How would you measure the length of a belt that does not have the part number on it? Would you measure the inside with the ribs or the backing of the belt? Should it be measured on or off the pulleys? What would you use to measure the length of the pulley? A string, ruler, tape measure?

If you were to talk to a belt engineer, they would tell you that they call the measurement the effective length, and it is measured at the cord line. If you talk to a catalog specialist at a belt company, they would tell you the effect of the length of the belt is part of a number. For example, the Continental OETS Automotive Multi Rib V-belt has part number 4060805. The last three digits of that number indicate the belt has a length of 80.5 inches.

The other digits in this Continental part number for multi-rib belts can be translated into dimensions and features of the belt. Now that we know the correct length of a belt, what is the correct tool to measure the effective belt length at the cord line? The answer is the Continental Insta-Find measuring gauge.

It can quickly determine the effective length of a multi-rib V-belt up to 115 inches and regular V-belts up to 112.5 inches. It has a Continental part number 08000 and can also measure V-belts of various widths for standard and metric sizes. For multi-rib belts, it can measure a belt as small as three grooves and as large as 12.

To measure V-belts, place the belt in the V-belt groove and pull the belt taut with a movable head. Look at the gauging slots. By looking at where the edge of the belt is in the slot, you can determine the width of the belt in inches or millimeters. Using the width measurement from the gauging slots, look at the vertical scale below to determine the length by matching it to the width measurement on the scale.

Measuring a multi-V-belt is very similar. Why is belt length important? Simply put the wrong effective length can damage all the components of the accessory drive belt system. If a belt is too long, it can cause noise, premature wear, damage to the tensioner and loss of power steering assist because the belt is too loose. If a belt is too short, it can also cause premature wear to the belt and components on the belt drive system, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and AC compressor. The tensioner can also be damaged. To avoid a costly mistake by selecting a belt that is the wrong size, use the Continental Insta-Find measuring gauge to give you extra peace of mind. With this tool, you’ll find a belt that will fit the application.

This video is sponsored by Continental.

Driving a three-ton piece of agricultural machinery in the fields is one thing; doing the same on slopes is quite a different matter. We’re not just talking about the operational difficulties and mechanical effort it takes; it’s more about the driver’s safety. The risk of rollovers or accidents in certain situations is very high. For

Driving a three-ton piece of agricultural machinery in the fields is one thing; doing the same on slopes is quite a different matter. We're not just talking about the operational difficulties and mechanical effort it takes; it's more about the driver’s safety. The risk of rollovers or accidents in certain situations is very high. For this reason, both tractor and tire manufacturers modernize and improve their product ranges every year, aiming at increasing safety and performance.

The new Galaxy AT Grip Steel from Yokohama Off-Highway Tires was designed from the ground up in close consultation with OTR tire dealers and skid steer operators. The result is a revolutionary radial that delivers all-around performance and longer tire life for skid steers.             “With the AT Grip Steel, we’ve combined all the advantages

Severe service vehicles are used in many rugged applications, which means preventative maintenance is key to keep them rolling and working. These types of vehicles are mainly driven in heavy-duty traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous terrain and frequently tow a trailer. They’re also used for high-speed or competitive driving, or used for

This is the time of year when the shadows stretch a little longer, the wind blows colder and an unsettling feeling puts your nerves on end when you apply the brake pedal. The squeal or skittish stop are portents of service issues that could mean increased operational costs, for there are dangers lurking in the

In business for over 50 years, McMahon’s Best-One Tire & Auto Center truly epitomizes what a Top Shop is all about: family-friendly customer service with the willingness to adapt to its customer’s needs and industry changes. Now with eight stores –five retail locations and 3 commercial and trailer locations—and one retread plant, the business has evolved

Martins new line includes seven impact wrenches under the Impulse line of products.

If you look at the service manual for any 1980s vehicle, it will always recommend adjusting belt tension through a new oil change. To do this, you either use the adjuster or add shims to a pulley. On some vehicles, you may have had to adjust up to three belts, but that all changed thanks

None of us want to think about it, but winter is coming, and the chemical slurries that coat the road cling to your vehicle’s undercarriage and gnaw away at any intrusions. This causes rust and premature failure of components like brake pads. “But I just replaced those pads!” you yell, cursing Jack Frost. The question

Back in 1918, Art Ronda opened Ronda Tire, a small tire store in bustling Grand Rapids, Michigan, offering tires to the growing community. In the decades that followed, Ronda Tire gradually grew its tire services and also offered commercial tires, retreading and repairs. Finally in the 80s, its third-generation owners decided to make a change: