How Do I Know If My Timing Belt is Worn Out?
When it comes to our car’s engine, we want it to be in the best shape possible. The engine is one of the most integral parts of our car, as it converts power or energy into motion or mechanical energy. Without the engine, our cars wouldn’t be able to drive. There are different parts in the engine, all of which are important to the function of the engine. An important part in the engine which a lot of people don’t know about is the timing belt.
The timing belt helps the camshaft and the crankshaft to perform at the same time, so the valves and the engine run effectively and safely. Since the timing belt serves an important purpose, its crucial that its in excellent condition. Unfortunately, like most car parts, the timing belt can wear out over time. To know when a timing belt replacement or repair is needed, its good to know what the signs of a bad timing belt are. So, what are the symptoms of a bad timing? These are some of the symptoms to look out for.
- Noise Coming from the Engine: What does a bad timing belt sound like? When the timing belt starts to go out you will hear a ticking noise coming from the motor.
- The Engine will Misfire: When a timing belt is wearing out, it might slip from gears and fall on the camshaft, which can cause cylinders to open and close sooner than they should. If this happens, it can cause the engine to misfire.
- Rough Engine Idling: When the teeth of a timing belt are missing or the timing belt is starting to wear out, the belt can slip out of the gear. This can cause the engine to have rough idling.
- Oil Pressure is Low: In a situation where the timing belt is wearing out, pieces of the belt can break off and land in the oil pan. If this happens, the oil pressure can drop significantly.
- Broken Pistons or Valves: When the camshaft and the crankshaft don’t work at the same time, they can damage the valves and piston when they come into contact with them.
If you notice any of these signs, you will need to get a timing belt replacement. What is timing belt replacement? A timing belt replacement is when an auto mechanic will replace the defective timing belt and replace it with a brand new one. With a new timing belt, you don’t have to worry about hurting your car’s engine.
Can You Drive with a Bad Timing Belt?
Some newer cars might not have a timing belt but instead, have a timing chain. If your car was manufactured in the 1990s or before the 1990s, there is a good chance that you have a timing belt. Many people who have a defective timing belt and require a timing belt replacement want to know if they can rive with a bad timing belt. It honestly depends on the engine. If the engine is a non-interference engine, then the parts of the engine will not be damaged. If you don’t have that type of engine in your car, then your engine could be damaged by a bad timing belt.
How Often Do You Have to Replace a Timing Belt?
In order to protect your engine and its internal parts, it’s important to know when to get your timing belt replaced. Many people have the same question–timing belt replacement miles or years. Should the timing belt be replaced based on miles or years? Timing belt replacement recommendations that you should get your timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 60 to 10 years. However, it is easier to remember when to get a car part replaced when you go based on miles. If we go by years it can be hard to keep track. Your mileage is on your car’s dash, so it is easier to keep track that way.
Timing Belt Replacement Cost
How Much is a Timing Belt Replacement?
Since a timing belt is an important part in the engine, many people want to know what the cost of a timing belt replacement will be. If you have a smaller car then the price of replacing the timing belt can be about $500. For larger cars, replacing the timing belt will cost $700. Its important to note that every auto mechanic shop will have different pricing, but those are pretty average prices for replacing a timing belt. If you are needing a timing belt replacement in Inglewood, CA and don’t know where to go, consider the professionals at L.A. NTX Transmissions. Whether you need auto maintenance in Sugar Hill, GA or BMW transmission repair in Inglewood, CA, you need to find a mechanic that you can depend on. We are confident that when you choose our mechanic shop, you will love our timeliness and affordability. Contact us today at 310 672-8131 to find out more about our services.