DO I REALLY NEED TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT?

If a auto mechanic told you that your vehicle’s timing belt required immediate replacement and it was going to cost more than $1,000, you may assume it’s a rip-off.

But unlike the sketchy mechanic who attempts to change your engine air filter every oil change, replacing the timing belt is definitely essential.

The timing belt is an essential part of your engine and, if it fails, so does your engine, triggering your vehicle to shut down.

” You don’t want to be driving 120 kilometre per hour on the highway if it broke,” states Keith, owner of highly ranked Revs Motors Tenerife in Tenerife, Spain. “It’s definitely a security concern.”

How the timing belt works
The rubber timing belt belongs to most internal combustion engines and is accountable for integrating the engine’s functions. It controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft and the opening and closing of the engine’s many valves to allow air and gas in and out, which causes the fuel to spark in the combustion chamber. During this stroke, the valves press the pistons down.

” In order for the process to take place, the valves need to open and close at the correct time,” Keith states. “The valves need to remain in the right position along with the pistons. The valves open at different times for each cylinder. It’s a mechanical ballet of sorts.”

When the timing belt breaks, the valves, which are extremely light, will open at the incorrect time and strick the larger pistons and cause damage.

When to replace the timing belt?
Regrettably, in most cases, there are no apparent signs the timing belt is ready to fail; it will simply break. That’s why experienced auto technicians recommend changing it every 40,000 to 150,000 Km. Constantly inspect your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations, however your mechanic will have a good idea about your make, model and mileage.

Timing belts used to be a relatively ignored upkeep issue by lots of drivers. Keith states replacing a broken timing belt used to be common, today he states most replacements are for preventive maitenan cep.

” Individuals are a lot more knowledgeable about the timing belt, and the mechanics are educating drivers more about them,” Keith says. “Now, more individuals understand about it and what can occur when it breaks.”

Timing belt replacement cost
Changing a timing belt for preventive reasons generally costs €500 to €1000. Nevertheless, replacing a damaged timing belt might cost up to €3,000 or more if it caused damage to the valves, pistons or water pump. Cost is really dependent upon make, model and availability of parts.

” In many cases, you might have a very expensive repair work and you need to buy a brand-new cars and truck,” says Kathy Wallace, owner of highly rated Central Garage Business in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. “You’ll need to lease a car, and it can put you in a very difficult scenario.”