What Is A Timing Belt?
Timing belts are a vital part of your engine valvetrain, powering and coordinating the opening and closing of engine valves during the combustion cycle process. Correctly timed intake valves and exhaust valves allow your engine to run smoothly and provide optimum power and fuel efficiency. When the time comes for a timing belt service, the certified auto mechanics at your nearest All Pro Servicenter have the tools and expertise needed to get the timing belt replaced and your car running its best.
Why Do Some Cars Use Timing Belts Instead Of Timing Chains?
Automakers began installing timing belts in the 1960s as an alternative to timing chains. Today, many vehicles manufactured by domestic and foreign automakers utilize timing belts to help reduce valvetrain noise in the engine and maximize fuel efficiency. While offering these excellent benefits, engine timing belts require regular replacement to ensure your engine has a long and happy service life. Replacement intervals for timing belts vary depending on the make and model of your car and are often found in your owner’s manual. If you are unsure of the recommended replacement interval, we at All Pro can look it up for you.
What Are The Signs Of Timing Belt Failure?
Unlike worn timing chains that result in rough-running engines, new check engine lights, and various engine codes, timing belts offer almost no sights of impending failure. This is why replacing a timing belt and timing belt tensioner at the suggested intervals is important to avoid expensive engine repairs or premature engine replacement.
Will A Broken Timing Belt Destroy My Engine?
Depending on the engine, broken timing belts can cause a series of problems. On vintage engines, your engine simply won’t start until the broken timing belt is replaced. However, with the close tolerances on most engines manufactured since the 1980s, broken timing belts can cause significant damage. Broken cylinder heads, broken pistons, and bent valves are all common engine damage seen with broken timing belts on late-model vehicles. Should a timing belt break while the engine is running on these modern interference engines, you will likely need a complete engine rebuild or total engine replacement.
Let All Pro Servicenter Replace Your Timing Belt
When you bring your car into All Pro Servicenter for a timing belt service, you can rest assured that our experienced mechanics will get you back on the road quickly. Our auto technicians will replace your timing belt and belt tensioner using high-quality components that meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring your new timing belt will provide reliable service until its next scheduled replacement. Our mechanics will also check other components such as water pumps and serpentine belts for signs of wear and failure, catching problems before they leave you stranded on the roadside.
All Pro Servicenter Is Your One-Stop Auto Repair Shop
For the best auto repair in Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding metro communities, come to All Pro Servicenter. We offer comprehensive auto repair services, so we are ready to assist you with everything from simple oil change services to brake pad replacements, new exhaust systems, wheel alignments, and much more.
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Vehicle Timing Belt Frequently Asked Questions
When should timing belts be replaced?
Most manufacturer recommendations for timing belt replacement are at either 60,000, 90,000, or 100,000 miles. Time is also relevant, the belt is rubber and usually won’t last more than 7-10 years. If oil or antifreeze is found to be leaking into the timing cover the belt should be replaced as well.
What is a timing belt?
The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshafts. Usually, the timing belt is also the drive mechanism for the water pump.
What does a timing belt do?
Your timing belt choreographs the timing of your combustion process, if the timing is off, your engine won’t run. It’s your car’s timing belt that makes sure the valves are opening and closing at precisely the right time.
