It is important to regularly maintain your vehicle to keep it running smoothly and to avoid costly repairs down the line. One key component of regular maintenance is replacing the timing belt. Timing belts are typically replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, so it’s important to know which brand to trust.
So, what are the best timing belt brands, and how do you pick one? As per our experience and research, Dayco, Gates, and Continental (also known as ContiTech) are among the best brands. But how do these three big players of the Automotive timing belt compare with each other, and which one has the edge? To help you decide we’ve put together a comparison of Dayco vs. Gates vs. Continental to help you decide.
Dayco Vs. Gates Vs. Continental Timing Belts (Table)
| Brand | Dayco | Gates | Continental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built | Neoprene rubber | Nitrile | Rubber and polyurethane. |
| Warranty | 125,000 miles | 30,000 miles | 60000 miles |
| Appearance | Rounded | Square | Rounded |
Dayco Vs. Gates
Dayco and Gates. Both brands offer high-quality products backed by years of experience and research. So, which one should you choose for your vehicle?
Here’s a quick comparison of Dayco and Gates timing belts:
Price
To start, let’s look at each brand’s prices. Dayco timing belts are typically cheaper than Gates timing belts. However, this does not mean that Dayco belts are of lower quality. They generally are just as good as Gates belts, if not better.
Built Quality
Dayco timing belt is made from a high-strength, heat-resistant Neoprene rubber material designed to withstand high-performance engines’ rigors. It also features a reinforced tooth profile that is engineered to resist wear and tear. As for the Gates belts, they are made with Nitrile, a synthetic rubber compound that provides superior resistance to wear and tear, as well as oil and heat.
The Dayco belt also had a slightly different profile than the Gates belt. The Gates belt has a rounded profile, while the Dayco belt has a more squared-off profile. Though it doesn’t make that much of a difference in performance, it’s something to keep in mind.
Design
The Dayco belt was a little bit thinner than the Gates belt. The thinner belt means less surface area for the engine’s power to grip onto. This results in less power being transferred to the wheels, making the belt more susceptible to slipping.
Warranty
One major difference between the two brands is the warranty. Dayco offers a longer warranty on their timing belts than Gates does. Gates Timing Belt such as Roadmax™ MV belts come with a meager 30.000 miles warranty, while Dayco timing belt’s warranty is 125,000 miles, the highest warranty coverage you can get for a timing belt.
Dayco Vs. Continental
Price
Regarding price, Dayco belts are typically slightly more expensive than Continental belts. However, it’s important to remember that prices can vary depending on the specific model and size you’re looking for.
Built Quality
Dayco belts are made from Neoprene rubber, while Continental belts are made from high-quality Rubber and polyurethane. Both materials are designed to withstand high temperatures and extreme tension, so you can rest assured that either brand will do the job.
Design
Continental timing belts feature a unique tooth design that makes them more durable than other brands. The belts are resistant to oil and heat, so you can be sure they’ll last for a long time. But the main downside of Continental timing belts, when compared to Dayco belts, is that they tend to stretch more over time, which can cause them to slip or break.
Warranty
Dayco offers a stunning warranty of 125,000 miles on all its products, while Continental offers a 60,000 miles warranty. Another important difference is that Dayco offers a warranty on labor costs incurred for replacing a defective product, while Continental does not. This can be significant cost savings if you need to have a professional mechanic install the new part.
So, when it comes to warranty coverage, Dayco wins hands-down over Continental.
Gates Vs. Continental
Price
Continental belts are usually less expensive than Gates belts. However, they’re not always made from the same high-quality materials. This means that they might not last as long as a Gates belt. But if you’re on a budget, Continental is a good choice.
Choosing between Gates and Continental timing belts comes down to personal preference. If you want the best quality belt, go with Gates. But if you’re working with a tight budget, Continental is a good option.
Built Quality
Gates Timing Belts have a higher tensile strength than Continental Timing Belts and a higher resistance to stretching than Continental Timing Belts. As a result, Gates timing belts are less likely to break over time.
Continental timing belts are made from a high-strength material to withstand high temperatures and heavy loads, but they are not as durable as Gates belts.
Warranty
Although Continental belts are slightly behind when compared to Gates belts in terms of built quality or durability, when it comes to warranty, Continental belts do have the edge. Continental belts offer 60,000 miles of warranty coverage, while Gates belts come with 30000 miles of warranty coverage.
Final words
The timing belt is responsible for ensuring your engine’s pistons and valves are in sync. If the timing belt were to break, it would cause significant engine damage and could leave you stranded on the side of the road.
So, which belt is better, Dayco vs. Gates vs. Continental? In my opinion, it’s a close call. All of these belts are good quality, and they all have their pros and cons. Most importantly, Dayco, Gates, and Continental have slight differences that make them suitable for different purposes.
If you’re looking for a belt that’s a little thinner and quieter, go with the Dayco belt. But if you’re looking for a belt that’s a little thicker and has a better grip, go with the Gates belt. Lastly, the Continental belt is a better choice if you need a more durable belt and resistant to wear and tear.
