Timing belt complications usually occur without warning. There are no signs of obvious impending damage, such as abnormal noise or leaks that might help alert you. Also, if your car suddenly dies during operation and refuses to restart, then most likely your timing belt is bad and needs to be replaced.
Most car owners enjoy the benefit of owning a car. The only downside to this is the responsibility of maintaining it to last a long time. The car belt is among the most essential parts of the car, as it works as a link between the crankshaft and the camshaft. It controls the opening and closing of the valves located in the car engine. Naturally, if the belt is damaged, the car will not run smoothly and safely.
It is important to maintain the timed movement of a car. Otherwise, it will cause a collision between other car parts such as valves, cylinder head, cylinder walls, and pistons. The belt, then, was made to prevent such an incident from happening. The belt synchronizes the engine mechanism every time the car is in motion. It is supported by two crankshaft pulleys, each containing a timing mark. It is important that these marks are arranged according to the time specifications of the car. The pulleys are then notched to prevent the belt from slipping or slipping around the pulleys. All of these are commonly preserved movements that help in the successful running of the car.
Because the belt is made of rubber, it is prone to stretching and tearing due to excessive heat. As heat penetrates the belt, it stretches and deteriorates, causing the teeth on the belt to wear. If there are no teeth to secure the belt, a collision of parts of the car is possible. To prevent this from happening, a periodic checkup or inspection should be performed by a certified mechanic. It is better to be safe than sorry as this would reduce the cost of car repair and maintenance.
In addition, it cannot be avoided that the belt breaks, replacement is still the only solution. It is recommended to replace the car’s timing belt every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. However, this depends on the car’s timing belt replacement intervals. This auto repair service usually costs between $250 and $750. Your expenses will vary depending on the state of the belt damage.
In order to save cost, most car owners resort to replacing the belt on their own. Although it is a difficult task, it is not impossible to do. However, experience and knowledge are essential to having a successful replacement. It should be remembered that once the replacement is done incorrectly, your engine will not work. To avoid this, asking for advice and recommendations from qualified mechanics is a good measure. Doing research is also logical to ensure a better understanding of timing belt replacement.