Tag Archive for: Timing Belts

Timing Belt Maintenance: Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly

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You may have heard about an important part of your vehicle’s engine called a timing belt. If this belt breaks, it can lead to severe engine problems that are costly to repair.

Not all vehicles have a timing belt, but those that do generally feature smaller engines. The timing belt keeps the engine synchronized, ensuring that the spark plug fires precisely when the crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, and valves are all working together. Over time, timing belts will need to be replaced, and most vehicle manufacturers provide recommendations for when this should be done. Typically, it’s around every 60,000-100,000 miles. Sticking to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule or being alert for signs of a failing timing belt can save you from significant engine damage.

Some common symptoms of a failing timing belt include:

  • The engine won’t turn over when you try to start it.
  • You hear a ticking or banging sound under the hood.
  • You notice an oil leak or the engine misfires.

If you experience any of these issues, it’s crucial to bring your vehicle to Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan. Our expert technicians will diagnose the problem and ensure your vehicle is back on the road in top condition.

At Advanced Auto Clinic, we understand the importance of preventative maintenance. Replacing a timing belt before it breaks is a wise investment to avoid costly engine repairs. The process of replacing a timing belt can be involved, often requiring the replacement of other components like the water pump, thermostat, tensioner, and idler pulleys to ensure the new belt lasts for another 60,000-100,000 miles.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle has a timing belt or a timing chain (which lasts longer and is used in more recent models), our service advisers are here to help. Contact us to check your vehicle’s timing system and schedule any necessary maintenance.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your timing belt replacement today by calling Advanced Auto Clinic at (262) 728-2944 or online here!

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ASE-Certified Tire and Automotive Professionals

We offer timing belt/chain service on all automotive makes and models including: Toyota, Dodge, Dodge Trucks, Honda, Lexus, BMW, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Trucks, Chrysler, Ford, Ford Truck, GMC, GMC Truck, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Pontiac, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Mercury, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Mini Coopers & more! Our auto alignment repair shop is located very close to Lake Geneva, Elkhorn, Fontana, Darien & Burlington. Contact your local NAPA AutoCare Center store today and find out what our ASE-certified tire and automotive professionals can do for you!

DID YOU KNOW?

They say timing is everything. That’s doubly true when it comes to your timing belt. First, your timing belt keeps your valves operating in time with your engine so that it runs properly. Second, if you replace your timing belt on schedule, you’ll likely avoid the downtime and expense that can result from a broken or slipping timing belt. At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944 and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.

This weeks epidsode of Car Parts Explained: Timing Belt

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Learn from Ryan at Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan how your car’s timing belt is like a conductor in a band, and why it’s crucial for engine’s harmony and emphasizing the necessity of routine maintenance to prevent costly failures.

Read more

Timing Chain Repair & Maintenance

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timing-chains-aac

As your engine runs, the intake valves need to open up to allow air into the engine. They remain closed while the air and fuel is compressed and ignited, powering the piston. Then the exhaust valves open to release the exhaust. This all has to be timed very precisely. It is the job of the timing belt or timing chain to make sure all of this is synced up properly.

Timing belts are made of a very tough compound that can last for tens of thousands of miles. Timing chains are made of metal and last for a very long time as well. If your vehicle has a timing belt, your owner’s manual has a schedule for replacing the belt. If your vehicle has a timing chain, there may not be a specified schedule for replacing it, but that doesn’t mean that the timing chain system is indestructible and never needs attention.

For example, the chain runs on sprockets on the crankshaft and the camshafts. A broken tooth on a sprocket can cause the chain to slip a little. When timing is off a little your engine will not run as smoothly. When timing is off enough your engine won’t run at all and could even be severely damaged. There is also a tensioner that keeps appropriate pressure on the timing chain. This keeps the chain tight while allowing it to absorb pulsations from the engine. The tensioner can wear out. There are also guide rails that keep the chain on the proper path that can become worn.

The bottom line is that at some time, one or more of the timing chain system components will become worn to the point that they are no longer performing within specification. Your service advisor can help you with recommendations for when timing chain components should be replaced on your vehicle and have it inspected for signs of timing chain system wear.

Since timing chains are lubricated by engine oil, staying on top of your regular oil changes is very important to long life. Always use a high quality oil filter and oil of the recommended type and grade.

Timing Belt Repair & Maintenance / Replacement

Let’s address a very important maintenance item – timing belt replacement. It’s important because letting this one slide can lead to very expensive engine damage.

Your timing belt choreographs the timing of your combustion process. Your pistons travel up and down in the cylinder. Intake valves open at the right time to let in air and fuel, they close at the right time to allow the fuel to burn and then the exhaust valves open at the right time to let out the exhaust.

All this happens thousands of times a minute and it’s your timing belt that makes sure the valves are opening and closing at precisely the right time. If the timing is off, your engine won’t run. And that’s the best case.

The worst case is that a valve is opening at the wrong time and collides with the piston. The result is bent valves and maybe even more damage to the cylinder head. Repairs can run several thousand dollars.

timing-chainsNow, timing belts just wear out naturally so you want to replace a worn belt before it slips or breaks. Check your owner’s manual or with your service advisor to see when they recommend you replace the timing belt. If you’ve never replaced your timing belt and have 60,000 or more miles on the clock, talk with your service advisor right away to see if you’re due.

On some engines, the water pump is driven by the timing belt as opposed to the serpentine belt. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to replace the water pump when you’re replacing the timing belt, and vice versa since much of the same work has to be done for either. The same is true for the timing belt tensioner – it should be inspected and possibly replaced.

Now, replacing a timing belt is one of the more expensive routine maintenance items on your service schedule. But not replacing your timing belt can lead to some of the most expensive repairs you’re likely to ever have.

Contact Advanced Auto Clinic for details or click here to schedule an online appointment.