All About Timing Belts & Chains: Replacement and Maintenance

What is a timing belt for a car? It's a component that's more important than what you may initially realize, especially when it comes to engine function. And should the belt fail, you could be in for some significant engine damage.

In this post, we'll cover what you need to know about timing belts and chains, how to know if yours could be failing, and why it's important to address any issues. Read on to learn more or contact your locally operated GreatWater-affiliated garage today to schedule an inspection of the timing belt.

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What is a Timing Belt?

What is a timing belt and what does it do? Specifically, a timing belt is made of reinforced rubber that connects the engine's crankshaft to its camshaft to ensure that none of the engine's components come into contact with each other.

Timing belts play an important role under the hood of any vehicle. They help valves open and close when they're supposed to, prevent pistons from coming into contact with valves, and maximize overall engine component synchronization.

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How Does a Timing Belt Work?

Timing belts are typically made from reinforced rubber and have teeth on one side of the belt to better grip the camshaft and crankshaft and harmonize the rotation so that none of the engine's parts come into contact with each other. This synchronization ensures that every engine component is working in harmony and that components aren't hitting each other. Should engine components come into contact with other components, it could lead to engine damage and expensive repair.

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Timing Belts vs Timing Chains

Timing belts and timing chains both serve the same function. To that point, your vehicle can be outfitted with either a chain or a belt. However, the main difference between these two components is their location within the engine assembly and the material that they're made from.

For instance, timing belts are made of rubber and located outside of the engine to connect the crankshaft to the camshaft. Timing chains, conversely, are located within the engine and are crafted from metal. They tend to last longer than timing belts, but they also tend to run pretty noisily. Timing belts only tend to last for 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but run quieter than timing chains due to their material makeup.

Timing belts are commonly found in newer vehicles, while chains are common in older vehicles and sports cars.

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How Long Does a Timing Belt Last?

Generally speaking, timing belts may last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles - but various factors can influence longevity. Timing belts are known to deteriorate over time not just from wear and tear, but due to exposure to heat, moisture, and oil. So even if your vehicle is low in mileage and not near the 60,000-mile threshold, exposure to other conditions and elements may lead to its deterioration. Rubber can crack and dry out over time, which can lead to timing belt failure and potentially other issues.

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Signs You Need to Replace Your Timing Belt

There are various signs and symptoms that indicate problems with your timing belt, underscoring the importance of taking note if something seems off with the way your vehicle is operating. Some of the telltale signs and symptoms include:

• Engine misfires
• A strange ticking sound coming from the engine
• You notice oil leaks under your vehicle or near the front of the motor
• You notice engine irregularities between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM
• More fumes are being emitted from your tailpipe than normal
• Your vehicle won't start or the engine won't turn over

The tricky thing about many of these symptoms noted above is that they could be indicative of other issues with the engine, making it all the more important to have your vehicle inspected and serviced at the first sign of a potential problem with the engine.

Additionally, it's wise to have the timing belt periodically checked to stay ahead of any potential emergency repairs if it does eventually fail. Many auto repair shops will inspect the timing belt as part of a multi-point inspection on vehicle tune-ups or even as a value-added service to complement other routine vehicle care, like oil changes.

Should a timing belt fail while you are operating the vehicle, it could cause significant engine damage, underscoring the importance of routine inspections and getting out in front of any potential issues with this component.

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Typical Cost of a Timing Belt Replacement

The cost to replace a timing belt really depends on the type of vehicle you have and how hard it is to access under the hood of your vehicle. On average, the cost can range anywhere from $500 to $1,100. Costs may run more if there's damage to the engine or the engine components that need to be addressed.

The timing belt as a part is not expensive. The main driving factor behind the high cost of replacement is the labor that's involved in doing it. This is largely because some engine parts may need to be temporarily removed or shifted around to reach the area necessary to remove the old belt and install a new one. Then, after it's replaced, the engine must be put back together. It can all take a significant amount of time, which can cause labor costs to increase.

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Find Your Local GreatWater-affiliated Garage for Timing Belt Maintenance

The key to ensuring effective timing belt operation is routine maintenance. That's where your local shop in the GreatWater network can help. As a full-service auto maintenance and repair centers, we'll inspect your timing belt and replace it when necessary so you can be certain that your engine is working at maximum efficiency.

Contact your local shop in the GreatWater network today to learn more about the importance of timing belt maintenance and to schedule an appointment to have your timing belt serviced.

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