Accessory drive belts are usually divided into two basic types: V-belts (conventional, cogged, and flat multi-ribbed) and serpentine (multi-ribbed) belts. The flat multi-ribbed V-belt actually resembles a serpentine belt, however, unlike a serpentine belt, only the inner surface of the belt makes contact with the components' pulleys. (Rarely, the back of multi-ribbed V-belts may ride against an idler or tensioner pulley, however.) V-belts ride in pulleys with V-shaped groove(s) to rotate various accessories, such as the power steering pump, air conditioner compressor, alternator/generator, water pump and air pump. Only the inside of a V-belt is used, unlike a serpentine belt which utilizes both sides. V-belts typically operate one or two accessories per belt, whereas a single serpentine belt can drive all of the accessories. V-belts and a few serpentine belts require periodic adjustment because the belts are under tension and stretch over time. Most serpentine belts utilize an automatic belt tensioner that constantly provides the proper tension to the belt.
| Fig. 1: Typical accessory drive belts found on vehicles
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