What is the difference between a timing belt and an accessory belt?

Timing belt and auxiliary belt have the same name, but they are completely different. If you don't know what is the difference between the role of these two belts, this article is for you! We take into account the differences between the accessory belt and the timing belt!

🚗 What is the difference between a timing belt and an accessory belt?

The belt is the part that transmits power from the engine to other equipment in the car. How? 'or 'What? The motor drives the belt, which in turn drives other elements.

Belts are usually flexible, tensioned with tension rollers and very heat resistant. Your car is usually equipped with two belts, which should not be confused:

• Distribution belt

It plays a key role in moving the car forward. The timing belt synchronizes the movement of the pistons and valves. Sometimes a water pump is built into this gear.

• La strap for accessories

As the name suggests, this belt is used to power car accessories by recuperating energy from the engine while it is running. These essential accessories are a generator (which then powers the battery), a water pump, an A / C compressor, and power steering.

🗓️ Is it necessary to change the accessory drive belt when replacing the timing belt?

It depends on the position of the two belts! On newer cars, they are increasingly located on the sides of the engine. In this case, there is no need to change the timing belt at the same time as the accessory belt.

On older vehicles and larger vans, the timing belt is located behind the accessory belt. To access the first one, the mechanic will have to disassemble the second one.

Touching the accessory belt may result in improper assembly (poor tension or alignment, small tears, etc.). This is why we recommend replacing both belts at the same time when replacing the timing belt on this type of vehicle.

🔧 How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

It is difficult to give an exact price for a timing belt replacement, as it depends a lot on the make and model of your car. Count all the same from 300 to 1 €, including labor. You can use our car cost calculator to find out the exact amount for your car.

Even if it is a very expensive procedure, it should not be taken lightly! If your timing belt breaks while driving, you risk permanent damage to the engine.

Why is timing belt replacement so expensive? To begin with, this is a long and complicated operation. To gain access to the belt, it is often necessary to disassemble many engine parts.

And even when it comes to replacing the timing belt, in fact, the entire kit needs to be replaced! The latter contains many other parts: timing rollers, a water pump, and sometimes an auxiliary belt.

?? How much does it cost to replace the accessory strap?

Much cheaper than replacing a timing belt, the price is not the same depending on the car model. It also differs if you only want to replace the belt or its tensioners:

• Belt replacement only: Calculate approximately € 30 to € 100 excluding labor costs.
• Replacing the belt and rollers: Calculate approximately € 80 to € 200.

Now that you know what the exact role of each of these belts is, you have no doubt realized that replacing them is not available to everyone. Especially for timing belt! So, for this intervention, why not go through one of our Reliable mechanics? It's very simple, you just need to enter your car's license plate, the intervention you want and your city. Our comparator will then show you a list of the best mechanics near you at the best price, and you can even make an appointment directly online.