Alternator Belt Function
The alternator belt is a belt that transfers the rotational energy of the engine to the alternator. This belt is wrapped around a pulley connected to the end of the crankshaft. As the engine starts and the crankshaft rotates, the belt begins to move and transfers rotational power to the alternator. The alternator, which functions as a generator, converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy and charges the battery to supply power to various electrical components of the vehicle.
Although the primary function of the alternator belt, as its name suggests, is to transmit rotational power from the engine to the alternator, in modern vehicles this belt—along with the timing belt—also drives other engine components such as the water pump, power steering hydraulic pump, oil pump, air conditioning compressor, and more.