Just because your timing belt is tucked away and out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. The timing belt plays an essential role in your engine – it rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft, so the cylinders can fire at the right time. While these belts are made of quality rubber, they don’t last forever. You should replace the timing belt on time.
When your timing belt wears out, it may show the following symptoms:
- Ticking noise - A ticking sound means your timing belt is in serious trouble and requires a replacement soon.
- Oil leak - When your timing belt looks bad, you may notice oil spotting or leaking. This occurs when the gasket between the engine block and the timing belt cover wears out.
- Exhaust fumes - Excess exhaust smoke can mean various things, including a worn timing belt. In simple terms, your engine is working with a lot of stress. Therefore, you should check on your timing belt.
- Trouble turning over engine - When your timing belt is on the verge of breaking, it will prevent your engine from igniting the air and fuel mixture. The timing will be off, which will lead to misfires.
To prevent these problematic symptoms, it would be wise to inspect your timing belt regularly and replace it early on. We suggest having your timing belt checked at each service interval. During this time, your mechanic will pop the hood open and check for signs of cracks, tears, and other major signs of wear and tear.
Most automakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000-100,00 miles. Waiting too long to replace your timing belt can cause irreversible damage to your engine. You risk your vehicle’s timing belt breaking while on the road.
We welcome you to J & F Motors Ltd in Arlington, VA for quality timing belt replacements. Please call or visit our auto service shop today if you have any questions or concerns.