Top Timing Belt Brands for Volkswagen: Gates, Continental, Dayco, and ACDelco.

When it comes to maintaining the reliability and performance of your Volkswagen, choosing the right timing belt is crucial. High-quality timing belts ensure efficient engine operation and prevent potential damage that could arise from a malfunction. Selecting a top-tier brand not only guarantees durability but also offers peace of mind during every drive. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best brands for Volkswagen timing belts below.

Illustration of timing belt for volkswagen

Best brands of timing belt for volkswagen in 2025

Continental

Continental, through its ContiTech division, is a leading producer of high-quality timing belts, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles. ContiTech timing belts are known for their durability and longevity, making them suitable for high-performance and high-mileage vehicles. In 2023, the chain segment, which includes timing chains, accounted for a 34.9% market share, highlighting the reliability and extended service life of these components. Continental's timing belts are designed to enhance engine performance and efficiency, aligning with the increasing adoption of direct injection engines and the growing demand in the automotive industry. The company's global presence and robust manufacturing capabilities ensure consistent quality and reliability. For further insights on Continental's market position, explore their global prominence in the automotive industry.

Gates

Gates is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly for its high-quality timing belt component kits, which are highly recommended for Volkswagen vehicles. These kits include OE timing belts, pulleys, and tensioners, ensuring a complete and reliable repair solution. Gates timing belt kits are designed to reduce warranties and customer comebacks, while preserving long-term system performance. The company's products are part of a larger market that is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030, with the OEM segment dominating 60.1% of the market share in 2023. Gates' commitment to quality and efficiency aligns with the industry's focus on enhancing engine performance and safety.

Dayco

Dayco is renowned as one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality timing belts, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles, known for their precise tooth design and high modulus glass fiber cord that ensures reliable and smooth engine operation. Dayco's timing belts are made from advanced materials, including high-quality rubber reinforced with fibers, and can operate at high temperatures up to 150°C. These belts undergo rigorous testing to meet OE standards, ensuring optimal fit and performance. The global automotive timing belt market, which includes Dayco's products, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030, driven by increasing vehicle production and the adoption of direct injection engines. Dayco's commitment to quality and innovation makes their timing belts a preferred choice for both OEM and aftermarket applications.

SKF

SKF is a leading producer of high-quality timing belts, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles, known for its extensive range of over 1,600 timing system kits and loose components that cover more than 85% of the car parc in Europe. The company's products are renowned for their durability and reliability, making them a preferred choice in the automotive industry. SKF's timing belts are integral to the OEM segment, which accounted for approximately 60.1% of the market share in 2023, driven by increased automotive production and technological innovations. The global automotive timing belt market, in which SKF is a key player, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030. SKF's commitment to quality and innovation ensures optimal engine performance and efficiency for Volkswagen vehicles.

ACDelco

ACDelco, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, is highly regarded for producing high-quality timing belts, including those compatible with Volkswagen vehicles. As a key player in the timing belt market, ACDelco's products are favored by OEMs and aftermarket segments alike, with the OEM segment accounting for approximately 65% of the market share due to its reliability and performance. ACDelco's timing belt kits, such as the TCK333, offer factory-original fit and lasting function, making them a preferred choice for repairs and replacements. The global timing belt market, which includes ACDelco's offerings, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a market size of USD 8.49 billion by 2030. ACDelco's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the increasing demand for timing belts driven by the expanding sales of new automobiles.

Bosch

Bosch, a renowned automotive component manufacturer, is highly regarded for producing high-quality timing belts, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles. The company's timing belts are known for their durability and precision, with many models featuring nylon-reinforced strands to enhance longevity. In the global automotive timing belt market, which is projected to grow from USD 7.01 billion in 2023 to USD 10.61 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.23%, Bosch's products are favored for their reliability and performance. The OEM segment, where Bosch is a significant player, dominates the market due to the high volume of new vehicle production and stringent quality standards. Bosch's commitment to innovation and quality ensures that their timing belts meet the demanding specifications of Volkswagen and other major automakers.

INA

INA, a brand under the Schaeffler Group, is renowned for producing high-quality timing belt components, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles. Blauparts, an independent VW specialist, has an exclusive partnership with Schaeffler Group, ensuring the use of official O.E. (Original Equipment) timing belts and components, which are the same as those used by VAG and dealers. This partnership, established in 2013, highlights the reliability and performance of INA products. INA timing belt kits are comprehensive, including tensioners, idler rollers, and genuine hardware, making them a preferred choice for both OEM and aftermarket needs. The use of INA components is crucial for maintaining the optimal functionality of VW engines.

Goodyear

Goodyear, with its 120-year heritage, is renowned for producing high-quality timing belts that meet or exceed OEM specifications, making it an excellent choice for Volkswagen vehicles. Goodyear Belts are engineered with innovative materials and design, ensuring long belt life and quiet operation. Their products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, reflecting their commitment to durability and customer satisfaction. Goodyear's expertise in the automotive industry, including serving both mobility and industrial markets, positions them as a trusted partner for OEMs and consumers alike. With a strong focus on customer service and support, Goodyear Belts help maintain the efficiency and performance of Volkswagen's engine systems.

Febi Bilstein

Febi Bilstein, a renowned brand under the umbrella of the Bilstein Group, is highly regarded for producing high-quality timing belts, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles. Known for their precision and durability, Febi Bilstein timing belts are favored by both OEM and aftermarket segments. The brand's commitment to innovation and adherence to stringent quality standards has earned it a significant market share, with the global automotive timing belt market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030. In 2023, the OEM segment, which includes brands like Febi Bilstein, accounted for 60.1% of the market share, driven by increasing automotive production and technological advancements. Febi Bilstein's products are integral to maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of Volkswagen engines.

BANDO

Bando USA is renowned as one of the top producers of timing belts, particularly for Volkswagen vehicles, offering unparalleled efficiency, economy, and performance. Their Synchro-Link Timing Belts are available in both inch and metric dimensions and feature high torque, low noise profiles such as the STS and HT curvilinear profiles. These belts ensure non-slip, positive performance with close manufacturing tolerances, resulting in over 99% energy efficiency. They are ideal for applications where maintenance is difficult and downtime is costly, requiring no lubrication and minimal tension. Bando's timing belts are widely recognized by automotive design engineers for their reliability and smooth operation. For more information on their timing belts, visit their official website.