Timing belts are a crucial component of any automobile. They allow the engine to be timed properly for optimal performance and reduce wear and tear on other parts of the engine. If your timing belt snaps, then you will have to replace it as soon as possible or else risk major damage to your engine! In this blog post we will discuss what is the best timing belts brand so that you can make an informed decision when buying one for your vehicle.
Contents
What is Timing Belt?
A timing belt is a narrow strip of rubber that synchronizes the rotation of your engine’s crankshaft with other components in your car. It allows for more efficient power transfer and reduced wear on parts like the alternator, water pump, belts, pulleys, or gears.
Materials
Timing belts are made of rubber and are tightly wound in order to provide a good grip. If you have ever seen your timing belt, then you may notice that the teeth on the last loop of the belt line up with protrusions from either one or both camshafts. This alignment is necessary for proper engine operation!
Most Common Type
The most common type of timing belt in a car is serpentine.
The serpentine belt works by transmitting the rotation of your engine’s crankshaft to other components like the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. It does this with its series of drive belts which are attached to each component that it needs to operate.
Top 4 Best Aftermarket Timing Belt Brands
Our top-rated brands for timing belts here are highly recommended by auto experts and mechanics. They are:
- Gates
- Continental
- Dayco (Made by Cooper)
- Aisin
There are a lot of different brands out there, but as our research, four that stand out as being among the best include Gates, ContiTech, Dayco, and Aisin. These belts were all designed in 1957 or later from synthetic materials to ensure durability for use in motorsports. They each have their pros and cons but they are loved by many car enthusiasts, mechanics, and auto experts.
#1 Gates
The company began in 1910 when Edwin Gates created a belt that does not slip. He later partnered with his brother George to start the company, and they patented their first timing belt design around 1914. They still make these belts today! One of the most famous Gates belts is the Gates Corporation timing belt, which has been used in motorsports since 1973.
#2 Continental
This German company started making belts for cars in 1924 and then moved into producing household items after WWII when they won a contract to make toothbrush handles out of synthetic materials. They continued to produce power transmission products like belts throughout this time.
Their most well-known product is the ContiTech timing belt. This timing belt is designed for use in motorsports and is completely made from synthetic materials.
#3 Dayco
Another famous aftermarket brand for the timing belt is Dayco. Their timing belt was designed in 1957 and is still a very popular brand. They have the belts used on our cars today!
This belt is manufactured in the United States and it has a high quality rubber that makes them perfect for any weather condition, which means they are ideal to use all year round. They also last longer than other brands because of their innovative design.
#4 Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd
A Japanese company, they make car parts as well as other industrial products like camshafts and hydraulic equipment. They have been making belts since 1901! One of their most popular models is the Aisin AX-B.
The belt is constructed with a high tensile cord to make it durable and flexible, which means it doesn’t break or snap easily. It’s also resistant to heat, water, oil and chemicals when used properly. Plus they are inexpensive!
Final Words
These are all four of the best timing belt brands, but you can never go wrong with OEM parts from your car manufacturer if they are available for purchase. It’s always better to replace old belts before they snap than waiting for the inevitable.
Hey, Naomi O’Colman here.
With years working at an auto repair shop in Texas and passionate about the auto industry. I want to share with my readers the best quality products through my well-researched reviews as well as fixing minor defects in your car.
