The Best Toyota Belts

What Belts Do in a Car

They move just about any auto part that's designed to move. There are just about as many as there are major automotive systems -- in fact, the more add-on systems a vehicle has, the more it needs to run everything.

The Different Types of Belts in a Car

There are generally three: serpentine, drive, and timing.

• Serpentine belts work with crank pulleys, idler pulleys, and tensioners, helping run systems ranging from alternators to power steering.
• Drive belts, also called V-belts, run off crank pulleys and pass through several systems -- water pumps, radiator fans, and more.
• Timing belts (or timing chains, in newer vehicles) connect crankshafts to camshafts, keeping both moving in sync and helping keep other parts from hitting one another.

The Signs of Bad Belts

None last forever. If you suspect yours are going bad, do a full inspection. Otherwise, replace them according to mileage and your owner's manual's maintenance schedule.

• Generally, you should check your serpentine belt for cracks or shallow groove depths at around 60,000 miles; a belt-wear gauge can help here. Replace it by around 90,000 miles.
• Check your drive belts for overtightening and loosen them if necessary. If they're too loose and can't be tightened properly, if they're squealing or cracking, if you're having alternator trouble, or your vehicle's overheating, however, you may need to change them.
• Check your timing belt for damage, and if needed, replace it. Otherwise, change it every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Your timing chain, if you have one, should last the life of your engine.

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