Los Angeles Auto Repair

Every vehicle comes equipped with a timing belt; this part on your vehicle controls the camshaft and crankshaft of the engine being able to rotate. It also operates the opening and closing of the valves in your engine allowing gasoline and air in and out. The job of the timing belt is to coordinate the engine's functions; this will cause fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber. Knowing what the timing belt is and what it does is one major step, but how do you know when your timing belt needs to be replaced? How do you know how often you need to replace your timing belt?

Knowing how vital your timing belt is to the operation of your engine, you need to know that it will wear out over time, and will at some point need to be replaced. There are mileage intervals that are generally set by manufacturers that say you need to have your timing belt replaced. For most vehicles, it is anywhere between 60,000 – 100,000 miles. If you look in your owner's manual you will find the suggested mileage for your vehicle.

This is not the only thing that you can go by when it comes to having your timing belt replaced. There are some warning signs that you can look out for to know when it is time to replace your timing belt. If you notice any of the following signs it may be time for you to replace your timing belt:

1. Your vehicle is leaking oil

2. The check engine light in your vehicle is on

3. Your vehicle is overheating

4. Decreased power in your engine

5. Shaking or vibrating

6. There is a ticking noise coming from your engine

7. You have trouble starting your vehicle

8. Rubbing or squealing noise coming from the belt

Replacing your timing belt is essential to making sure your car is always running as it should be. Replacing it is requires an intricate process that should be taken seriously and done by professionals. If you need timing belt replacement, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!