Timing Belts
One of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance is the servicing of the engine timing belt. If you do not repair your vehicle’s timing belt, as recommended by the owner’s manual, it could lead to severe damage to the engine.
At Jason’s Auto Service, we recommend replacing your engine timing belt once every five or six years. Replacing the timing belt is necessary since the belt is made of rubber, which can crack or deteriorate over time. Some other elements that can damage the timing belt include high temperature, road conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and defects in the belt.
What Are Some Signs of a Failing Timing Belt?
Some common signs of a damaged or failing timing belt are:
- A higher volume of emissions
- The engine won’t start or is ticking
- More fuel consumption
- Vibrating engine, causing the car to shake
- Car stalls when driving and experiences very quick or erratic RPM when you try to start it
You may also notice the following issues:
A Rattling Noise Coming from the Hood
A loose or weak belt can result in a rattling sound from under the hood. If this belt breaks, it can cause catastrophic damage to the engine, resulting in expensive repairs.
A Cracked Belt
Our certified mechanics will visually inspect your timing belt and see if there is any wear on it. A cracked belt indicates excessive wear and tear and cannot be fixed. In this case, we will replace the belt with a new one.
A Glazed Belt
When the timing belt becomes shiny from overuse, it can become inflexible and rigid. This will affect the performance of the belt, preventing it from working optimally. This is why it is important that you bring your car in for a courtesy inspection so that we can replace the timing belt.
When Should I Replace my Timing Belt?
If you are not a certified mechanic, it can be difficult to spot a worn timing belt. The best way to ensure that your timing belt remains in perfect condition is to replace the belt according to the car manufacturer’s instructions.
Typically, most car manufacturers will recommend changing the timing belt at 90,000 to 105,000 miles. The exact figure will be given in your owner’s manual. You can also bring your car over to us so that we can inspect the timing belt’s condition and advise you on whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Timing Belt Services in Hollis & Biddeford
At Jason’s Auto Service, we are a team of highly certified mechanics who have plenty of experience fixing and replacing your engine’s timing belt. We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to ensure we offer the best belt timing solutions possible.
Once your timing belt has been repaired and replaced, you can be sure that it will last for several years. If you suspect there is an issue with the timing belt of your car’s engine, schedule a maintenance appointment with us today. We will check the condition of your belt as well as the other important parts of your car and will get it fixed and back on the road in no time.