Ask an expert

Hi what exactly is a drive belt please? Is it another word for a cambelt/timing belt? Are they expensive to replace? The vehicle is a 2005 mazda axela, 1500cc. Thanks.

A drive belt is a belt which drives an ancillary item such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor or steering pump, not a cambelt.
In the old days (and still a term we hear - incorrectly - today) these belts were called fanbelts. Today's cars don't have belt driven fans - they are usually electric these days.