08/02/2021
Why Does Regular Timing Belt Replacement Matter? If the timing belt is not replaced when recommended, it can break. In the case of interference engines, which are manufactured with extremely close tolerances, a broken timing belt will cause the valves to hit the pistons, resulting in serious internal engine damage. If you have been shopping for a used car with high mileage, over 60,000 miles or so, there is a very important, often overlooked item to take into consideration. Maybe you have found a suitable car in your price range. One of the next steps to take is to research whether that vehicle has a timing chain or timing belt, because a timing belt repair is a significant expense.
What is a Timing Belt?
When we are talking timing belts, we are not referring to the serpentine or accessory drive belt(s) that run your generator, power steering, air conditioning and the like, but rather the timing belt that drives the camshaft(s). The timing belt or chain is a component on the engine that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft and controls the opening and closing of the valves. Sometimes the timing belt also drives the water pump and/or the oil pump. It is an extremely important part of your engine.
