VERY BASIC question about belts

Tiny
JULIE
  • MEMBER
  • VOLVO S40
My owner's manual for my 2001 Volvo S40 says to inspect my drive belt at 60K miles and change my timing belt at 110K miles. I was advised to go ahead and just have the drive belt changed since I drive 600-plus miles a week and just reached 57K miles. Now I'm confused as to what the drive belt is. I know the timing belt is the main belt. Is the drive belt a similar belt, or is it (possibly) several smaller belts that run the alternator, A/C compressor, power steering pump, etc?

So I am wondering, when I go into the shop, should I say, "I want the drive belt changed, " or should I say, "I want the drive belt and all the accessory belts changed"? I worry that if I sound like I don't know the difference, they'll think I'm a nitwit and take advantage of me. Thanks.
Monday, April 10th, 2006 AT 8:13 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
ATGRILLO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The drive belt should be the belt that drives the Alt, AC compressor, power steering and any other accessories on your car. Newer cars use one belt for all accessories. If there are more than one belt change them all at the same time. The timing belt is the belt that operates the cam shafts, this belt is VERY important and should be changed at the required mileage intervals.
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Tuesday, April 11th, 2006 AT 9:39 AM

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