Your car’s timing belt keeps the engine running is close synchronization, but every part has an expiration date. Take a look at the role of this essential auto part and look out for signs that it needs to be replaced.
What Does the Timing Belt Do?
There are a few belts under the hood of your car, but the timing belt is responsible for keeping the engine’s combustion cycle synchronized. The belt has teeth used to connect with the gears of the camshaft and crankshaft. These components have to operate in close coordination, so the timing belt runs between them to keep the process – from intake to exhaust – in step.
What Happens when the Belt Breaks?
The timing belt itself is a lower-cost auto part, but it could potentially cause more complicated engine damage if it breaks while you’re driving. When the belt breaks and stops turning the camshaft, there are still a few moments when the crankshaft continues to rotate. If your vehicle has a non-interference engine, you won’t have to worry about the pistons striking the valves, but if you have an interference engine, the pistons will hammer any valves left open, causing serious damage.
How Long do Timing Belts Last?
These parts are durable and are made to last for miles of constant rotating, but even the heartiest timing belts will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. Some manufacturers recommend changing the timing belt every 30,000 miles, while others recommend considerably longer intervals, so check your owner’s manual to see the suggested interval for your model.
Warning Signs
When time’s up for your timing belt, it will let you know with a few telltale warning signs. Look out for any oil leaking around the motor. If you notice excessive exhaust smoke, that could also be a sign that your timing belt is failing. As you drive, listen out for a ticking sound coming from under the hood as well. If you try starting you car and the engine won’t turn over, the timing belt is one of several possible causes for that problem, too.
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Tarr Chevrolet
If it’s time for a new timing belt, schedule service with Tarr Chevrolet to leave your maintenance to the experts.
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