Your timing belt plays an essential role by syncing up the crankshaft and camshaft rotation in your vehicle's engine. Without the timing belt, you will not achieve proper combustion to get your car moving. Because this component is made of rubber, it wears down due to high temperatures and pressures over time. If neglected, it can break and cause extensive damage. Knowing when to replace it will save you from repair costs and an inconvenient breakdown, so when is a good time for you to replace them?
Some manufacturers recommend replacing it as little as 60,000 miles, while some say every 100,000 miles. Because the interval can vary from vehicle to vehicle, you should follow the number listed in the owner's manual.
Besides mileage, there are other factors to consider when determining the timeframe of changing your timing belt. You should be on the lookout for the following signs of a worn timing belt:
- Engine misfires
- Ticking or other unusual engine noises
- Rough idling
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Physical signs of wear and tear (fraying, glazing, cracking, etc.)
- Oil leak
- Dashboard warning light on (rare)
It can be rather tricky to diagnose a timing belt at home without professional knowledge or experience. You may not know what to look for or even where to look for. For instance, some people often confuse the timing belt with the serpentine belt.
If you have concerns regarding the condition of your timing belt, perhaps due to age, it may be time to change it. The team at inMOTION Auto Care would be glad to assess the shape of your timing belt and figure out when it is best to change it out.
For reliable and quality belt replacements, look no further than inMOTION Auto Care. We welcome you to bring your car to our Lincoln auto repair shop today.