.jpeg)
Timing Belts
A timing belt, which is a rubber belt with small spikes or teeth, is an essential tool in your car. Its central purpose is to synchronize the different parts inside your car that help keep it moving. It does this by making sure that the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft are in sync, which results in the engine valves opening and closing at the right times.
This is important because there are several problems that can arise if the intake valves aren't working properly. These include:
- Poor combustion
- Loss of power
- Loss of pressure
- Engine damage
If you don't properly maintain your timing belt, it could greatly damage your engine which ultimately leads to more expensive repairs down the line. In some car models, the timing belt is in charge of powering the oil, injection, and water pump which makes it an even more important tool.
Some cars have timing chains instead; they perform the same duties but are made of metal which makes them louder and heavier.
Replacing Your Timing Belt
Since it is composed of rubber, the timing belt in your car will eventually break down. If you don't get it replaced before this happens, it can result in some serious damage to your engine, valves, or camshaft. But how do you know when to replace your timing belt?
In general, the belt should be replaced around every 60k to 100k miles. However, a more specific mileage amount can be found in the manual for your specific car model. In some cases, a timing belt may start wearing down before you reach the recommended number of miles; fortunately, there are some signs that you can look out for.
If you notice that your engine is overheating, shaking, or decreasing in power, that could be a signal that your timing belt needs maintenance. Other issues to look out for include difficulty with starting the engine, loud and unusual noises coming from the car, and oil leaks.
If you need timing belt replacement, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!