Gates recently launched its Parts Image Capture (PIC) Gauge Belt Wear App, “a first-of-its-kind smartphone app that delivers accurate measurement and evaluation of serpentine belt wear,” says the company.
Using digital-imaging technology in conjunction with industry-standard specifications for serpentine belts, the Gates PIC Gauge uses a photograph taken with the smartphone’s built-in camera to analyze (using patent-pending software) the degree of rib wear in the belt. The analysis reports belt condition with a square of color on each of the belt’s ribs—green for “within specifications,” yellow for “wear detected,” and red for “replace belt.” According to Gates, belt-wear measurements can be captured from any automotive or heavy-duty K-section serpentine belt.
