Timing Belts

Do you know how hard your Timing Belt works?

The Timing Belt  is the most important part of your engine, hidden out of sight but doing all the work of keeping the crankshaft and the camshafts working together, ensuring the inlet and exhaust valves in the engine open and close at the correct times.

Failure can lead to the pistons colliding with the valves, causing extensive damage to the engine and loss of power; inevitably this can happen at what may be a crucial moment when overtaking or pulling out of a junction when you call for maximum power from the engine .

Belts MUST be replaced at manufacturer specified times of either a number of years or number of miles, whichever occurs sooner. Many people fail to realise that the "rubberised" belt degrades over time as it ages just as much as it is "worn" by being in constant use over miles of travel. We can advise you when it is appropriate and provide a cost assessment.

Why must the Timing Belt be Replaced?

The belt has “teeth” on its inner side (see the photo above) allowing it to keep the crankshaft and camshafts in perfect synchronisation. If these teeth start to become damaged or wear away, the belt can slip and the valve timing alter, causing poor running
or complete failure.   Unfortunately the work involved in stripping the engine to examine the timing belt is extensive therefore replacement (and very often replacement of the water pump if it is driven by the timing belt as well) is the most cost-effective method of preventing catastrophic failure.

When we are servicing your vehicle we will advise you of the prescribed replacement periods so you can make an informed decision and ensure that you avoid the harassment and cost of timing belt failure.

 

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