Timing Belt Replacement
One of the greatest dangers to high mileage cars is also one of the least well known. We all know how to maintain our engine oil and to prevent cases of transmission failure, but the death of many high mileage cars is caused by the failure of the timing belt. Lucky for us, its maintenance is predictable and can be scheduled far enough in advance to ensure your vehicle’s health and to give you time to budget for the service. In many vehicles the timing belt is hidden in such a way that it takes hours of disassembly to get to it for inspection and repair, making it a long and expense bit of maintenance.
Time & Expense?
Your Timing Belt Explained
The timing belt serves a very important role when it comes to making your engine run. Namely, the timing belt is the belt that controls the camshafts in your engine and keeps the entire operation running smoothly. Timing belts are found in cars with overhead cams. The cam shafts open and close the valves in your engine, letting air in to combust and venting it out after firing. The timing belt is calibrated so it moves in time with the motion of the pistons. If the belt breaks or slips, it causes a collision that can be catastrophic to the engine.
When to Replace It
You will know it is time to have it looked at when the service interval outlined above is approaching. When it comes into the shop we base our main judgement on the manufacture recommended mileage for your timing belt replacement. Because the timing belt is hidden it takes quite a lot of labour just to get a look at it, it is not something that we can just look at to determine that it needs to be changed.
A timing belt failure is extremely easy to prevent, and although it may not be the cheapest or easiest operation in the world, it is definitely better than purchasing a new engine (or a new car). A good general rule of thumb is that a timing belt should be changed every 100,000-140,000KMs. Some belts are designed to last much longer, and we can give you a good estimate based on your vehicle’s make and model, but this is a good starting point. Some manufacturers are also including a date stamp in the owner’s manual to let you know the exact time to bring it in to be changed.
FAQ
Is a timing belt the same as a cambelt?
What would happen if my timing belt snapped?
Most cars are of an interference design which means a snapped timing belt would cause catastrophic internal damage. A minority of vehicles are of a non-interference design, and in that case the engine would just shut off and it would have to be towed in for repair.
Can't I just get it checked to see if it needs changing?
Make an appointment
If your vehicle is ready for maintenance or have any further questions please be in touch via phone or email. You can find all of our contact information and location right here and at the top of each page on this site. You will be greeted by one of the handsome fellas below, who are happy to take your questions any time of day to make you feel confident that you are making sound decisions regarding your vehicle’s health.
Meet The Team
Malachi Harrison
MechanicHi everyone, my name is Malachi Harrison, I am a 2nd year apprentice at Parkside.
