Serpentine Belts vs. Stretch-Fit Belts

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Serpentine Belts vs. Stretch-Fit Belts

One of them doesn’t require a tensioner.

Counterman Staff
By Counterman Staff
Published:

In the late 2000s, automakers added a new type of belt to take some of the load off the main accessory-belt drive. 

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It’s called a stretch-fit belt, or stretch belt. GM, for example, started using stretch belts to power the air-conditioning compressor on some 2009 models with the LS V-8 engine. 

So, why stretch belts? Well, in addition to removing some of the load off the serpentine belt, stretch belts allow for better packaging and solve NVH problems that can occur with a longer serpentine belt. Less belt means less tension, and fewer noise and vibration problems.

Also, stretch belts have a unique internal construction that allows them to function without the need for idler arms and tensioners. Eliminating the need for a tensioner allows automotive engineers to reduce the number of components that share the primary belt drive, reduce belt-drive friction losses, save weight and design more compact accessory drives.

This video is sponsored by The Pronto Network.

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When there's breaking news to report, we don't waste any time. So let's delve right into the topic of this video. Brake rotors. There are two main types, vented and non vented rotors. Vented rotors, also known as ventilated rotors, have a series of veins or fins between the two surfaces of the rotor. These veins allow heat to dissipate more efficiently, keeping the rotor and the braking system cooler. On the other hand, non-vet rotors do not have these veins and are typically found in older or less performance oriented vehicles. Brake rotors are constructed from various materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common materials used in brake rotors include cast iron, carbon composite, and ceramic cast. Iron rotors are the most widely used due to their affordability and durability. They're suitable for everyday driving and offer good heat dissipation. Carbon composite rotors are significantly lighter than cast iron rotors and provide excellent heat dissipation.

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