Engine belts are rubberized components designed to transfer power from the engine to various accessories. The serpentine belt, for instance, drives multiple peripherals—such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and sometimes even the water pump. The timing belt, on the other hand, synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
