Auxillary drive systems are often overlooked by technicians when it comes to a vehicle service. This is often because in general they are very reliable and few vehicle manufacturers specify a change in their service schedules. However, Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier, is urging technicians to turn their attention to the auxiliary system for the benefit of the motorist and provide a business opportunity for themselves.

Unlike the previous generation neoprene rubber based belt, the EPDM formulated belt used nowadays, wears very differently. So whereas during use, the previous technology would gradually lead the belt to perish by cracking or chunking, the current EPDM technology belt wears gradually, not unlike the wear to a tyre, which actually makes it more difficult to detect.

As a result, technicians should use the vehicle’s mileage as their first point of reference, which means that if the vehicle has covered 60,000 miles or more, the belt should be thoroughly inspected and if it shows any sign of damage or wear, should automatically be replaced.

To help technicians correctly assess the condition of the belt, Dayco has designed the aWEARness gauge, which provides them with three ways to check whether the belt needs to be replaced or is okay to be reinstalled. The two most relevant to an EPDM belt are the wear indicator bar, which highlights material loss and the profile indicator, which reveals whether the belt retains its correct form. Both reflect the level of wear and if the belt fails either check, it must be replaced.

Dayco says the vast majority of the cars that enter the typical independent workshop on a daily basis will be relevant for the ‘check & change’ rule and this is a significant business opportunity. For replacement, Dayco has almost 1,500 belts, 48 of which are elastic and more than 20 double sided,  in its PV range and all are application specific in accordance with the specification of the OE belt, which means technicians can be sure they are fitting the right belt for each and every application.

As Dayco is a full system supplier to the VMs, it is ideally placed to offer the independent sector the full range of components, which includes tensioners, TVDs, idlers and water pumps alongside its comprehensive belt range. This means that technicians are able to install a like for like, OE replacement, with the assurance that provides for them and their valued customers.