WHAT IS A TIMING BELT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
It’s all about timing! This is certainly true for the performance of your engine; if the timing belt in your engine isn’t functioning properly, your vehicle may suddenly stop or coast to a stopped position. Such an inconvenience can be avoided by replacing the timing belt before it gives out. The timing belt’s health is often over-looked during routine maintenance. Here at 7 to 7 Auto Services, we take care to make sure the timing of your engine is spot on for a safe, reliable ride. /Usually made from rubber and lined with nylon, a timing belt looks a little like a serpentine belt only with square on its interior. The valves and pistons that push the air and fuel through the cylinder and out through the exhaust system move up and down at high speeds. The movement of the pistons and the valves aligns so that when the piston is at the peak of its motion, the valves are closed. The timing belt prevents collision of these moving parts by ensuring that the motion is synchronized.
The timing belt works by transferring the rotating force of the crankshaft to the camshaft, which then activates the valves, pushing air and fuel to the cylinders and out through the exhaust system. In other words, the timing belt keeps the forces of your engine flowing from one important function to the next. It is also prevents components from colliding in their differently, but closely-timed movements. If some parts in the chain do collide, valves, pistons, or cylinders can be damaged, which of course costs quite a bit of money to repair.
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY TIMING BELT SERVICED?
Some older vehicles may not have a timing belt, containing a timing chain instead. Your owner’s manual will tell you this information, as well as when to have your timing belt checked. It is recommended to check your timing belt every 40,000 to 100,000 miles. Getting to your engine’s timing belt requires some disassembly. Servicing and making any repairs or replacements to the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, or air conditioning system can also be done at this time.
Make an appointment online or call us today at (858)549-0272! We would be happy to have a look at your timing belt to prevent any unexpected stalls or stranded-encounters on the side of the road.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
