Let's say I keep everything moving. Of course there is the obvious, that with the help of the motor I set the brush roll in motion. This creates air-flow up and around the brush roll and propels debris upward where the more powerful air in the top of the nozzle can then grab it. Without the brush roll spinning, there isn't sufficient air to pull particles into the vacuum intake. The brush roll then becomes an obstacle, and debris begins collecting along the air path and in the nozzle. This build up leads to air loss, and from there the situation only compounds itself. Then, your intake clogs and your motor begins fighting for air. This raises the heat of the motor, something they don't like, and decreases its lifespan.

As a side note for safe keeping, your brush roll height should be set to just roll through the tops of the fibers of your carpet. If you set your height too low, you put a strain on not only me, but your brush roll and motor too. Luckily for you, that's why I am here. I am the weak link in the series. If you do get too low down into the carpet, lets say some shag, or you suck up a sock that stops your brush roll, I break! This saves you $100s in motor replacement, and for what I cost, I am a better value.

So don't hesitate, change me regularly! You'll be vacuuming the way you should be, your chore will be easier and your house will be cleaner.

• Flat Rubber

  This is the most common type of belt in vacuum cleaners. Most household vacuum cleaners on the market have this type of belt. Constructed like a rubber band, but thicker, it is stretched between the parts and uses friction and pliability to do it's job. It is also the belt type with the lowest cost.

• Round Rubber

  Used mostly in commercial and old school upright vacuum cleaners. It is also stretched around the brush roll and uses friction and pliability to turn it. It is usually just as cheap as the flat rubber type. Some manufacturers that use this type of belt are Hoover, Eureka, Sanitaire and Koblenz.

• V-Shaped Rubber/Fiber

  Used in self-propelled, clutch driven and commercial vacuum cleaners. It gets its name from the fact it is shaped like a V. Like other rubber/fiber belts, it is not pliable, so it needs something to pull it tight, usually a clutch or spring loaded pulley. The brush roll for this type, has a V shaped groove molded into it so the belt can ride inside of it. With tension, the V belt pulls into the groove and gains friction, to turn the brush roll. Generally a middle priced belt. Hoover Self Propelled Vacuums use this type of belt.

• Geared Rubber/Fiber

  This type is used in many different types of vacuums, usually vacuums that are heavy duty or have a separate brush motor. This belt can be identified by its raised up rows or teeth on it's inner circle running across belt. These teeth fit into similar grooves on the brush roll and armature pulley to pull the brush into motion. Prices can range, but usually a mid cost belt. Some brands that utilize this type of belt are Kenmore, Eureka and Dyson. Geared belt can also be found in assorted power nozzles.

• Serpentine Rubber/Fiber

  This belt is not used as much in vacuum cleaners but does have it's place. It has grooves running along the inside of the belt, in the direction of the curve, not across it. It is similar in style to a serpentine belt on your car's motor, and is usually adjusted to be tight by pulling the brush roll, with belt around it, into place. The grooves are then forces down into the grooves on the brush roll creating friction. Can be middle priced or more expensive. Some Kenmore models use this type of belt.

• "Lifetime" Rubber/Fiber

  The name is a bit misleading. It is called lifetime, but in actuality it isn't. It wears out just like any other belt should. They are very thin and flat, with a flexible, but not stretchable core covered in rubber. Normally used with a clutch to pull them tight creating friction, these are a more expensive belt. The Hoover Rewind uses a form of this belt.