Simply put, there are many reasons your timing belt may need replacing. Even if the belt breaks when you’re driving it is unlikely that it will cause any major damage to your engine, it is more likely that the vehicle will not start. The internal components of the engine will not come into contact if the timing is not correct. On a ‘non-interference’ engine timing that is off is less of a problem. If that happens an expensive engine rebuild will most likely be required. This might not seem critical but just remember that the parts will break if they hit at a high speed. In so-called ‘interference engines’, it will mean that the pistons and valves will hit. On some engines, incorrect timing or a snapped timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine damage. If you think that your belt is worn it’s very important to act quickly before it wears so much that it snaps! This may be rare but it can happen if your timing belt is not replaced timely. If in doubt make sure to get an inspection by a mechanic who can help identify any issues. There may be no strange noises or visible signs of wear.
What makes things difficult is that it’s not always clear when a replacement is needed. Often this is just because of normal wear, other times because of wear to parts like the pulleys or a tensioner, as a faulty pulley or tensioner can rip the timing belt. A squealing noise from the engine or a belt that looks frayed can indicate that your belt has worn too much. Over time the timing belt can and will wear. Signs That Your Timing Belt Needs Replacing The timing will be off and the components inside the engine will not be in the right position at the right time. This means that the belt jumps a tooth on one of the pulleys it runs around. In a worst-case scenario, your timing belt may ‘jump’. It is rather pulleys that are damaged or a timing belt tensioner that has loosened up. Incorrect timing of the engine can be due to many things. What it does is keeping everything in check, to ensure your engine runs smoothly. The belt matches the timing of the valves and ignition with the timing of the pistons inside the engine. The timing belt links up the top and bottom parts of the engine. The timing belt, often also called cambelt, is one of the most important components of your engine but also one of the most fragile ones and if they snap you could face a major repair bill.
Replacement intervals will depend on the make and model of car, with some belts lasting up to 100,000 miles. Lots of car owners come to us asking when their timing belt needs replacing.
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