Timing Belt Information
The timing belt can also be referred to as a timing chain or cam belt. It is a flat rubber belt within the engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft so that the engines valves open and close at the proper time during the engines intake and exhaust periods. Typically if your car has a four or six cylinder engine, there is a good chance it also has a timing belt. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to be sure. Timing belts do need to be changed at regularly scheduled intervals, typically ranging between 60,000-105,000 miles, depending on your cars’ year, make, model, and engine type.
Many people do not realize how crucial the timing belt is to your vehicles overall performance. If your timing belt breaks, your vehicle will come to an immediate stop. Without the timing belt, your car will not run. When your timing belt breaks, most likely you will have to be towed to a repair shop to have your car serviced. This can also cause major internal damage to your engine, forcing you to have to replace your engine altogether.
There are some other things to keep in mind when changing your timing belt that are just as important as the timing belt itself. When you have your timing belt changed, remember to ask for a new water pump. Chances are, your timing belt drives the water pump in your car, and if the water pump fails, it can cause the timing belt to break as well.
Save yourself money by properly maintaining your vehicle with simple maintenance procedures like regularly getting your timing belt and water pump replaced. There is no way to tell if the timing belt is too worn down or about to break by simply observing, so to be on the safe side, we recommend following the recommended intervals for timing belt and water pump replacement as instructed by your owner’s manual.
Be sure to schedule your next service appointment at Vann York Toyota to get your new timing belt, to replace your water pump, or for any other automotive service needs. Contact us if you have any questions.