Automotive parts manufacturer Gates’ timing belt component kits offer convenience and easy part sourcing to ensure a dependable and safe complete drive replacement solution, explains automotive, agricultural and heavy-duty aftermarket specialists Universal Parts Group (UPG) Gates product manager Chris Charles.

Gates PowerGrip timing belt kits include original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) belts, idlers, tensioners and water pumps.

“Belt drive components work together, which is why we recommend that when the timing belt is due for replacement, all other parts of the belt drive that are subject to wear and tear, should also be replaced,” Charles says.

He elaborates that varying rates of wear negatively affect the overall performance of the system and compromise safety if the components of the drive system are replaced at different times.

“Our Gates synchronous drive belt kits make it easy to replace all drive system components together, as a single unit. All OEM-compliant components required for a complete overhaul for virtually every car make and model, are supplied in a single box, with detailed installation instructions,” Charles says.

Replacing the entire drive system with perfectly matched OEM quality components in the drive belt kit enables various advantages. These include avoiding costly comebacks, as one warranty covers all parts, in addition to saving time and money by ordering a complete kit.

UPG – comprising part suppliers Autobax, Driveshaft Parts and IMEXPART UK – supplies and supports a range of Gates automotive components, which UPG emphasises are designed to meet the stringent specifications of OEMs.

Further, Gates components are also available from reputable automotive spares dealers throughout Southern Africa, supported by UPG’s consolidated operations in major centres, which include Johannesburg, Cape Town,
Gqeberha and Durban.

All UPG distribution centres are equipped with advanced inventory management and dispatching systems.

In addition to Gates, UPG distributes quality brands such as Europart, Timken, NTN, MRK, NSK, Tirsan, Gomet, Pivotal, Walterscheid, APG and Spicer. Further, UPG’s in-house STC portfolio includes a range of tensioners and idlers, wheel bearing kits, timing chain kits and oil pumps.

UPG supplies replacement parts for passenger cars, light commercial, heavy-duty, off- highway and agricultural vehicles and supports heavy-duty vehicles used in industrial sectors.

The company is committed to continue expanding its product range and solutions offering, to meet growing demand for quality components and technical support in Southern Africa, the UK, Poland and Ukraine.