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Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

How the Car Auxiliary Belt Works.

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Alternator

Video tutorial

In this video tutorial, you can see how the auxiliary belt is made, what it does, and when it needs to be replaced. The auxiliary belt is responsible for the proper functioning of the engine; it is similar to the timing belt but serves a different purpose.

The timing belt opens and closes the valves, while the auxiliary belt drives the alternator that charges the battery; it also powers the power steering, air conditioning compressor, and sometimes the water pump. If the auxiliary belt breaks, the damage is more limited compared to that of the timing belt.

It is important that all belts function properly for the vehicle to operate correctly. To replace the auxiliary belt, refer to the vehicle's user and maintenance manual, as each manufacturer has its own maintenance intervals.


Updated on 12 July 2026 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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