Timing chains and timing belts – Car owners often confuse these two engine parts. Both function to coordinate the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft to control the engine’s valves and timing. However, there are crucial differences that make one superior to the other. So let’s explore the actual difference between the timing chain and the timing belt and find out which one is better.
Complete Comparison – Timing Chain vs. Timing Belt
It is difficult to answer this question because both the timing chain and the timing belt have the same function in the vehicle. Although they have the same function, each has strengths and weaknesses that make them different. So let’s start by drawing the complete difference to better understand these two engine parts.
1. Timing Belt
One of the key innovations of the 1960s was the timing belt. Given the complexity of a vehicle’s engine and the increasing importance of the automobile in everyone’s life, this belt was invented. It is a component of internal combustion engines that coordinates the rotation between the camshaft and the crankshaft. This belt is assembled near hydraulic timing tensioners to maintain balanced movement throughout the engine cycle and keep the timing on track.
A timing belt is made from rubber and contains fiberglass for more durability. Therefore, it typically wears out over time. When this belt rotates, it does not produce much noise and is quite quiet. Most car manufacturers advise changing these timing belts after 60,000 miles.
2. Timing Chain
In contrast, a timing chain is a metal chain that connects the crankshaft and the camshaft to make them rotate in sync. One of the main advantages of using a timing chain over a belt is its long lifespan. Fortunately, these chains do not need to be replaced after a certain mileage. They can last the entire life of your car’s engine. Furthermore, they contain tensioners that contribute to their proper functioning and prevent any loosening.
Timing chains depend heavily on the engine’s oil pressure. If the oil pressure is low or inconsistent, it can affect the chain’s operation and impact the engine timing. So you can read some car maintenance tips to know how to fix these chains immediately. Unlike timing belts, timing chains are noisier, heavier, and more dangerous when they break.
3. Why is a Timing Belt More Preferred Than a Chain?
There are two main reasons for this underlying fact.
First, the production cost of a timing belt is much lower than that of a timing chain. Therefore, the marketability of a belt-driven car is much higher than that of a chain-driven car due to the huge price differences. This trend is particularly popular in the cheap car market, where prices matter the most and the majority of buyers have a negligible understanding of engineering and the pros and cons of a belt versus a chain. Generally, customers in this niche of the car market care little about what they really want from their engine compared to the main concern of their wallet. Therefore, manufacturing cars with belts is much more lucrative than those with chains.
Second, engines equipped with a timing belt are less noisy. Of course, everyone likes a quiet car, but there is also a misconception that low noise equates to a car’s quality and new condition. In the long term, a timing belt does not meet expectations, as it typically needs to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles and every five to seven years. Although a belt is inexpensive to manufacture, its replacement is costly due to the complex technical process. Furthermore, the water pump and tensioners must also be replaced along with the belt, requiring more parts and more labor.
Finally, other minor reasons can be:
- Higher timing accuracy, leading to superior performance and lower gas emissions
- Reduced friction and lubrication needs
- Rare belt failures cause much less damage to cars than chain failures
Conclusion
Finally, we have established the main differences between the timing chain and the timing belt. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. If you want to properly maintain your vehicle, a timing belt is a better option. But for those who do not care about their car’s maintenance, they can probably stick with the timing chain.
The reasons why the timing belt is more popular in cars are the low production cost and low operating noise.