Your timing belt and when it needs replacing

In a car, much like any other machine, timing is everything. Everything needs to run in perfect alignment, otherwise there is a risk of failure. In your car’s engine, that timing is kept in place by the timing belt, a very important piece of equipment that keeps the crankshaft connected to the camshaft and ensures that they both work in unison. If your timing belt fails, then it needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible. We can do so quickly and efficiently as part of our vehicle servicing in Addington, allowing you to drive your car safely once again.

The timing belt connects the crankshaft of your engine to the camshaft. It controls the timing of the camshafts and keeps them running smoothly in unison with the engine, ensuring that both the top half and bottom half of the engine are timed together correctly so that they operate properly. In modern times, the timing belt is slowly becoming phased out in favour of metal timing chains which are designed to last for as long as the engine does. However, many older cars still use the timing belt.

If the timing belt becomes damaged, or if the bearings dry out, then there is a risk that the idlers and tensioners can seize. Once this occurs, it can wrench the timing belt from the pulleys and cause extensive damage to the engine, which often costs a lot of money to put right. This occurs in interference type engines where the timing belt is used to time the valves and pistons which occupy the same cylinder in the engine, and thus keep the valves and piston’s stroke from smashing into each other. Failure of the timing belt leads to the valves and pistons colliding, causing a huge amount of damage. If the timing belt also drives the water pump, then leaking can occur should the belt succumb to failure. In a non-interference engine, damage is often minimal, though the belt will need replacing for the car to drive smoothly.

When this belt is compromised, it can lead to sudden engine speeding changes, as well as unexpected gear changes amongst other issues that affect the overall quality of driving. Replacing a timing belt is tricky and time-consuming if you choose to do it yourself. However, our team can carry out all relevant work in order to replace your timing belt and restore your smooth driving experience once more. We will replace the timing belt for a competitive price and ensure that no damage is affecting your vehicle. When you’re in need of vehicle servicing in Addington, we can perform everything from bodywork to timing belt replacement to ensure that your vehicle runs as smoothly as possible.