The timing belt is an often overlooked part of the car but it plays an important role.
If an auto mechanic told you that your car’s timing belt needed immediate replacement and it was going to cost more than $1,000, you might assume it’s a scam.
But unlike the shady mechanic who attempts to change your engine air filter every oil change, replacing the timing belt is absolutely crucial.
The timing belt is an integral part of your engine and, if it fails, so does your engine, causing your car to shut down.
How the timing belt works
The rubber timing belt is part of most internal combustion engines and is responsible for synchronizing the engine’s functions. It controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft and the opening and closing of the engine’s many valves to allow air and gas in and out, which causes the fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber. During this explosion, the valves push the pistons down.
“In order for the process to take place, the valves have to open and close at the right time,” . “The valves have to be in the correct position as well as the pistons. The valves open at different times for each cylinder. It’s a mechanical ballet of sorts.”
When the timing belt breaks, the valves, which are very light, will open at the wrong time and hit the larger pistons and cause damage.
What happens if the timing belt breaks?
The amount of damage your car’s engine will sustain when a timing belt breaks depends on the type of engine – interference or non-interference.
If your vehicle has an interference engine, the timing belt is responsible for keeping the valves and pistons from smashing into each other. If the timing belt snaps, you’ll end up with bent valves, cylinder head or camshaft damage, and possibly damage to the piston and cylinder wall.
In a non-interference engine, the pistons and valves won’t smash together if the timing belt breaks so no valve or cylinder damage occurs.
Is a timing chain the same as a timing belt?
Instead of a timing belt, some cars have a timing chain. A timing chain is a maintenance-free unit and rarely needs to be replaced. If you don’t know whether your vehicle has a timing belt or chain, check your owner’s manual or ask one of our technicians when you bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance.
When to replace the timing belt?
Unfortunately, in most cases, there are no obvious signs the timing belt is near death; it will just break. Most timing belts are hidden behind dust covers and other engine components that prevent us from being able to see their condition. That’s why highly rated auto mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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