The timing belt is an important part of the engine function, because it is responsible for helping the crankshaft drive the camshaft. The camshaft is then able to open and close the valves in a carefully timed fashion; Thus the name “timing belt.”
When examining the timing belt, you should be looking for cracks, shredding, fraying, or looseness. If there is any oil leaking nearby, that could drastically reduce its longevity in the motor. If any of these conditions are found, it is time to change it.
In addition, even if you do not notice visible wear, the timing belt must be changed according to manufacturer recommendations. If you do not, you may come to seriously regret it down the road.
If your engine is a non-interference engine and the timing belt breaks, it will be a big hassle in that you will have to be towed in order to get it repaired. But, the good news, in this case, is that the extent of the damage will likely be only the belt itself.
If, on the other hand, you have an interference engine and your timing belt breaks, you are in serious trouble. This is because the timing belt keeps the pistons from hitting the valves when they open. The timing on this is precise.
When the timing belt is in place, these two parts are able to work in harmony. But if the timing belt breaks, the pistons can slam into the valves, necessitating an engine rebuild.
If you are not able to change the timing belt yourself or do not know when to change it, consult your local Utah auto repair shop or your owner’s manual and stay on top of the manufacturer recommended changes of this all-important engine part.
Related Posts
Utah’s climate can be unpredictable, with winter conditions lasting well into spring in some areas. Knowing when to change winter tires and when to switch back to summer or all-season tires is essential for safety, tire longevity, and vehicle performance. Swapping your tires at the right time helps you maintain traction, extend tread life, [...]
A hydrolocked engine is every driver’s nightmare. One moment, your car is running fine, and the next, it won’t start — or worse, it makes a terrible clunking sound. But what exactly is a hydrolocked engine, how does it happen, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down. What Is a [...]
How Does Wheel Alignment Work? Your car is important to you. You rely on it to take you where you need to go, and when something goes wrong with it, it can be very frustrating. Poor wheel alignment is one of the most common problems people experience with their cars. Misaligned wheels can cause [...]
