How Often Should the Car Engine Belt Be Replaced?

[DelWalker]

Car engine belts typically need to be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, with some capable of lasting 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers before replacement. The engine belt is a crucial component of the engine's valve timing system, ensuring accurate intake and exhaust timing by connecting to the crankshaft and maintaining a specific gear ratio. Belts are used instead of gears for transmission because they produce less noise, have minimal variation, and are easier to adjust. The engine belt plays a pivotal role, connecting the timing wheel on the upper part (engine cylinder head) to the timing wheel on the lower part (crankshaft). The timing wheel is linked to the camshaft, which has cams that contact small rocker arms. The rocker arms generate pressure from the power transmitted by the timing belt, lifting the valves. Lifting the intake valve allows atomized gasoline to enter the cylinder, while lifting the exhaust valve lets exhaust gases exit. When the camshaft's recessed (non-protruding) sections simultaneously contact the rocker arms, both the intake and exhaust valves close, creating compression. The distributor then sparks, initiating combustion and generating power.