Top Timing Belt Brands: A Go-To Guide for Reliable Performance

When it comes to car maintenance, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your engine is paramount, and choosing the right timing belt is a critical part of that process. Numerous brands stand out in the market due to their durability, precision engineering, and excellent reviews from both mechanics and car enthusiasts alike. From the tried-and-tested reliability of Gates to the innovative designs of Continental, these brands have established themselves as leaders in producing top-performing timing belts. To explore the full list of best timing belt brands that can keep your engine running smoothly, check out the details below.

Illustration of timing belt

Best brands of timing belt in 2025

Gates

Gates is a renowned leader in the production of timing belts, with a legacy that began in 1917 when John Gates introduced the world's first rubber V-Belt. The company has continuously innovated, inventing the first toothed timing belt in 1946 and the multi-ribbed belt in 1979, which significantly impacted automotive transmission. Gates' products, such as the Poly Chain GT Carbon, offer high strength, minimal stretch, and no lubrication requirements, making them ideal for high-performance and high-mileage vehicles. Their timing belts are known for durability and low maintenance, with features like a curvilinear tooth profile and nylon tooth facing that reduce friction. Gates' commitment to innovation and quality has made their products a standard in the industry.

Dayco

Dayco is one of the leading manufacturers of timing belts, known for its high-quality and engineered products. The company offers a variety of timing belt constructions suitable for any application, featuring a molded tooth design and high modulus glass fiber cord for precise length stability and smooth engine operation. Dayco timing belts are made with high-quality materials, including hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), which allows them to operate at high temperatures up to 150°C. As part of the global timing belt market, Dayco, along with other major players like Gates, Continental, BANDO, and Tsubakimoto, occupies about 40% of the market share. The global timing belt market, in which Dayco is a significant player, was valued at USD 6.12 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030. For more details on their timing belt offerings and specifications, visit their website.

Continental

Continental, a leading global automotive supplier, has been a pivotal player in the timing belt market for over 120 years, setting new standards with innovations such as rubber and polyurethane timing belts and carbon tension cords. The company's Synchrochain Carbon timing belts are renowned for their durability and are used in various industries, including construction and energy. Continental's drive belt technologies have evolved to include intelligent drive belts with integrated sensors for condition monitoring. The company's OEM segment dominates the market, accounting for approximately 60.1% of the market share in 2023, driven by increased automotive production and technological innovation. Continental's commitment to enhancing materials and production processes has made it a trusted name in the automotive industry. You can read more about their drive belt technologies over the past 120 years.

Aisin

Aisin is recognized as one of the top producers of timing belts, known for their high quality and reliability. The company manufactures timing belts for a significant number of OEMs, highlighting their trustworthiness in the industry. For instance, Aisin kits, which include timing belts, are often recommended for their durability and performance, as seen in user reviews and DIY tutorials. In the global automotive timing belt market, passenger vehicles, which heavily rely on timing belts, accounted for over 65% of the market revenue share in 2021, indicating the widespread use and trust in such components. Aisin's products are particularly popular in aftermarket services, contributing to the market's growth driven by the expanding vehicle population and increased average miles driven per vehicle. For more information, you can view Aisin products on RockAuto's website.

Bosch

Bosch, a renowned leader in the automotive industry, is one of the top producers of timing belts, known for their high-quality and durable products. The company, along with other key players like Gates, Continental, and Tsubakimoto, occupies a significant market share, with these leading companies collectively holding about 40% of the market. Bosch's timing belts are engineered to ensure precise engine valve timing, and they are used in both OEM and aftermarket segments. The global timing belt market, which includes Bosch's offerings, is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a market size of US$ 3645.2 million by 2030. Bosch's commitment to innovation and quality has made their timing belts essential components in high-performance vehicles and standard engines alike.

Goodyear

Goodyear, through its EP trademark line now known as Continental® Positive Drive timing belts, is a renowned producer of high-quality timing belts. These belts, such as the MXL, XL, L, H, XH, and XXH profiles, have been staples in the industry since they were first developed. The global automotive timing belt market, which includes Goodyear's offerings, was estimated at USD 7.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030. The OEM segment, where Goodyear's products are prominent, accounted for 60.1% of the market share in 2023. Goodyear's timing belts are known for their durability and are essential for enhancing engine performance and efficiency.

Bando

Bando is a leading producer of high-quality timing belts, known for their Synchro-Link Timing Belts which offer unsurpassed efficiency, economy, and performance. These belts are available in both inch and metric dimensions and feature popular profiles such as the STS, HT, and Trapezoidal profiles. They are highly energy efficient, with studies by the US Department of Energy showing that synchronous belt drives are over 99% efficient, leading to lower operating costs. Bando's timing belts require low maintenance, no lubrication, and minimize bearing loads, resulting in longer bearing and motor life. They are versatile, supporting speeds from 1 to over 10,000 RPM and load capacities ranging from fractional to hundreds of horsepower.

SKF

SKF, a leading global player in the automotive timing belt market, is renowned for its high-quality timing belts and chains, catering to both OEM and aftermarket segments. The company operates in over 400 locations worldwide and has adopted new product development as a key strategy to maintain its market position. In 2015, SKF developed engine timing chain kits for the auto repair market, addressing demand in Europe and Asia. SKF's timing system kits cover more than 85% of the car parc in Europe, highlighting their extensive market coverage. For more details on their timing system technologies, explore their comprehensive offerings on the SKF automotive timing system page.

Mitsuboshi

Mitsuboshi is recognized as one of the top producers of timing belts, known for their high quality and reliability. They are part of the global timing belt market, which is forecasted to grow significantly, with the automotive timing belt market alone expected to reach USD 10.61 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.23% from 2023 to 2033. Mitsuboshi timing belts are often praised for their durability, with many users reporting no issues even after high mileage, such as 200k miles. The company, along with other leading players like Gates, Continental, and BANDO, occupies a significant share of the market, with these top companies collectively holding about 40% of the market share. Mitsuboshi's products are widely used in both OEM and aftermarket segments, contributing to their strong market presence.

INA Purolator

INA, though not specifically mentioned as Purolator, is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly for its high-quality timing belts. The global automotive timing belt market, which includes brands like INA, was estimated at USD 7.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030. The OEM segment, where INA operates, dominated the market with a 60.1% share in 2023, driven by increased automotive production and technological innovations. Timing belts from such manufacturers are crucial for engine performance and efficiency, especially in passenger vehicles which accounted for 65.1% of the market share in 2023. The aftermarket segment, which also includes INA products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2030.