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But how do you know when? Each component of your vehicle has a vital role, including your timing belt. Your engine is full of various pieces and parts, and each of these components will need to be replaced eventually. Before we begin answering this question, we will first discuss what exactly is a timing belt, and why it matters to your vehicle’s overall condition. You can always check with our auto repair team at Orinda Motors to see if your vehicle is equipped with a timing belt or a timing chain.
Your timing belt is a toothed belt composed of reinforced rubber that wraps around pulleys and tensioners. Your engine’s crankshaft pulley drives the timing belt. Your timing belt provides rotational force to ensure your camshafts open and close the intake and exhaust valves at the right time. If your timing belt is worn or damaged, your engine won’t be in complete synchronization. Your engine’s valves must be synchronized with your engine’s intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust strokes. Your timing belt makes sure this happens.
Think of your engine as a symphony and the timing belt is the conductor. Without the conductor, you have no symphony. To put it simply, you cannot have a properly functioning engine without a timing belt. Because your timing belt is made of rubber, it will, over time, dry up, harden, crack or even break. If your timing belt does break, your engine will stop immediately because the intake and exhaust valves will come to a sudden halt. This can lead to catastrophic problems that could happen throughout your engine.
Most car manufacturers will recommend when a timing belt needs to be replaced. Usually, timing belt replacement is recommended at the 105,000-mile interval or every 7 years, whichever comes first. Of course, this recommendation depends on the make and model of your car. Each vehicle manufacturer is different, so we are happy to check when your timing belt replacement is due. In addition to timing belt replacement, it is highly recommended to replace the water pump at the same time for preventive maintenance.
If you believe something is amiss with your vehicle, whether it be timing belt concerns or other issues, don’t hesitate to contact Orinda Motors for an inspection. Schedule an appointment, or stop by Orinda Motors at 63 Orinda Way today! We look forward to seeing you soon.