What is one benefit of maintaining proper belt tracking?

Maintaining proper belt tracking is crucial for the overall performance and longevity of the belt in a power transmission system. When the belt is correctly aligned, it runs smoothly along the pulleys and does not experience uneven wear or excessive tension. This alignment helps to distribute the forces acting on the belt evenly, which minimizes stress and strain on the material. As a result, this leads to an extended lifespan of the belt since it will not be subjected to unnecessary wear and tear caused by misalignment or improper tracking.

In contrast, while aspects such as belt thickness, friction, and weight capacity may be relevant to the performance of a belt, they are not directly influenced by proper tracking. Maintaining correct tracking does not inherently change the thickness of the belt or its material composition. Although reduced friction can be a result of good tracking, the primary and most significant benefit is the extension of the belt's operational life, making it the most relevant and accurate answer to the question.