Make a belt last longer

[89RedDarkGrey]

 

[heygibb]

I've never documented how long my belts last, but I've saturated them w/ spray silicone when installing, and then douse them occasionally after that. I guess it's not as good as this, because I've never had a vehicle that didn't require a new belt at some point. Is the 303 treatment similar to Armor All?

[89RedDarkGrey]

3 hours ago, heygibb said:

Is the 303 treatment similar to Armor All?

 

Sorry, I have no personal experiences with this method or product; I merely posted an interesting video. It does, however- resemble a milky "Armor All" type product though.

 

The company and it's products are advertised in a few reputable places, and claim to be recommended by many big companies.

 

http://www.autogeek.net/303.html

 

https://www.goldeagle.com/brands/303-products

 

(For the 'vert owners)

http://www.iboats.com/303-Fabric-Treatments-for-Boat-Covers-and-Bimini-Tops/dm/view_id.692621

 

And on eBay- evidently they do produce many different products

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=303+treatment

 

Personally- I've only used "belt dressings" such as THIS or THIS with pretty good results. (most) "belts" are made from nearly the same compositions as tires and coolant hoses. Temperature swings, ozone, usage, and age drying all contribute to their failure. I feel that moisturizing and protecting is the key to long belt life. Modern "automatic" tensioners are wonderful, too. I've seen what over tightening a belt does to it- as well as the bearings of what it's turning.

[heygibb]

It kind of looked similar to Armor All. I have seen the 303 sprayed on car lenses after the oxidation has been removed to delay it happening again. It never occurred to me to use a protectant like that. Thanks for posting the vid.

 

Here is the video where the guy suggests spraying the lens w/ 303 for the UV protection.  I can't speak for his lens buffing method since I haven't tried it. His lenses look more dirty than oxidized to me but other folks have made similar videos. YMMV

 

 

Edited September 6, 2017 by heygibb
additional info (see edit history)

[Barney Eaton]

I think the 303 products may have more UV protectant blended into them.......the 303 line  originally targeted boat owners 

[dship]

1 hour ago, Barney Eaton said:

I think the 303 products may have more UV protectant blended into them.......the 303 line  originally targeted boat owners 

I agree.  I use it on the vinyl landau roof on my '92 Riviera.  It protects against color fade and cracking.

 

[89RedDarkGrey]

I wonder if a high SPF suntan lotion would also work? Cocoa butter, oils, etc.

 

Maybe I'll rub my belt on the girl next door next Summer...