What are the two main types of drive belts and how are they described?

• A. V-belts and Serpentine belts
• B. Timing belts and Flat belts
• C. Rubber belts and Leather belts
• D. Cogged belts and Elastic belts

Answer: (A)

Two common drive belt styles you’ll encounter are V-belts and serpentine belts. A V-belt has a trapezoidal cross-section that fits into V-shaped grooves on pulleys. When driven, the belt wedges in the groove, increasing friction and allowing it to transmit a lot of torque with relatively simple pulleys. This design is robust but relies on careful alignment and proper tension.

Serpentine belts are flat belts with multiple internal ribs that wrap around several pulleys in a serpentine path. The ribbed contact distributes load across the belt and usually uses a tensioner to keep proper tension. They save space and route easily around many accessories driven by a single belt.

Other types exist, like timing belts (toothed) and flat belts, but the two described here are the commonly referenced drive belt styles.