Timing Belt Service

Engine Timing: Timing Belt Service and Replacement

While you could postpone some vehicle repairs, a timing belt service isn’t one of them. When your vehicle needs a timing belt replacement, you should visit Tire Mart and get it done immediately. A timing belt failure can cause partial or total engine damage. That’s why you must know when a timing belt service and replacement is due and have our experienced auto mechanics work on it promptly.

What Is a Timing Belt and How Does It Work?

A timing belt is a type of engine belt that connects the crankshaft and camshaft of your vehicle’s engine. The crankshaft and the camshaft must coordinate to complete the engine’s combustion cycle synchronously and generate power that turns your vehicle’s wheels. The pistons turn the crankshaft on when they’re pushed up and down by the expansion of compressed air in the combustion chamber. 

The crankshaft turns the linear motion of the pistons into rotational force. This causes the crank sprocket to rotate. Because the timing belt sits on the crank sprocket, it also begins to rotate. As it rotates, it turns on the intake camshaft and the exhaust camshaft. The intake and exhaust camshaft drive the valves that control the flow of air and fuel into the engine’s cylinders. 

This means the timing belt interval must be accurate to ensure the synchronous running of the crankshaft and the camshaft. If there’s a timing belt failure, the crankshaft won’t ignite the camshaft on time. As a result, the camshaft will have issues correctly opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves. 



Then, the vehicle will have an improper fuel and air mixture balance in the combustion chamber. As a result, the piston and the valves will collide at high speeds and cause the engine to blow out. If your vehicle has an interference engine and you're driving at top speed, the damage may be unrepairable. If your vehicle has a non-interference engine, timing belt failure may be less intense, as your valves and pistons cannot collide. 

How Long Should Your Timing Belt Serve You Before Replacement?

Your vehicle’s manufacturer should dictate how often to replace your timing belt. Generally, the recommended service life of a timing belt is seven to 10 years, or after 6,000 to 100,000 miles on the road. However, you may experience early timing belt wear and tear if you haven't previously conducted routine timing belt inspections, or if your vehicle is old. 

A routine timing belt service helps detect issues early. When you bring your vehicle for a timing belt inspection atTire Mart, we’ll do a full-body inspection of all timing belt components. Our experienced mechanics will inspect the timing belt pulley conditions, timing belt tension, and any timing belt marks indicating wear and tear. 

Warning Signs of Timing Belt Failure

If your timing belt functions improperly, you could be in a dangerous situation. Some common warning signs to look for include:

• Whirring engine noises: If you hear a whirring sound from the engine that increases or decreases when you accelerate and decelerate, it may be caused by a worn-out timing belt. 
• The engine won’t turn over: If you ignite your vehicle and the engine sputters but fails to start the car, the timing belt may be broken or worn out.
• Misfiring engine: When your vehicle’s engine misfires, it stutters and jerks as one cylinder fails to fire on time. This may be caused by a defective timing belt that triggers a variance in camshaft timing and crankshaft timing.
• Oil leaks from the motor front: The timing belt is secured by a timing belt cover fastened by bolts and nuts. Over time, these bolts and nuts become loose, and the motor oil may leak from the engine. 
• Flashing check engine: Whenever your engine has issues, the check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard illuminates. If a timing belt failure causes the engine problem, you’ll get a camshaft or crankshaft correlation code.

While most modern vehicles use a timing belt, some use a timing chain. If you're not sure, the mechanics at Tire Mart will check it out for you. Just like with other vehicle components, routine inspection and maintenance is the best way to keep your timing belt operating optimally.

Contact Tire Mart for Quality Timing Belt Service and Replacement

Since 1971, Tire Mart has been the top auto garage serving vehicle owners in Lake City, FL. When you bring your vehicle in for a timing belt service, we diagnose any timing belt symptoms that may trigger engine problems. We utilize OEM timing belt kits for repair, and our timing belt replacement costs are pocket-friendly.

Visit us at 2700 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055. We offer timing belt service and repairs with minimal disruption to your busy schedule.