This new innovation is designed to make the business of knowing when to change a drive belt much easier, by featuring a RBK SCC change indicator. The new design of the belt, shows a red colour on the belt rib side when the belt life is nearing its end. This means inspection is performed with the naked eye, and no tools are required.

 

Herbert Henze, Head of the Optibelt Automotive Division explained that belts that utilise new materials such as EPDM show less signs of wear and cracking on the belt surface. This can make it more difficult to spot when a belt might need replacement. He also pointed out that tools designed to indicate wear could not always be reliably used across different belt makes. He said, "Using Secured Change Control technology means service intervals can be optimised and belts can be replaced at the right time. The belts themselves continue to offer high resistance to temperature, thanks to the use of EPDM and are produced in OEM quality.”