Maintenance

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What Is a Timing Belt? And When Should You Replace It?

Timing is everything. For jokes, music, cooking, dating&#;even engines! That&#;s because your car&#;s engine relies on a timing belt to stay in sync. The timing belt makes sure everything in the engine is operating smoothly, keeping you safe on the road.

Replacing the timing belt is an important maintenance item! So, if you own a car, you should understand how a timing belt works and when to replace it.

Read: The Car Maintenance Checklist Every Driver Needs

What is a timing belt?

Think of a timing belt like a bike chain for your vehicle&#;it keeps all the internal moving parts of an engine in sync. It also sometimes powers the water pump, oil pump and injection pump.

The timing belt is a rubber belt with hard teeth that interlock with the cogwheels of the crankshaft and the camshafts. It synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and camshafts. This ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons. If the crankshaft and camshafts are not operating in unison, the vehicle will not run correctly.

If the intake valves open too early, there may be too much fuel-air mixture flowing into the engine combustion chamber, leading to poor combustion and power loss. And if the exhaust valves open too early, the combustion chamber will lose pressure and cause a power loss. If the engine components are very out of sync, they might collide and damage each other, resulting in costly repairs.

Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain

Depending on your vehicle model, you might have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. A timing chain functions the same as a belt, but it is metal instead of rubber. Because they are lighter and quieter, timing belts became popular to use after they were introduced in the s.

Thanks to design improvements and a long lifespan, many modern cars have returned to using timing chains instead. If your car has a timing chain instead of a timing belt, you may be able to go longer before replacing the timing chain. As always, check your owner&#;s manual or give us a call to be sure.

When should you replace the timing belt?

It&#;s important to replace your timing belt at the mileage intervals your vehicle manufacturer recommends. Every manufacturer is different, but typically, it needs to be replaced every 60,000&#;100,000 miles. The recommended interval for your specific vehicle can be found in your car&#;s owner&#;s manual.

Because the timing belt is made of rubber, it will wear down over time and eventually break. When it breaks, the engine will stop running or the components will be out of sync, damaging the engine.

If you don&#;t replace the timing belt at the recommended time, you could end up with total engine failure, broken or bent valves, cylinder head or camshaft damage, and piston and cylinder wall damage. This is not the type of situation where it&#;s safe to think: &#;If it&#;s not broke, don&#;t fix it.&#; Replace the timing belt according to the manufacturer&#;s maintenance schedule to avoid thousands of dollars repairing or replacing your engine.

8 Signs That It&#;s Time to Replace the Timing Belt

Often, there aren&#;t any warning signs before a timing belt breaks. But here are some possible indicators that it might be time to replace your belt:

• Decreased engine power
• Overheating
• Vibrating or shaking
• Trouble starting the vehicle
• Squealing or rubbing noises from the belts
• Ticking noise coming from the engine
• Leaking oil
• Check Engine Light

While your vehicle is in for service, we recommend also replacing the water pump. The water pump usually has a similar lifespan and is easy to access when the timing belt is off. That way you save money on labor costs.

Read: What Is a Serpentine Belt & When Should You Replace It?

Timing Belt Repair & Replacement at Virginia Tire & Auto

Replacing the timing belt is an expensive service. It is an intricate, labor-intensive process that can take 4&#;8 hours, depending on the vehicle. But replacing the timing belt before it breaks will prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run. If you&#;re unsure about your belt needs to be replaced, stop by Virginia Tire & Auto today.

Our expert ASE-certified technicians will examine your vehicle, identify any damage to your belt, and replace it with quality service at an affordable price. If you do need work done, our timing belt replacement service comes backed by our 2-year/24,000-mile service warranty. Click HERE to schedule a check-in time at one of our convenient locations!

Want more information on Automotive Timing Belts? Feel free to contact us.

The timing belt plays an important role in ensuring the engine performs to the best of its ability by controlling the timing of the crankshaft and camshaft. As a result, it is placed under a lot of stress daily. Therefore, car owners must replace the timing belt on a regular basis. Unfortunately, timing belts are often overlooked as it is no longer a common problem. Replacement jobs are done for preventive maintenance.

Keep in mind not all vehicles have a timing belt. Certain modern vehicles use a chain system instead, which are not prone to snapping and do not require regular replacement. However, they do contain their own set of potential issues. If you are unsure it is always best to check your owner&#;s manual to see which type of system is fitted in your vehicle.

Keep in mind not all vehicles have a timing belt. Certain modern vehicles use a chain system instead, which are not prone to snapping and do not require regular replacement. However, they do contain their own set of potential issues. If you are unsure it is always best to check your owner&#;s manual to see which type of system is fitted in your vehicle.

Do I really need to replace my timing belt?

Timing belts are mainly made of rubber, which means it naturally breaks down over time. However, If the timing belt snaps or slips due to the teeth of the belt being worn, you could cause serious, irreplaceable damage to your engine.

Signs that your timing belt and water pump need replacing.

Even with regular maintenance, timing belts can snap or slip. Therefore, it is important to know when your timing belt and water pump needs replacing. Make sure you contact your nearest expert car repair service, like Professional Auto repair If you are experiencing any of these signs.

Why is a timing belt change such an expensive service?

If you have just received a mind-blowing quote for replacing your timing belt, you might think it is a scam and you are being ripped off. The main reason a timing belt is such an expensive service is because it consists of a series of idler bearings and tensioner. So, when you do replace your timing belt, you are paying for more than just a belt.

While you may be checking the depths of your wallet, searching in all your pockets, and turning sofas upside to find spare change, the cost of changing a timing belt is a bargain. Would you rather pay for an entire engine or a new timing belt?

Timing belt replacements can be a costly affair, but if you fail to replace your timing belt you may pay more for repairs than what your vehicle is worth.

We are here to help! For superior service and expertise - contact us today at Professional Automotive Repair. Your professional one-stop auto repair shop in Marietta for all your automotive needs.

The company is the world’s best Audi Timing Belt Replacement supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.