How do I keep my timing belt in good condition?

How do I keep my timing belt in good condition?

A timing belt is considered one of the most essential car parts in your engine.

This belt should last for at least 60,000 miles and there are some easy steps that you can take in order to ensure its good condition until and unless it is due for replacement.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is a rubber belt with teeth that aids the engine to function by linking the camshaft and crankshaft effortlessly. You need to know that the camshaft is a spinning shaft that helps with the proper timing of the valves present inside the engine for opening and closing.

On the other hand, the crankshaft supports the pistons to move up and down.

When the camshaft is connected to the crankshaft using a belt, it ensures that two assemblies stay in sync. In this way, the valves open as well as close at the right timing.

You can find timing belts in every car. However, timing belts in India are widely demanded due to their outstanding performance and hassle-free working.

Protecting your timing belt Do you want to ensure the best condition of your timing belt? If yes, then you need to maintain and protect it. Although timing belts do not require any kind of lubrication, you can lubricate a timing chain. This will ensure that the rotational system of the camshaft and crankshaft runs smoothly.

By self-servicing the car parts that function with the timing belt, you can maintain the good condition of the timing belt. To find out the signs of damage, you must check each of the camshaft, valves, crankshaft as well as pistons. If any of these breaks or gets damaged, it will definitely have an impact on the engine components.

When do you need to replace the timing belt?

Keep one thing in mind, it is always better to replace your timing belt at the mileage intervals which is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You must know that every manufacturer is different but the timing belt should be replaced after every 60,000 to 1,00,00 miles.

However, in your car’s manual, you can easily look for the suggested interval for your particular vehicle. As the timing belt is manufactured using rubber material, it begins to wear and tear with time and finally breaks down.

When it breaks, the engine stops running or the components will become out of sync, damaging your car’s engine completely. If you fail to replace the timing belt at the suggested time then you might face several problems including engine failure, cylinder head or camshaft damage, broken or bent valves, and much more.

Signs to replace the timing belt There are a few signs that reveal, it’s time to replace the timing belt: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Leaking oil Decreased engine power Vibrating or shaking Overheating Ticking noise coming from the engine Trouble in starting the vehicle Ticking noise coming out from the engine Rubbing noises from the belts