Signs Your Timing Belt Needs To Be Replaced

What Is a Timing Belt?

Under the hood of your car, you’ll find the timing belt. It’s an important part of the engine and also referred to as the timing chain. It works in tandem with the intake and exhaust valves by ensuring that they open at the optimal time to ensure performance.

Generally made of rubber, the timing belt appears near the front of the motor under the timing cover. When the engine crank turns, the camshaft turns so that every piece of equipment works in time. If the timing belt breaks or is not set up correctly, the valves will open at the wrong time.

What Signs Indicate That the Timing Belt Needs To Be Replaced

Several signs will indicate that the timing belt may be on deck for an update. Once you know the signs, you may be able to avoid experiencing major issues by scheduling a tune-up before they blossom into a problem. These signs include:

• Ticking noise
• Trouble starting the engine
• Engine misfiring
• Oil leak
• Poor gas mileage

A ticking noise may begin under the hood and usually indicates that your timing belt may be broken or damaged. This sound could also signal that your vehicle is low on oil. More on this topic later on.

When you attempt to start the car, the engine may not turn over as quickly as it usually does. It may take a few tries to get your car going. As the belt tends to break while the engine is in motion, this does not happen often; however, it’s always a possibility.

Since the valves do not work in concert when the timing belt is broken, the engine could misfire. You also may notice a drop in your car’s ability to accelerate.

The oil pressure could be low as well, due to an unexpected oil leak. This in itself can wear down the belt and cause it to become damaged and unusable.

The usual satisfying gas mileage you’ve grown accustomed to may decrease, if the timing belt is damaged or broken.

Another Vital Sign of Timing Belt Issues

The check engine light may appear on your dashboard, if your timing belt isn’t working. Along with the signs mentioned above, the dashboard lights can be a good reminder to alert you to any issues regarding your car. In fact, some lights appear before any major issues occur, so it’s best to get them checked out as soon as they appear, to rule out any future problems.