Signs You Need a New Timing Belt
Timing belts have been around since the 1970s, but do you actually know what they do, and when to go ahead with timing belt replacement in Hanford, CA? It’s an integral part of your car’s, truck’s or van’s mechanical bearings, and if it goes out, your car won’t operate properly. Here’s an overview of what timing belts are and why they’re so important.
What is a timing belt, and what does it do?
Before the 1970s, cars used to use chains instead of timing belts. The timing belt has one important function: to keep the camshaft and crankshaft turning at the right rate and speed. It may also help operate your water, oil and injection pumps.
The camshaft helps regulate the opening and closing of valves in the engine, and if any of them are thrown off, your car won’t operate properly—the valves in your engine have to open and shut to allow fuel in and compress it appropriately. When your timing belt is off, the engine can’t do its job, and your car won’t have any power.
Of course, that’s the best-case scenario. In the worst case, your engine will still have just enough power to do some serious damage, such as breaking pistons and damaging valves. Pistons can even break through oil pans if left unaddressed—it’s important that you see a mechanic as soon as you notice signs of a timing belt slip.
How do I know I need a new timing belt?
Generally, you should aim to replace your timing belt around every 100,000 miles, but that’s not a hard and fast rule. In years past, 60,000 miles was the magic number, but as technology has improved, timing belts have become more reliable.
If you’ve noticed that your car is guzzling up a lot more gas, your engine is misfiring or vibrating and you simply don’t seem to have enough engine power, these are all signs that may indicate a timing belt replacement is in order.
Whether or not you need to have your timing belt replaced, you might consider doing it anyway if you’re having work done that requires removing it. This could be something like replacing the water pump, for example—ask your mechanic—but getting a fresh belt at the same time as another repair can put your mind at ease. Plus, if your timing belt is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’ll save on labor costs doing it then instead of waiting until it breaks—and potentially causing a lot more damage to your vehicle’s engine in the process.
Timing belt replacement in Hanford, CA
No one likes taking their car in for repair and maintenance, which is why AAA Sandoval Transmissions makes it our job to make your experience a breeze. We can perform any kind of car maintenance and repair you need, including timing belt replacement in Hanford, CA. Not sure if your timing belt needs to be replaced? We can help you decide what to do when you call or stop by today.
Categorised in: Auto Repair Services
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