Which is better, timing belt or timing chain?

At present, the timing system of automobile is mainly divided into belt drive and chain drive, but no matter which one, their function is to drive the camshaft to complete the engine valve distribution through the rotation of the engine crankshaft. The working purpose is the same, but the transmission materials are different. So which is better, the timing belt or the timing chain? Which is cheaper?

Let's start with the timing belt. The main material of synchronous belt is rubber, so it will definitely age with the increase of service time. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing it once every three years or 70 thousand kilometers. If it is not replaced on time, the belt may break or lose its teeth, resulting in the wrong timing of engine valve switching, resulting in valve bending and high maintenance cost. However, when replacing the belt, not only the belt needs to be replaced, but also many other parts need to be replaced. The working hours add up to about one thousand dollars.

But the synchronous belt also has many advantages, such as low cost, low noise, low friction and low power consumption, so it is relatively more fuel-efficient.

Whenever the timing chain is replaced, it is more worry-free. Because it is made of metal, the biggest difference between the timing chain and the timing belt is that it is not easy to break, even if it is always open, there will be no such fracture problem. Therefore, the long replacement cycle is its biggest feature, which can reduce the cost of the owner.

However, the timing chain is not without defects. With the increase of mileage, the chain will deform and become longer. Just like the chain of a bicycle you have ridden, the chain is made up of small chains, and there are gaps between each chain. This gap is called the chain hole, and there is a pin between the chain hole and the chain hole. After long-term use, the chain will be lengthened, which will be accompanied by a lot of noise and increase friction resistance.

If the timing chain is replaced, the cost is very expensive, thousands at a time, and some models of chain tensioners will break, which will make the chain make noise and even jump teeth. Once the teeth jump, it is necessary to rearrange the teeth, and the working hours are very high. Therefore, if the chain does not break, it is very worry-free. Once broken, the maintenance cost is high, but cars with timing chains rarely break down.

From the manufacturer's point of view, the manufacturing cost of timing chain is higher than that of belt. First, the chain itself is more expensive than the belt. Secondly, the chain also needs good lubrication, and the chain must be partially sealed, so that the oil can flow without leakage, which requires higher technology. Although the belt is not bare, the sealing requirement is not high, but it is wrapped in a plastic shell. Because there is no lubricating oil in it, the function of the shell is only to prevent other things from falling on the timing belt and protect the belt. So judging whether your car is a belt or a chain depends on the situation including the timing system. The case is plastic, it must be a belt, and the case is metal, it must be a chain.

Generally speaking, the timing chain works normally at 654.38+0.5 million kilometers, and most of them are checked after the car runs 200,000 kilometers. Cars are overloaded for a long time, driving at high speed, and must be inspected after 5 years or 75,000 kilometers. If there is serious wear or other damage, it must be replaced in time. Generally speaking, the reliability of timing chain is very high, which still depends on external key factors such as driving environment. According to the use conditions and environment, check it on time and replace it if necessary.

If you don't know how to choose, timing chain is a good choice. Although it is lower than the synchronous belt in price and maintenance, its peace of mind will definitely make you feel worthwhile. Of course, if you are a car owner who is not afraid of trouble, you can cover all the details of car maintenance and regular replacement, and it is also very good to choose synchronous belts.

Million car purchase subsidy