What affects the service life of a timing belt?

What affects the service life of a timing belt?

Installation & Setup: Correct tension, proper alignment, and appropriate pulley selection are fundamental.
Operational Loads: Operating near or above the belt's rated capacity, frequent shock loads, or severe start/stop cycles.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to excessive heat (>85°C for standard neoprene), oils, chemicals, ozone, UV light, or abrasive dust.
Drive Design: Inadequate pulley diameter (causing excessive bending stress), insufficient wrap angle, or improper center distance.
Maintenance: Lack of regular inspection, failure to clean debris, and ignoring early signs of wear (cracking, fraying).