It can be hard to tell if your timing belt it failing.
Timing belt repairs should be left to expert mechanics with experience dealing with this sensitive part of your car.
Timing belts are sealed within their own housing in your car, which makes them very hard to check on your own. An experienced mechanic will be able to see the signs of wear and issues that are affecting the condition of the belt. While your mechanic is evaluating your timing belt they will also check other engine systems and functions.
What Does Your Timing Belt Do?
For starters, your car won’t run without a timing belt.
Your timing belt rotates your car’s engine’s cam and crankshaft. This allows each cylinder to fire at the right time. If this timing is off, the engine will not run smoothly if it is even able to run at all.
Your timing belt is located within a separate casing within your car that helps to protect it from dirt, grime, oil and other contaminants that are in your engine compartment. The belt itself is made from a high strength rubber and nylon blend. While this is a very strong material that is meant to last a very long time and endure a lot of usage and stress it will need to be replaced eventually (typically suggested at your 80k tune-up, but you should always consult your owners manual).
How Can I Tell if My Timing Belt is Going Bad?
Since it can be hard to do a visual check, there are four other signs to be aware of indicating that your timing belt may be about to fail. Knowing these warning signs can save you costly repairs, and a ruined engine.
Engine Doesn’t Start
A bad timing belt is just one of the many reasons your engine might not start. You can’t exactly ignore this problem if your car won’t start then you can’t drive it. However, if the timing belt breaks while you are driving you will definitely notice and there will almost certainly be additional damage to your engine. If the timing belt is broken the car will NOT start, the car won’t turn over, there will be absolutely no response.
Related: Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start
You Hear Squealing Sounds
Whenever any sort of squealing occurs you should have it checked out by a mechanic. However squealing that indicates an issue with your timing belt may happen at all different times such as when you are accelerating, braking, idling – or all of the above. It’s important to get your car checked out when the squealing starts and not to simply ignore it – if the squealing is a worn out timing about to break it’s better for your car, and your wallet to have it repaired before it fails and causes damage to your engine.
Engine Misfires or Runs Roughly
When your timing belt has worn down it will begin to affect your engines timing, causing misfires. Since the timing belt controls the action of the pistons within the engine if the belt is worn or lose they will move erratically if they move at all. Engine misfiring is a sign of trouble that should be checked as soon as possible, otherwise you are risking serious engine damage.
You Hear Ticking/Clicking in Your Engine
When your timing belt begins to wear out it can cause clicking and ticking noises to come from your car’s engine. Since your timing belt is attached to a system of cam’s and pulleys when something begins to fail it creates clicking and ticking noises. This sound can also indicate low oil pressure, which in turn can affect the timing belt. There is a tensioner that keeps the belt taut, and that tensioner is pressurized by the engine oil.
AAMCO Minnesota for Your Timing Belt Repairs
Worried about your timing belt? Hearing strange noises? Engine misfiring? Visit an AAMCO Minnesota near you. It’s easy to call or book an appointment online. Our expert mechanics are here to check and replace your timing belt, as well as complete any other repairs you might need. Those who know, go to AAMCO.
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