How Timing Belt Replacement Works

Have you ever heard a band where the trumpets play off-beat, the cymbals slam into each other and the saxophone player simply drops the ball on his job. This is what could happen if the drummer of a band, the keeper of tempo, went missing. In the world of automotive maintenance, visualizing this scenario can help illustrate the timing belt's role and what can go wrong without routine replacement around the 60K-100K mile zone.

The timing belt is a synthetic rubber compound, which is reinforced with fiber cords, and in the car maintenance world much like a drummer of a band -- the timing belt keeps everything in the engine in sync. When the engine is on, it's in constant, timed motion, thanks to the belt, the connection between the crankshaft and camshaft allows the engine to run at it's best.

So is this important to replace? Well, the crankshaft converts linear energy from the pistons, which move up and down, into rotational energy that eventually turns the wheels. The camshaft opens and closes the engine's valves to allow air and gas in and out of the engine. The timing belt links the two in harmony. Without it, the pistons and valves would collide and your engine would stop running leaving you on the side of the road.

Obviously, this is bad news for vehicle maintenance as this internal collision can cause destruction fair amount of engine damage. Therefore, it's important to stay ahead of your belt's lifespan -- traditionally replacing it every four years or 60,000 miles (96,561 kilometers) or, in newer vehicles, every 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers). Be sure to check your vehicle's maintenance manual to see what your car or truck's manufacturer suggests.

So we've all accepted the timing belt's importance, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your days worrying that your belt will force you to pay a large maintenance bill. Instead, you can act as the band director and keep that timing belt in check by watching its wear and arming yourself with the knowledge to replace it.

A typical timing belt job can eat your pocket book between $400-$800 depending on the vehicle but having maintenance done on your vehicle can extend it's life being reasonably cheaper then a new car.

Contact us here at Rick's Complete Automotive 707-887-1641 or stop by the shop located at 6560 Railroad Ave. Forestville, CA 95436 and we'll take a look at your belt to see how worn it is.

www.ricksauto.blogspot.com