Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Automobile / Difference Between Timing Chain and Timing Belt

Difference Between Timing Chain and Timing Belt

March 23, 2011 Posted by Olivia

Timing Chain vs Timing Belt

Timing chain and timing belt are part of the engine of any automobile that synchronizes the timing of the valves of the engine. This belt or chain transfers the power of crankshaft to the cam shaft which activates the valves, thus providing air and fuel to engine cylinders. Both timing chains and timing belts perform the same task. In the 70’s and 80’s timing chains were popular and most automobile makers made use of these chains. In 90’s rubber made timing belts became popular, but now again it is timing chains that are being preferred by manufacturers. Let us find out if there is any difference between timing chain and timing belt, and what their features and pros and cons are.

The real difference between a chain and a belt is what you would expect with the materials with which they are made. A chain is made of interlinking metal pieces, is heavier, stronger and makes more noise. It is also longer lasting. However, a timing belt is less expensive, is serviceable, less complex than a chain, but needs to be replaced more often than a chain. It is car manufacturer’s perceived efficiency that makes them go with a timing chain or a timing belt. You can hear the noise made by the chain when the car is running but the timing belt rarely makes any noise.

Timing chains tend to last the lifetime of an engine as they have been designed to stretch rather than break with use. Belts on the other hand tend to break down if you do not get them replaced as per the recommendations of the manufacturer. Why would manufacturers then use belts at all if chains do not need to be replaced ever? Well, the answer to this puzzle lies in the fact that as chains stretch with usage, they tend to affect the timing of the engine resulting in poor performance of the car whereas this problem does not arise when there is a timing belt instead of a timing chain as it breaks periodically and needs to be replaced.

Both timing chains and timing belts are located in the same area in the engine and you can see them when you open the hood of the car. Timing belts are covered with a plastic cover, while timing chains are covered with a metal casing. This is because a timing chain requires lubrication with engine oil every now and then.

Timing chain is more expensive than a belt, and it is hard to replace also. On the other hand, belt is cheaper and it is very easy to replace. But there is the danger of the belt breaking down, if you do not get it replaced after certain number of miles and you could be stranded in the middle of the road if it does happen. On the other hand, if you feel that your timing chain has stretched, you can get it serviced or adjusted. Timing chain on the other hand starts making noise to let you know you need to get it adjusted and very rarely does it break.

Related posts:

Difference Between Leaded Petrol and Unleaded Petrol Difference Between Synthetic Oil and Regular Oil

Filed Under: Automobile Tagged With: timing belt, Timing chain

About the Author: Olivia

Olivia is a Graduate in Electronic Engineering with HR, Training & Development background and has over 15 years of field experience.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Jealousy and Envy

Difference Between Jealousy and Envy

Difference Between Negotiation and Bargaining

Difference Between HTTP and FTP

Difference Between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil

Difference Between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil

What is the Difference Between Prediabetes and Diabetes

What is the Difference Between Prediabetes and Diabetes

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Omphalocele and Gastroschisis
  • What is the Difference Between Autonomic and Somatic Reflexes
  • What is the Difference Between Plagiocephaly and Craniosynostosis
  • What is the Difference Between Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil
  • What is the Difference Between Wintrobe and Westergren Tube
  • What is the Difference Between Coarctation and Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.