How Important Is a Timing Belt Replacement?

How Important Is a Timing Belt Replacement?

There are some types of car maintenance that many car owners will try to put off due to the expense and getting a timing belt replacement is definitely on that list.  In most cars, the timing belt is difficult to get to, making it one of the more costly part replacements an engine could need.

However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore your timing belt!  It’s an absolutely critical component of your engine, and should it stop working correctly, your car could become completely inoperable – and potentially damage the engine in the process!  If you need a timing belt replacement, it really is a good idea to just get it done.

What Does the Timing Belt Do?

The proper function of a gasoline engine requires extremely precise amounts of air and gas being let into the combustion chamber.  Otherwise, you won’t have the proper mixture to make combustion happen. 

The timing belt is what controls the valves letting in the air and gas.  If it stops working properly or even falls a little out of sync, your car will quickly stop producing enough combustion to move. 

What Happens If the Timing Belt Breaks?

This depends on what kind of engine you have.  If it’s a non-interference design, you’ll simply quit moving.  That’s bad enough, but no other damage will be done.

However, if the engine has an interference design, the various valves and pistons are so close to each other that mistimed movements can actually cause them to impact.  This will quickly do massive damage, potentially even requiring a full engine rebuild or replacement.

Are There Warning Signs That I Need a Timing Belt Replacement?

Unfortunately, there aren’t many warning signs.  At most, if the belt is wearing down, you’ll start getting more engine misfires – although this could be mistaken for a spark plug issue.  Otherwise, if the belt breaks, you’ll instantly see a huge reduction in engine power, or lose power entirely.

When Should the Timing Belt Be Replaced?

The good news is that timing belts are built to last.  Exact lifespans depend on the vehicle, but they typically don’t need to be replaced until at least 60,000 miles – and some can easily last up to 100,000 miles. 

If your car is an older vehicle with high mileage, and you’ve never had your timing belt replaced, it’s worth doing proactively before it fails.  Contact Fred’s Auto Repair for an appointment!