ContiTech is reporting that European car makers are once again increasingly turning to timing belts, instead of chains, to drive timing gear on the latest technology engines. ContiTech is at the heart of these latest developments, both in terms of original supply and delivering an aftermarket range which covers the very latest requirements.

Markus Pirsch, Head of the Automotive Aftermarket Marketing Service in the ContiTech Power Transmission Group says, “In terms of improving fuel efficiency and cutting CO2 emissions from internal combustion engines, belts offer significant advantages over chains.” He adds, “Their importance will continue to grow in the aftermarket, too.”

According to the independent engineering services provider FEV GmbH, a belt drive ensures lower fuel consumption than a chain drive and, as a result, cuts CO2 emissions. In a 1.6 litre petrol engine, for example, a belt drive reduces fuel consumption by more than one percent and saves up to 1.5 grams CO2 per kilometre. Timing belts are also lighter and run considerably more quietly. In addition, the latest belts tend not stretch, where as timings chains sometimes do, resulting in reduced performance and higher fuel consumption and emissions.

Many major European car manufacturers have turned to timing belt technology because of its greater efficiency. For example, the EcoBoost, Ford’s engine of the year, runs with belts, and timing belts can also be found on the latest technology engines from Volkswagen and PSA. Markus Pirsch comments, “In light of the rapid pace of technological development, it is all the more important for workshops to have the right products and the necessary know-how to hand. New belts from ContiTech are therefore also available for the aftermarket shortly after they start to be fitted as original equipment in production vehicles.”

The ContiTech Power Transmission Group offers an extensive range of timing belts and timing belt kits for the automotive aftermarket. At the start of the year 22 new timing belt kits plus water pump were introduced. Workshops can also get the appropriate tool for belt changing from ContiTech and the company also provides specialist training and an on-line product information centre.