There is a myth that has gained momentum within the aftermarket that numerous power transmission belt specifications, particularly for the auxiliary drive system, are generic rather than vehicle specific. This is completely at odds with normal practice for many other engine related products and completely alien to Dayco’s tailored engineering ethos.

One of the more obvious repercussions of this ‘one size fits all’ mentality, has been the resulting problems that have arisen following replacement of the original equipment auxiliary belt. Despite the practices of some aftermarket suppliers, the OE auxiliary belt is specifically designed to conform to very strict dimensions and so, where replacement belts of a more generic rather than vehicle specific size have been fitted, failures have occurred.

It is however, not just the belt size that matters, it’s the way the belt is manufactured and for some particular applications, the construction has been improved to include aramid fibres, for example.

The combination of non-application specific sized belts and non-conforming construction is a recipe for disaster and with several Volvo applications in mind, the resulting belt failures have not only caused inconvenience and left motorists stranded, but there have been cases when the broken belt has also damaged auxiliary components and even caused the drive system to seize, leaving a hefty bill at the door of the workshop.

However, the policy followed by Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, is to manufacture only vehicle specific products, which therefore provide independents with an OE quality solution that is designed to the precise specification, in terms of both their dimensions and construction, to the OE article.

When it comes to the construction, the situation is not limited only to the internal structure, but also the external properties, for example the fabric on the back surface – defined by the code ‘DT’ – of the auxiliary belt, against which the friction wheel on the PRINCE BMW PSA engine used in models such as Mini, BMW 1-3 series, Citroen C3-C4, PSA 208-3008, runs.

By applying this strategy, the supplying motor factor and installing technician can have complete confidence in the replacement solution, which affords the motorist complete peace of mind, on the return of their vehicle.

In addition, Dayco is the OE supplier of the auxiliary belt for the several Volvo applications, so only by fitting a Dayco Poly-V belt, can the independent workshop be certain to fit a like-for-like replacement for these and many other makes and models.

For more information regarding the OEM quality power transmission products in the Dayco range, please email: info.uk@dayco.com or visit: www.dayco.com