When is it Time to Replace My Timing Belt?

You might not be aware of it, but in the early 70’s, timing belts began replacing chains on cars as many auto manufacturers looked to produce lighter, more efficient vehicles that were also less expensive to make.

By making lighter vehicles, they could boost gas mileage and enable drivers to get more bang for their buck.

It’s important to learn a little bit about timing belts so you can identify when your car is in need of timing belt replacement.  That’s why the team from Fred’s Auto Repair has collected some helpful tips for you here!

What Precisely Does a Timing Belt Do?

Before jumping into some of the signs of when a timing belt is in need of a replacement, it’s important to first understand a little about what they do for your vehicle.

It’s important to note that these days, chains are making a comeback—not all vehicles have a timing belt—so check your owner’s manual to determine whether your vehicle has a timing belt first.

Timing belts essentially are designed to work in tandem with your vehicle’s crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that they’re turning at the proper rate and your vehicle is functioning at its best.

Timing belts are integrally tied to your engine’s processes; the crankshaft moves your engine’s pistons up and down so it can keep up with its compression and exhaust cycles, as well as its intake and power cycles.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, timing belts will also control a variety of other important processes for your car, such as its oil and injection pump, as well as your vehicle’s water pump.

When it comes to the camshaft, it’s the main component that allows fuel to enter the chamber for compression by opening and closing at the correct time, so timing is everything; if your timing belt isn’t functioning properly, there are a lot of things that can go wrong.

Most importantly, the timing belt is responsible for your engine’s power.

When Does My Timing Belt Need to Be Changed?

Today, most manufacturers will recommend changing your timing belt anywhere from 60-100,000 miles depending upon the age, make, and model of your vehicle. Some of the most obvious signs that it’s time to change your timing belt include;

• Unusual noises (although this is less a factor now due to new technology)
• Engine misfiring
• Vibration from your engine
• Loss of fuel economy
• Loss of engine power

Often, replacing your timing belt will be done when you have other components of your car repaired or replaced that rely on a functioning timing belt.

For example, when you’re replacing your car’s water pump, your timing belt will often also be replaced because it’s usually the reason there are issues with your water pump in the first place.

The timing has to be exact on a new pump.  Even if your old timing belt is still in relatively good working order, getting the timing right on the two is extremely difficult – so replacement is usually recommended in any case.

Additionally, if you’re replacing a spent timing belt, switching out the water pump at the same time is recommended for the same reason.

What Happens When My Timing Belt Breaks?

When your timing belt breaks, most often your engine will simply stop running and your car won’t move. This is because the connection between the camshaft and crankshaft leading to your engine’s pistons has been cut and they’ll no longer be able to manage the fuel intake.

However, depending on your vehicle type this may not always be the case; it is only the case for those with non-interference engines. Those with interference engines will likely find another story altogether when their timing belt breaks.

Interference engines are designed to provide more power and compression and are often smaller than traditional non-interference engines. In such a case, you may find that your engine valves have become stuck in the open position when your timing belt breaks on an interference engine.

This means that you’ll likely also have some broken valves to deal with as the pistons will jerk up quite forcefully, smashing into the open ones.

The worst-case scenario can include rods and valves pushing up through the engine cover – creating major engine damage.  This is why timely timing belt replacement on vehicles with interference engines is essential!

What Should I Do if I’m Unsure of My Engine or Timing Belt?

You can always look up the make and model of your vehicle or refer to your driver’s manual to determine what type of engine it has. But any further questions should be answered by your local mechanics.

This is because there are a lot of things that can go unnoticed, even if you inspect your timing belt yourself. For example, hairline cracks or worn out teeth, or whether it’s begun to stretch or become coated in oil.

These are things that can often be easily overlooked by DIYers that will stick out like a sore thumb to a trained mechanic.

When it comes to the question of changing your belt or trying to squeeze a little more life out of it, ASE certified mechanics will always recommend the former to ensure you’re on the safe side and avoid repairs down the road.

Contact us today for timing belt replacement services and much more!

For those in need of timing belt replacement, wheel alignment solutions, check engine light repairs, oil changes, car air conditioning repair and heating services, and more, you can rely on us. The auto maintenance services from Fred’s Auto Repair employ today’s leading diagnostic equipment to determine your problem and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

We also offer NY State car and vehicle inspections, so contact us online today or call (914) 762-1131 to schedule your appointment.