It takes many moving parts to help your vehicle run smoothly. One critical component is the timing belt. To fully understand the importance of your timing belt, you should know how it works and when to replace it.

Timing belts are rubber belts in combustible engines, and they assist in controlling the camshaft rotations and crankshaft openings and closings of the engine valves. This allows for an even distribution of fuel and air. In order for the ignition of the mixture to occur inside the combustion chamber, the valves need to push downward. When the timing belt wears down or breaks, these valves open at the wrong time and cause damage to your pistons and other engine components.

Unfortunately, timing belts do not give off as obvious of signs as other parts do when they wear down. Instead, it can break and cause an immediate breakdown. That is why your mechanic recommends you to change it as early as possible, typically between 50,000 to 150,000  kilometers. You can also follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual. When you bring your car in for regular service, we can check on the belt’s condition too.

While it may be costly to replace your timing belt, it is worth the cost rather than spending extra money on repairs if it breaks. Replacing the belt as part of your preventative maintenance tasks is better than waiting and hoping it does not snap and break.

You can always count on the team at Preferred Auto & Fleet Service in Thunder Bay, ON to assist you with your auto maintenance and repairs. We offer quality and convenient timing belt replacements so that you can drive confidently without worrying about it snapping. Please give us a call or visit if you have any questions today.