Everything You Need To Know About Timing Belt Replacement
The timing belt is an integral part of your vehicle’s engine system! An intact and properly-placed timing belt is essential to a healthy motor. A timing belt is a reinforced rubber or neoprene belt with raised notches or “teeth” on one side. The timing belt connects the camshafts and the crankshaft and ensures they move in unison with each other and the engine. When the timing belt is installed properly, the camshaft and the crankshaft will rotate in sync, which results in the smooth function of the pistons and valves. If your timing belt is not set properly or breaks while you’re driving, your car could malfunction, your engine can stop running, and your car won’t start. These issues will almost certainly arise if your timing belt is not replaced as often as it should be!
When Is It Time To Replace The Timing Belt?
Your timing belt will need to be replaced at some point. Whether you’re having noticeable engine problems or not, you should replace your timing belt around every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There are a few additional signs that you should have your timing belt checked, no matter how many miles your vehicle has. If you encounter any of the following problems, take your vehicle in to be checked immediately. Having your timing belt serviced is an essential safety precaution for everyday driving!
If your engine suddenly stops while you’re driving, it can be an indicator that your timing belt might have snapped and needs to be replaced.
If your vehicle is riding a bit rough or shaking noticeably, it could be because your timing belt has stretched over time. This causes the belt to become loose and jump positions on the crankshaft or camshaft gears. The ridges on the timing belt are also liable to break and wear down, which can cause the belt to skip or jump.
The most apparent sign of timing belt damage is a clunking sound coming from the engine. If your vehicle features an interference engine, when the timing belt is damaged, the valves and pistons can hit each other and cause damage. If your car is producing a persistent clanging sound, you should take it to a mechanic to ensure that it’s not your timing belt that’s the issue.
Contact German AutoSport!
If you have any questions about timing belt services or any other vehicle maintenance services, contact German AutoSport! Located in Amesbury, we provide the Northeastern Massachusetts region with vehicle maintenance services for almost all makes! Contact us today by calling us at (978) 388-1288 or by filling out the contact form on our website!