Your car’s timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. If it fails, you can end up with severe engine damage. Fortunately, you can avoid this by replacing the belt as needed. Find out when to replace your timing belt, as well as signs that indicate a worn belt.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
You might need to replace your timing belt every 30,000 miles. However, some cars can go for 120,000 miles before replacing the belt. Since it varies by manufacturer, you’ll need to check your owner’s manual for the car’s maintenance schedule. It will list all your car’s maintenance requirements, including the timing belt replacement schedule. If you reach the mileage milestone, replace your timing belt, even if you don’t notice any issues.
Check the Timing Belt if You Have Engine Problems
If your engine misfires or has bad spark plug coils or wires, you need to check your timing belt. The timing belt won’t cause these engine problems to happen. However, misfires and damaged coils and wires can put excessive stress on the timing belt. Thus, you might need to change it sooner rather than later if this happens. If you notice any signs of damage, replace it immediately.
Inspect Your Timing Belt if You Notice Strange Sounds
Have you noticed clicking and squealing sounds that seem to come from the front of your engine? If so, it could be due to your timing belt. First, if your engine is clicking, your timing belt might be missing some teeth. If you continue driving, the belt can fail completely.
Second, squeaking, rattling, and squealing could be due to a problem with the timing belt tensioner. It might be worn or defective, which can lead to serious problems. Thus, if you hear strange noises, inspect your timing belt and replace it if needed.
Check Your Timing Belt if it Deals with Extreme Conditions
Your timing belt is designed to last for a specific time based on normal conditions. However, if you have an aggressive driving style or find yourself in lots of stop-and-go traffic, it can wear down faster. Also, extreme heat and cold can cause it to reach the end of its lifespan sooner than expected. If your car is put under extreme conditions, check the belt. Then, you can replace it before it fails.
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Change Timing Belts on Used Cars
If you buy a used car and don’t have access to the prior maintenance records, assume that the timing belt hasn’t been replaced. Use the owner’s manual to find out when it should be replaced, and if it’s reached the mileage limit, do it now. If it hasn’t reached it yet, inspect it to make sure it’s in good condition.
Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville in Greenville, North Carolina, can check and change your timing belt for you. If you don’t have time to drop it off, schedule a pickup and delivery service. Then, we will get your car and drop it off at your house when we finish repairing it.
If your timing belt has failed, you likely have catastrophic engine damage. If that’s the case, we can help you find a new vehicle. Then, you can use our service center to stay on top of maintenance tasks.
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