Last updated on July 28th, 2023 at 08:38 am
Like many car owners, you may have pondered over the difference between your car’s serpentine belt versus timing belt: Are they the same?
The reason for the possible confusion would be that not only do these two car components look alike, but they also seem to function similarly as they are both belts that link different car components together. But that may not be entirely accurate.
Without some know-how, it might be difficult to tell which is which.
This is what this article will address below. Serpentine belt versus timing belt: Are they the same? Stay with me to find out more.
Is A Serpentine Belt And Timing Belt The Same?
The simple answer to the query, ‘Are serpentine belt vs timing belt the same,’ is basically No, they are not the same.
In that they are both belts that function in tandem with other car components to get you and your vehicle from point A to B, they have a remarkable similarity to each other.
However, the major difference lies in their functions and the components of your car that they each work with.
So, in effect, you can safely say that your car’s serpentine belt and timing belt are very different parts that serve different purposes.
Can Serpentine Belt Affect Timing Belt?
Unfortunately, your car’s serpentine belt can pack up after a long period of wear and tear or sooner than this if it is defective to begin with. When that happens, does the serpentine belt affect your car’s timing belt?
The answer is, no it doesn’t. As has been stated earlier, these two belts or components are very different and serve different functions. So if your serpentine belt were to be broken, your car would still be able to move for a short while on your car battery before you run out of battery power.
On the other hand, if your timing belt is affected, it will usually ground your vehicle, and you should not be able to move it at all.
So, again, a bad serpentine belt will not affect your car timing belt in any significant way.
Serpentine Belt Vs Timing Belt Cost
The replacement costs of your car’s serpentine belt vs timing belt differ widely, and this is one of the greatest differences between the two car components.
A serpentine belt is usually a low-cost car part that you can replace for between $70 and $200.
In contrast, a broken or damaged timing belt or chain can easily cost as much as 10 times that amount in extreme cases, meaning $2000. On average, though, a timing belt will cost you somewhere between $500 and $1000 to replace in parts and labor.
Part of the reason for this extensive difference in costs is that the replacement of a timing belt or chain usually involves basically disassembling the engine since the timing belt is located inside your car engine properly.
This is in contrast to a serpentine belt which is located outside the engine and is clearly visible, making it possible to reach easily.
Serpentine Belt Vs Timing Belt Pros And Cons
| Category | Serpentine Belt | Timing Belt |
| Pros | Your timing belt will last up to 5 years or for between 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles before needing a replacement. You also have the option to use a timing chain instead, which should last longer than a belt. | Fixing these components, it’s very expensive and also extremely difficult.Usually, you have to break down your car engine to get to the timing belt or chain, and this can lead to increased labor charges. Once your timing belt goes bad, your car will be unable to move at all. |
| Cons | Since it is linked to several car accessories and components, many things go wrong when it is broken or damaged. | Fixing these components, it’s very expensive and also extremely difficult. Usually, you have to break down your car engine to get to the timing belt or chain, and this can lead to increased labor charges. Once your timing belt goes bad, your car will be unable to move at all. |
Serpentine Belt Vs Timing Belt: What Are The Key Differences?
| Category | Serpentine Belt | Timing Belt |
| Key Differences | It’s made from rubber material This is more cheaper to replace due to its location. It’s fairly easy to re-install a new one. It functions mostly with car accessories such as air conditioning, a water pump, power steering, and your car’s alternator. Your car can still run even without your serpentine belt | It’s made from rubber material This is more cheaper to replace due to its location. It’s fairly easy to re-install a new one. It functions mostly with car accessories such as air conditioning, water pump, power steering, and your car’s alternator. Your car can still run even without your serpentine belt |
How Much Is It To Replace A Timing Or Serpentine Belt?
Serpentine Belt
A serpentine belt is a car component that is cheap and easy to replace. You can buy a serpentine belt for between $50 and $70.
You would also need to spend between $100 to $150 for labor if you cannot change it yourself. On average, you would spend between 50 and 200 dollars to replace a broken serpentine belt.
Timing Belt
A timing belt change or replacement is many times more complex and difficult than a simple serpentine belt change. Your mechanic or auto technician will have to break apart your engine to locate the timing belt deep inside your engine.
This is part of what makes a timing belt replacement really expensive. In extreme cases, you may be required to spend as much as $2000 to replace a broken timing belt or chain. On average, though, you can expect to spend about 500 to 1,000 dollars for a full repair.
Out of that, $100 to $350 will be the cost of the belt itself, and the rest will go to cover 3-5 hours of labor.
Is The Serpentine Belt The Timing Chain?
No, the serpentine belt is quite different from the timing chain or timing belt.
What Are The 3 Belts In A Car?
You may have heard that there are more than just these two belts in your car. This is quite true as, depending on the vehicle, there are usually 3 or 4 types of belts in your car.
The most usual number is 3, and they are:
- The Serpentine Belt
- The V-Belt (also called the Drive Belt)
- And The Timing Belt.
Do All Cars Have A Serpentine Belt And A Timing Belt?
Apart from wondering, ‘serpentine belt versus timing belt: Are they the same,’ you may also be asking if all cars have both a serpentine and a timing belt.
The answer to this is yes and no. While all cars have at least one serpentine belt, not all cars use a timing belt. Those cars that do not have a timing belt will use a timing chain instead.
But this is just a difference of material as a timing belt, and timing chain serve the same exact function.
What Is Another Name For The Timing Belt?
You may be a little confused because you’ve heard the timing belt called something else. But that’s not a mistake as other names know a timing belt. These names include a Gilmer belt, cam belt, and camshaft drive belt.
How Long Can A Car Run Without Serpentine Belt?
Depending on the strength of your battery, you can drive your car without a serpentine belt for between 20 minutes and 90 minutes. You must note that you’ll be driving your car this way on battery power alone, as the alternator is unable to charge the battery without a serpentine belt.
How Many Years Does A Serpentine Belt Last?
Most serpentine belts will last as long as five to eight years or between 60,000 to 100,000 Miles.
Recap
Now you have the answer to the inquiry: Serpentine belt versus timing belt: Are they the same?
In this article, you will also have to learn whether both belts are the same, the pros and cons of each, whether a broken serpentine belt can affect a timing belt, and how much it costs to replace them.
In addition, you now know what 3 belts can be found in your car, how long your belts can last, the other names of a timing belts, and whether you can run your car even without a serpentine belt.
Enjoy safer driving as you keep these tips in mind.
Uchenna is a Radiographer and Auto parts mechanic who recently got his automotive diploma as an auto repair technician, and since then, has worked on fixing various car problems.
Working as just a radiographer, Uchenna didn’t just get all the fulfillment he desired, because he truly loved doing things tilted toward cars. As a kid, he would take apart his toy cars to see how they worked and would spend hours tinkering with his bike.
So, in 2017 he made the tough decision to become an auto mechanic. He threw himself into his studies and now loves every aspect of what he does.
He gets to work with his hands, solving problems and bringing cars back to life, and sharing his knowledge and easy quick-fix guide online are all part of what makes him feel fulfilled.
