The Teflon (PTFE – polytetrafluoroethylene) technology for gear belts presented through questions and answers

Nowadays, you do not have to inspect cars on the road very carefully in order to find one equipped with a Teflon coated belt. Many cars (for example VAG TDI engines - the Volkswagen group's turbo diesel engines) already have a belt covered with PTFE as part of the original equipment. Even in the auto parts market, the replacement of this type of belt is more and more common. It is time to offer you some facts about the Teflon technology in the gear belts.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A GEAR BELT COATED WITH TEFLON LAYER?

Due to the increasing complexity and load of the engines and the average temperature of more than 120 degrees Celsius in the running engine, the need for belts with increased durability is getting bigger. One of the advanced techniques that car manufacturers began to use is the technology for covering the belts with a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene layer, i.e. PTFE layer. PTFE is, in fact, the generic name for the well-known material TEFLON, from the DuPont Company.

WHY ARE TEFLON LAYER BELTS BETTER THAN THE REST?

Adding a PTFE layer on the belt and/or belt gears reduces the friction and scraping of the belt surface, which increases the lifespan and resistance to the same and helps reduce the noise in the engine.

(The wear and tear of the belts in hours with (red line) and without (black line) PTFE layer)

The reduced scraping of PTFE belts can be clearly seen.

WHY SOME BELTS ARE WHITE AND OTHERS BLACK?

Teflon technology belts can be found in various colors, but most commonly white or black. The color has absolutely no influence on the work of the belt.

Black or white coating - there is no difference in performance or function.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF THE REPLACEMENTS SOLD ON THE MARKET?

The quality of the replacement belts on the market for cars can vary, that is, one product can be quite different compared to another. Some of them have only a thin PTFE layer on the belt surface, and such a layer, after prolonged engine load or high temperatures as well as extreme stretching of the belt, can easily fall apart leaving the basic fabric of the belt easily worn out. PTFE belts from the Gates Company have a deep-drawn layer of Teflon inside the belt in addition to the normal PTFE layer covering the surface of the belt. As a consequence, Teflon retains its function through the extended lifespan of the belt. Gates PTFE belts are easily recognizable with low friction/scarping percentage of the belts and low noise when the engine is running. They strictly stick to and meet the demand for original parts.

IS GATES A SUPPLIER OF ORIGINAL PARTS?

Yes, the company Gates is engaged in the production of PowerGrip belts with PTFE layer since the early 2000s, and delivers them to various world car manufacturers (for example Alpha Romeo, AvtoVAZ, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot , Renault, Seat, Skoda, Volvo, Volkswagen, etc.) as well as for the car market. If you know the manufacturer/model/year/engine, trust Gates to get the belt that fits and works in your vehicle just like its original part.

Popular belt auto parts and parts with Gates PTFE coating include: