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What is timing belt in your car and why is it needed?

Why do you need Timing Belt in engine?

The main function of the timing belt (gas distribution mechanism) is to synchronize the operation of the crankshaft and camshaft (or camshafts). It is the timing belt that makes the connecting rods and pistons not collide with each other. The timing belt is located outside the engine, is covered with a protective cover and bends around a different number of pulleys, depending on the design of the engine. At a minimum, this is a tensioner that guarantees the correct operation of the timing belt. But in modern engines, where in a limited space you need to cram more units, the timing belt captures the pulleys of additional equipment. Most often this is a water pump (aka pump), which is responsible for cooling the engine. But there may be other units.

How often do you have to change Timing Belt in your car?

The old rule was to change the Timing Belt every 60 000 km. But it may very from car to car. Modern cars have 100 000 - 200 000 change interval. To be safe you have to look in to you manufacturer service recommendations and stay within this mileage. The normal lifespan for Timing Belt is 3 - 10 years regardless of mileage and is different for each car manufacturer. But always check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations.

Timing Belt
Timing Belt

What happens if I do not change Timing Belt?

When timing belt breaks the valves open at wrong time and hurt your engine. Your engine will stop working and damage to it, in most cases, will be permanent. Please follow recommendations of the manufacturer to avoid such situations.

What are symptoms of bad Timing Belt?

While there is no right way to check car`s timing belt condition, there are some symptoms of bad / broken timing belt:

  1. Ticking noise coming from the engine
  2. Engine won't turn over
  3. Engine misfires
  4. Oil leaking from in front of the motor
  5. Smoke from the Engine

If you have any doubts about your car`s timing belt condition it is highly recommended to visit car service as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace Timing Belt?

The majority of the cost is labor, because many parts need to be removed from the engine to gain access to the belt. A typical timing belt will only cost between $25 and $50, but the repair takes at least a few hours. The labor cost to replace a timing belt can range from $200 – $900. However car engine repair in case of broken timing belt may be up to 5000$, so it is totally worth it.

Do all cars have timing belt?

Most of the cars do have timing belt, but some cars might have timing chain instead. ## Why do you need Timing Belt in engine? The main function of the timing belt (gas distribution mechanism) is to synchronize the operation of the crankshaft and camshaft (or camshafts). It is the timing belt that makes the connecting rods and pistons not collide with each other. The timing belt is located outside the engine, is covered with a protective cover and bends around a different number of pulleys, depending on the design of the engine. At a minimum, this is a tensioner that guarantees the correct operation of the timing belt. But in modern engines, where in a limited space you need to cram more units, the timing belt captures the pulleys of additional equipment. Most often this is a water pump (aka pump), which is responsible for cooling the engine. But there may be other units.

How often do you have to change Timing Belt in your car?

The old rule was to change the Timing Belt every 60 000 km. But it may very from car to car. Modern cars have 100 000 - 200 000 change interval. To be safe you have to look in to you manufacturer service recommendations and stay within this mileage. The normal lifespan for Timing Belt is 3 - 10 years regardless of mileage and is different for each car manufacturer. But always check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations.

What happens if I do not change Timing Belt?

When timing belt breaks the valves open at wrong time and hurt your engine. Your engine will stop working and damage to it, in most cases, will be permanent. Please follow recommendations of the manufacturer to avoid such situations.

What are symptoms of bad Timing Belt?

While there is no right way to check car`s timing belt condition, there are some symptoms of bad / broken timing belt:

  1. Ticking noise coming from the engine
  2. Engine won't turn over
  3. Engine misfires
  4. Oil leaking from in front of the motor
  5. Smoke from the Engine

If you have any doubts about your car`s timing belt condition it is highly recommended to visit car service as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace Timing Belt?

The majority of the cost is labor, because many parts need to be removed from the engine to gain access to the belt. A typical timing belt will only cost between $25 and $50, but the repair takes at least a few hours. The labor cost to replace a timing belt can range from $200 – $900. However car engine repair in case of broken timing belt may be up to 5000$, so it is totally worth it.

Do all cars have timing belt?

Most of the cars do have timing belt, but some cars might have timing chain instead.