Everything About Your Car's Timing Belt

Ever heard the saying, “Timing is everything?” Well, timing is essential in every aspect of our lives, from cooking, music, making good jokes, and as you will soon find out – your engine! Your car engine relies on a timing belt to stay in sync. The car timing belt goes by many names, including Gilmer belt, cambelts, and most commonly timing belt. Your timing belt plays an essential role in the smooth running of your internal combustion engine. It is what connects the crankshaft to the camshaft maintaining the precise alignment between these two key combustion components as they rotate at different, but consistent speeds relative to each other.

While the timing belt plays a critical role in the running of the vehicle, it’s perhaps one of the most commonly overlooked components when it comes to auto repair and maintenance. When your timing belt fails, the engine will stop, and the car will coast to a halt. What’s worse, when it eventually snaps, which it will if not replaced, the damage could potentially be catastrophic for your engine.

When Do I Need to Replace My Car Timing Belt?

Unlike other components of your vehicle, such as your suspension or brakes, when your timing belt is due for replacement, there are no unique warning signs. Your car will be running fine at one moment and fail the next.

The best line of action against a snapping timing belt is to observe a strict service routine as advised on your manufacturer-issued owner’s manual. If you are not sure of when your timing belt needs replacing, scheduling regular car maintenance service with a reputable auto repair expert such as AAMCO Boise could be beneficial in tracking when you need to make a replacement.

Following this service routine will also save you a couple of bucks as well as a warranty. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, your timing belt needs replacing every 60,000- 100,000 miles or four years.

What Will Happen If I Don’t Replace My Timing Belt in Time?

Neglecting to replace your car timing belt in time could result in catastrophic engine failure, bent valves, cylinder head or camshaft damage, as well as piston and cylinder wall damage. Replacing your timing belt is not an “if it is not broken, don’t fix it” situation. Replacing your timing belt in time, as specified by your manufacturer, will help avoid thousands of dollars in engine replacement and repair costs.

Signs and Symptoms Your Timing Belt Needs Replacing

It is important to note that compared to other components of your vehicle, often, a worn timing belt won’t throw off any signs before the timing belt breaks. However, the following are possible indicators it’s time to replace your timing belt:

Engine misfires- Since the timing belt is what synchronizes the internal engine components; a worn-out timing belt will harm your engine’s fire rate.
Leaking Oil- you will notice engine oil leaking from the timing belt cover. This will happen when the gasket between the engine and the timing cover begin to wear out.
Ticking noise from your engine – The timing belt is connected to a series of pulleys on the cam and crankshaft. Therefore, when your timing belt wears off, it may create a ticking sound inside your motor. This warning is indicative of low engine lubrication and pressure. The moment you notice this sign, contact a professional mechanic such as one from AAMCO Boise.
Check engine light – Your check engine light is designed to illuminate the moment your vehicle is not performing the way it needs to. A worn-out timing belt will affect the normal functioning of your car triggering the check engine light.

AAMCO Boise: Belt Repairs Made With Precision

AAMCO Boise is a reputable auto repair center when it comes to transmission repair and maintenance. We are also experts in all things “engine tune-up,” including timing belt replacement, and repair. Our years of experience servicing American licensed vehicles make us the go-to auto center for timing belt issues. We also offer other auto repair services, including; brake system service and maintenance, suspension repair and service, regular car maintenance service, engine tune-up service, factory recommended service, and many more.

Is your vehicle overheating, vibrating, and shaking as you drive down the road with decreased engine power? Your timing belt could be on its last legs. Contact your local AAMCO Boise auto repair service and have them perform an evaluation. We will work swiftly to get your car running smoothing and save you thousands of dollars of out of pocket expenses caused by a snapped timing belt.

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