of branded strips is 120,000 km, and their substitutes – 60,000 km. Even if you do not notice the difference after this distance, the strips should be changed to newer ones. They are not expensive, but be careful – pay special attention to the date of manufacture. Straps that were created more than 5 years earlier are not suitable for assembly. If the mechanic has the right tools, the replacement takes about 10 minutes and usually does not cost more than PLN 50. A little more needs to be invested in the case of replacing the tensioner – the price usually exceeds PLN 400. Despite this, it is worth checking their condition when replacing the strap.
When planning a self-replacement, choose a new strap for your car model – pay special attention to its year and engine. Length doesn’t matter that much. After buying, keep the strap in a dry and airy place, at a temperature not higher than 25 degrees Celsius – they must not lie in the sun or come into contact with any automotive fluid.
How to extend the life of the engine?
In addition to the obvious replacement of damaged parts and replacing abrasion components with new ones, it is worth investing in engine oil additives that will take care of extending its service life by regenerating with a ceramic layer. Ceramizer engine oil additives will minimize the risk of seizure of individual components for a minimum of 70,000 consecutive kilometers. In the event of an emergency oil leak, the ceramic-metal layer will allow you to drive about 500 kilometers – enough to get to the mechanic. You do not have to disassemble the engine – the regeneration process takes place completely automatically.
