Rating of the best timing belts for 2022

In modern cars, the transmission of torque from one unit, assembly and part to another is carried out using various drives. Without them, no machines would be able to perform their functions. One of the most important such mechanisms in the form of a belt ensures the operation of the gas distribution mechanism (timing) of the engine installed on the vehicle. With its help, torque is transmitted from the crankshaft to the camshaft, which allows you to synchronize the operation of the pistons and valves.

During routine maintenance, after a certain mileage, the product must be replaced. Otherwise, if it breaks, valves, pistons or other important components of the motor may fail. When choosing the right model, it is important to follow the advice of experts in order to avoid mistakes and buy an original quality product from a trusted and reliable manufacturer.

What it is

Timing belt - an engine part that transmits torque from the crankshaft to the camshaft, made in the form of a rim with notches on the inner surface.

The main functions of the belt drive are also:

• synchronization of valves and pistons;
• transfer of force to the water pump and other auxiliary units.

Usually they are located in front of the power unit between the cylinder block and the radiator. Getting to them is not particularly difficult. In some models, they are immediately visible after lifting the hood, in others they are hidden under the casing.

Design

There are several types of drive belts:

• polyclinic;

• wedge;

• jagged (the most common).

Visually, the design looks like a rubber ring. The material must withstand difficult operating conditions with strong temperature differences. Therefore, for the manufacture of the outer wear-resistant layer, synthetic rubber compounds are used:

• chloroprene;
• butadiene-nitrile (more expensive, but last longer).

Inside is a cord - a weave of strong fiberglass threads that provides tear resistance.

Nylon teeth are located along the entire perimeter of the inner side of the surface. An increase in performance is achieved by applying an external fabric braid.

They differ from each other in:

• tape width;
• inner diameter;
• teeth - number, distance, shape, width.

Teeth can be:

• trapezoidal;
• rounded;
• complex.

For rounded or complex teeth, a more uniform load distribution along the profile improves performance, reduces the risk of jumps, and also reduces noise during operation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to other types of drive - gear or chain, the belt has the following advantages:

• does not require lubrication;
• located in a convenient place for replacement outside the cylinder block;
• works silently thanks to the rubber base;
• transmits torque to both the timing and other devices.

The main disadvantage is the danger of a gap with negative consequences.

When to change

Replacement is carried out at the time specified by the car manufacturer, depending on the mileage. Usually it ranges from 60 to 200 thousand kilometers. As a rule, it is performed during scheduled maintenance.

It is recommended to regularly check the condition of the belt and replace it immediately if:

• the appearance of cracks on any side;
• fraying of the side edges;
• delamination, erasure or cutting of teeth;
• the appearance of traces of burns or abrasions;
• detection of traces of rubber dust on adjacent parts or a protective cover.

In addition, you should consider replacing if the following symptoms appear:

• the ignition system starts to fail, the engine does not start the first time or troit - due to slipping of the teeth on the pulley, and fuel combustion occurs later or earlier than necessary;
• black smoke appears from the exhaust pipe - due to low tension, the fuel burns out in the exhaust system, causing a rise in temperature, melting and destruction of the catalyst;
• clicking and ticking sounds are heard from the engine, increasing with increasing speed - due to severe wear or destruction of the bearing of the generator or water pump;
• traces of oil or smudges of antifreeze appear on the casing;
• when the starter is running, the engine does not start - due to a possible break.

Many experts advise replacing every 40-45 thousand km, that is, every three years with an annual mileage of 15 thousand km. This is due to the fact that in the event of a sudden break, the engine will have to be overhauled, the cost of which will be much higher. In addition, it is recommended to change the belt after seven to eight years in case of low mileage. Indeed, during this time, cracks appear on it, and elasticity decreases, which will ultimately lead to a break with subsequent costly repair of the motor.

The consequences of the cliff

The product may fail gradually or suddenly.

1. In the event of stretching, breaking or shearing of the teeth, the valve timing is shifted. As a result, starting the engine is difficult, the smoke content of the exhaust gases increases, vibration increases, and extraneous noise appears in operation.
2. In the event of a valve break, they stop, the crankshaft rotates by inertia and moves the pistons up. At some point, the valves and pistons come into contact, which at best causes damage to the valves and pistons, at worst damage to the crankshaft, cylinder head or the block itself. As a result, the power unit is waiting for a major overhaul, which will cost a round sum.

How to choose

In order not to make mistakes when choosing, experienced auto mechanics recommend paying attention to the following methods for selecting the right model:

1. VIN code is the best option.
2. Model, brand, year of manufacture of the car and engine type - if unavailable, select by VIN code.
3. Specifications (circumference, number, shape, size of teeth) are not the most reliable way if the previous options are not available.

When buying, the main selection criteria are:

• the presence of a hologram and other distinctive signs on the packaging;
• absence of bruises and scuffs on the packaging;
• not the old production date;
• certificate of conformity;
• absence of scuffs and cracks on the surface, the presence of all teeth.

Where could I buy

You should purchase the best models and new items in reliable trusted stores or from official dealers of representatives of manufacturers' brands. This is the only way to protect yourself from buying low-quality counterfeit goods. At the same time, managers will give valuable advice: what are they, which company is better to buy, how to install, how much it costs.

In addition, good products are always available in the online store for ordering online. Descriptions, specifications, photos and real user reviews are also presented there.

The best timing belts

The rating of quality products is based on the opinions of customers who have purchased and installed them in their cars. The popularity of models is due to functionality, reliability, ease of installation and maintenance, as well as price.

The review includes ratings among the best manufacturers for cars and trucks, as well as buses, which are offered on the domestic market.

TOP 5 best timing belts in the budget segment

DONGIL

Brand - DONGIL.
Manufacturer - Dongil Rubber Belt Co. Ltd (Republic of Korea).

A wide range of products for the automotive industry and the secondary market of components both in the Republic of Korea and around the world. The models are delivered to the assembly shops of Daewoo, SSang Yuong, KIA, HYUNDAI, Chevrolet. The quality of products is confirmed by international, American and Canadian certificates. The warranty applies to all products for a run of 70 thousand km.

Price - from 310 rubles.

• suitable for various brands of vehicles;
• a large assortment;
• South Korean quality;
• wonderful value.

• many fakes.

Video review of DONGIL:

BRT

Brand - BRT.
Producer - JSC "Balakovorezinotekhnika" (Russia).

The model range of a domestic manufacturer of rubber technical products for use in power units of various vehicles from Russian VAZs (Priora, Grant, Kalina) or the Renault-Nissan concern. The quality of products practically does not differ from foreign analogues. Under normal use, wear occurs within the specified mileage.

Price - from 308 rubles.

• versatility of application;
• a wide range of products for any Russian car models and brands;
• medium tension;
• without additional noise;
• relatively high efficiency;
• good reviews on test results;
• comparable quality with foreign analogues;
• budget price.

• not found.

Overview of BRT for VAZ:

Bosch

Brand: Bosch.
Producer - Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany).

Products of one of the world leaders in production in various fields: from household and construction equipment to components and auto parts. Many users calmly and judiciously speak about the German models of this company: decent quality during normal operation, acceptable cost. Products do not withstand extreme overloads, but in standard situations they show good qualities. During operation, they do not heat up when rubbing against the pulleys, they do not stretch much, they do not cause extraneous noise. An excellent option for passenger cars with low and medium loads.

Price - from 655 rubles.

• universality of application for a large number of different brands of cars;
• quality manufacturing;
• wear resistance;
• long service life;
• infrequent fake;
• budget price.

• lapping to the pulleys is required for optimum performance.

Replacing the Bosch belt:

BANDO

Brand: BANDO.
Producer - Bando Chemical Industries (Japan).

A wide range of products for automotive conveyors and components for the secondary market. The largest enterprises are located in Japan, USA, China, Turkey. Timing belts are made of high quality material that provides a long service life. Experts recommend choosing Japanese-made products, which are original equipment for South Korean cars.

Price - from 281 rubles.

• Japanese quality;
• reliability;
• material strength;
• low noise level;
• durability;
• attractive price.

• not detected.

BANDO products:

SUN

Brand - Sun.
Manufacturer - Ushio Industries, UNITTA CO. LTD (Japan).

Numerous product range from the Japanese manufacturer Unitta, packaged by Sun. The products are supplied to the conveyors of leading automobile plants, as well as as spare parts and components. Products differ in resistance to aggressive external influences and high wear resistance. Thanks to proprietary design elements, dismounting and vibration during engine operation are excluded. Flexible and rigid material does not allow stretching during a long period of active use of the vehicle.To combat fakes, a special marking with thermal printing on the inside is used, which cannot be duplicated without special equipment.

Price - from 1,571 rubles.

• quality material;
• wear resistance;
• low noise level;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• proprietary anti-counterfeit protection.

• overcharge.

The new SUN works:

TOP 5 best premium timing belts

Mitsubishi

Brand: Mitsubishi.
Manufacturer - Mitsuboshi Overseas Headquarters Pte Ltd (Japan).

A wide range of branded products from a Japanese manufacturer with more than a century of history. The company specializes in the production of various belts for vehicles and other machines. Products are supplied to the conveyors of leading Japanese and Korean automakers, as well as retail as spare parts and accessories. The product is of high quality and long service life due to careful control during the production process.

Price - from 1,151 rubles.

• quality materials;
• long service life;
• low motor noise level;
• soft work;
• strength;
• excellent value for money.

• hard to find for sale.

How to distinguish fake Mitsuboshi:

INA

Brand: INA.
Producer - Schaeffler Group (Germany).

A model range of products supplied to the conveyors of many European and Japanese factories, such as Audi, VW, Mercedes, Peugeot, Toyota and many others. Products are produced in accordance with strict international standards and regulations. To increase the resistance, the material is additionally reinforced with reinforcement.The rollers supplied in the kit also have a good margin of safety and a long service life, which allows them not to loosen or crumble under different loads during the entire service life. The production process uses the most modern equipment based on innovative technologies that do not allow the belts to break. In the process of wear, the teeth are erased, giving the car owner time to replace this component.

Price - from 3,693 rubles.

• quality material;
• tear resistance;
• long service life;
• versatility of installation on various car models;
• compliance with strict international standards.

• overpriced.

INA kit for Ford Focus:

DAYCO

Brand: DAYCO.
Producer - Dayco IP Holdings, LLC (USA).

A wide range of models for use on the engines of cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, agricultural and industrial vehicles. For more than a century of history, the American company has produced many products that are popular with both the largest automakers and ordinary users. They fully comply with international quality standards and environmental standards. The product catalog contains more than 200 models for installation on European cars. Quiet operation of the motor is achieved by using high-quality wear-resistant material with a fiberglass cord base, which has a minimum stretch during the entire service life. Additional textile layers inside the belt provide additional protection against external damage.The resistance to high temperatures is enhanced by the use of a polychloroprene mixture in the top layer of the surface.

Price - from 600 rubles.

• strength to any load;
• good engagement of teeth with pulleys;
• excellent elasticity;
• long service life with a range of up to 110 thousand km;
• proprietary technology of Teflon coating of the profile;
• low noise level;
• quality material.

• many fakes;
• excessive fragility of fiberglass, leading to damage when turning or bending the product.

How to quickly identify the original DAYCO:

Contitech

Brand: Contech.
Producer - Continental Teves AG (Germany).

A branded range of components produced by a branch of the well-known German company Continental for use both in cars and other areas of industrial production. Quality products have a high efficiency of up to 98%, providing reliable adhesion to the components. As a result, noise and vibration levels are kept to a minimum. Compliance with technical requirements and the use of innovative technologies allows the use of products in any climatic conditions - in hot or cold weather.

The production of universal models for installation on cars of various models, including the Russian Grant or other VAZs, has been launched. Branded products are supplied in packaging with a dominant yellow color. In other cases, there is a high probability of forgery.

Price - from 845 rubles.

• quality performance;
• wear resistance;
• long service life;
• low motor noise level;
• lack of vibrations;
• versatility of application for various car models;
• well-known brand products.

• overcharge;
• there are fakes;
• some specimens require lapping along the groove profile.

How to distinguish counterfeit Contech:

Gates

Brand: Gates.
Manufacturer - Gates Corporation (USA).

A wide range of models developed in cooperation with many leading manufacturers of original equipment for cars. They are installed on cars of various auto enterprises in the Republic of Korea, Japan and the USA, and are also successfully sold in the auto parts market in retail trade. The kit is perfect for foreign cars such as Renault (Logan, Clio, Symbol, Megan, etc.) and domestic LADA cars.

The release of high-quality products is carried out at almost fifty enterprises around the world using proprietary innovative PowerGrip, Roadmax technologies made of especially durable materials based on reinforced and durable rubber compounds. Resistance to wear and temperature changes, as well as protection from oil, grease, moisture, provides the use of saturated nitrile. Noise reduction and engagement with sprocket notches is achieved by precisely formed teeth. Depending on the application, curved, trapezoidal or modified teeth are installed. High resistance to elongation and increased flexibility provide spiral-wound glass fiber cords.

The service life of original products is indicated within 60-70 thousand kilometers. However, motorists note a longer operating time.

Price - from 594 rubles.

• globally recognized trademark;
• excellent protection against counterfeiting;
• strength;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• maintaining the stability of the structure during the entire service life;
• versatility of application, incl. in difficult climatic conditions;
• quality performance;
• low noise level of the running engine;
• direct cooperation with car manufacturers.

• overcharge.

Video review of Gates PowerGrip belts:

Experienced Tips

To replace the timing belt, it is necessary to partially disassemble the engine and attachments, precisely align the marks on the pulleys, and also correctly adjust the tensioner. Such work requires a certain qualification, so it is better to perform them in a car service. Moreover, this is provided for by the list of scheduled work during routine maintenance of the car, the cost, depending on the brand and in time, will take several hours.

If the car owner has good skills, the replacement can be done independently. It is important to strictly follow the sequence of actions performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of an unqualified replacement, the consequences for the engine can be very sad.

Simultaneously with the replacement of the belt, the parasitic and guide rollers are necessarily changed, the resource of which is the same.

Particular attention is also paid to the condition of the water pump - if you suspect the possibility of jamming, it is also better to replace it.

Good luck choosing. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!