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The Job and Importance of a Timing Belt
Many drivers have probably never heard of a timing belt. This component plays a very important role in the functionality of your engine. It connects the crankshaft and the camshaft inside your engine to ensure that they spin at the same time. The timing belt works to synchronize the valves, pistons, and cylinders within the engine of your vehicle. It helps draw fuel in and optimizes combustion. When your timing belt is working at its best, you’ll enjoy swift acceleration and responsive steering. It will also help your engine run great for years to come. It’s also pretty obvious when it’s time for this part to be replaced. Being able to spot the signs will get you better prepared for a timing belt replacement. These symptoms present themselves as your timing belt wears down. It may crack, fall victim to dry rot, become elongated, or even get misaligned. Most of the following problems will warrant a replacement, making it important to keep your eyes and ears peeled. Here’s what you should look out for:
Ticking Noise: If you hear a ticking noise under the hood, there’s a good chance that your timing belt needs to be replaced. The belt is attached to your engine’s crankshaft with a series of pulleys. When the belt is worn out, it will not be able to turn the crankshaft as effectively. This is what causes the ticking noise.
Engine Doesn’t Start: This sign is not very common, as timing belts usually break while the engine is running, but it has been known to happen. When you turn the key in the ignition, you may hear the clicking of the starter, but with no belt to rotate the crankshaft, the engine won’t be able to fire up.
Engine Misfiring: The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the valves and cylinders in your engine. If it slips too far or falls off the pulley system, it may cause one of the cylinders to open or close too early. This will cause a misfire, and a noticeable loss of acceleration.
Oil Leak: The timing belt is protected by a cover that keeps it safe from dirt and other road debris. If the nuts and bolts that attach it to the engine become loose, they may begin leaking oil. This will decrease oil pressure, which will cause the belt to wear prematurely.\ An oil leak may also signify a degraded engine gasket, so it’s important to keep an eye out for spots in your driveway.
Hydroplaning: You have probably heard of hydroplaning before, and when it happens to a worn-out timing belt, it’s very similar to hydroplaning tires.
Check Engine Light: This is the easiest warning sign, and it may be the earliest as well. The computer system in your vehicle can detect the slightest issues within your engine. If the timing belt is off by a little bit or the engine is running too hot, it will alert you by illuminating the Check Engine light. That’s why it’s important to get every check engine light diagnosed by a professional.
You Have Smoke Coming From Your Exhaust: If you notice more smoke coming out of your exhaust than normal, this can be a sign that you are forcing the engine to work harder than usual. However, it can also be a sign of other engine problems. For example, it could be a sign that fluid is leaking and the engine is burning oil. It could also be a problem with the filters, limiting the amount of air that is getting to the engine.
If You Notice A Change In Your RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute): The number of revolutions per minute (RPM) is on the dashboard. This number is a way of determining how hard the engine is working. Manual drivers will use it to decide when to change up a gear. If something is wrong with the timing belt, like it’s missing teeth, it can cause the RPM to act erratically.
If you’re driving in the rain, water may get onto the timing belt. An old belt won’t be able to push the water out from between it and the pulleys, which will cause it to slip. The result will be a loss of power like what is felt during a misfire. When this happens, it’s important to contact us for your vehicle in for a timing belt replacement.
If you require a timing belt or chain replacement quote, please complete our form or call: +48 796 078 795 and we will call you back with the best price.
Please note: The timing belt and water pump will need to be changed in line with the manufacturer's recommendation; this is normally every 100,000 km. Most people change both components at the same time to save on costs and time. Even if the used vehicle appears to be in very good condition during the inspection, when you buy the vehicle as second hand (used), unless the previous owner has stated that the timing belt has been changed in any way - you should definitely replace it with a new timing belt set and water pump.
What is the timing chain?A timing chain is one of the integral components of an internal combustion engine, without which efficient vehicle operations are impossible. Composed of metal links, a timing chain runs along a set of gears to rotate the crankshaft and camshaft and regulates the opening and closing of the engine valves in coordination with the firing pistons. Since the timing chain is housed inside the engine, it receives its lubrication from the engine oil, which is essential for its smooth functions. Despite having a metallic composition, timing chains can wear off, get loose, or break due to stress.
Rattling sound on starting the engine or idling: A common finding in a vehicle with a bad timing chain is unusual rattling noise when the engine is started or when brakes are engaged. It happens due to the loose or stretched timing chain that shakes and rattles while rotating when the engine motor is running.
Misfiring engine: Since the timing chain times the opening and closing of engine valves, any damage can unbalance the air-fuel ratio and result in a lack of power. It appears as a jerking motion and loss of acceleration.
Contaminated engine oil: Another warning sign is finding metal bits in the engine oil. Metal parts from a damaged timing chain may break off and land in the oil. This finding must prompt the owner or mechanic to inspect the timing chain.
Check the engine light: Just like any other misfunctioning component of the engine, a faulty timing chain will illuminate the check engine light. It is a warning to get your vehicle assessed for underlying engine problems, which might include a bad timing chain.
Inability to start the engine: This is a sign of the ultimate breakage of the timing chain. The vehicle won't start and can result in damaging other engine components as well.
If you require a timing chain replacement quote, please complete our form or call: +48 796 078 795 and we will call you back with the best price.
Please note: The timing chain kit will need to be changed in line with the manufacturer's recommendation; this is normally between 120,000 and 200,000 km. Most people change both components at the same time to save on costs and time. Even if the used vehicle appears to be in very good condition during the inspection, when you buy the vehicle as second hand (used), unless the previous owner has stated that the timing chain has been changed in any way - you should definitely replace it.
Rattling sound on starting the engine or idling: A common finding in a vehicle with a bad timing chain is unusual rattling noise when the engine is started or when brakes are engaged. It happens due to the loose or stretched timing chain that shakes and rattles while rotating when the engine motor is running.
Misfiring engine: Since the timing chain times the opening and closing of engine valves, any damage can unbalance the air-fuel ratio and result in a lack of power. It appears as a jerking motion and loss of acceleration.
Contaminated engine oil: Another warning sign is finding metal bits in the engine oil. Metal parts from a damaged timing chain may break off and land in the oil. This finding must prompt the owner or mechanic to inspect the timing chain.
Check the engine light: Just like any other misfunctioning component of the engine, a faulty timing chain will illuminate the check engine light. It is a warning to get your vehicle assessed for underlying engine problems, which might include a bad timing chain.
Inability to start the engine: This is a sign of the ultimate breakage of the timing chain. The vehicle won't start and can result in damaging other engine components as well.
If you require a timing chain replacement quote, please complete our form or call: +48 796 078 795 and we will call you back with the best price.
Please note: The timing chain kit will need to be changed in line with the manufacturer's recommendation; this is normally between 120,000 and 200,000 km. Most people change both components at the same time to save on costs and time. Even if the used vehicle appears to be in very good condition during the inspection, when you buy the vehicle as second hand (used), unless the previous owner has stated that the timing chain has been changed in any way - you should definitely replace it.
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