Posted on 9/14/2022
With hundreds and thousands of moving parts that make up an automobile, it can easily get lost when your mechanic throws some terms at you. A common problem that we’ve seen firsthand at BG Automotive is with the vehicle’s major belts. Many drivers get the timing belt and serpentine belt confused. Is there just one? Are they the same? We’re here to answer all the questions regarding the serpentine belt and timing belt. First things first, the timing belt and serpentine belt are two entirely different components. The timing belt is located near the engine, and its purpose is to synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft(s). It has rubber ribbing that is equally spaced apart to time when the engine intake and exhaust valves to open and close. In contrast, the serpentine belt is a long snake-like belt that transports power to many accessories and sits outside of the engine. Some people call it the accessory belt. The physical appearances of the two be ... read more