Most of our newer cars now days use a timing belt to keep the internal components of the engine in time. Older engines used a timing chain to accomplish this task. Unlike the chains which were only serviced during major engine tear downs or if they brock, the belt need to be replaced at specific intervals. The big reason for this is that internal changes to the modern engine do not allow clearance for the moving components should the belt jump or break. If this happens there is great risk of pistons contacting valves and causing catastrophic damage which might mean having to replace the entire engine or replacing the car.
Generally speaking replacement of the timing belt is recommended by most car manufactures at about 100,000 miles. We are working on a customer’s car today that had 112,000 miles on it and the belt teeth stripped off causing the pistons to bend valves and adding another $1500 to the bill to repair it.
It can be difficult for people to understand when their car is running just fine that they need to do the maintenance. And when done they don’t notice any difference in the way the car runs. But as this customer found out doing maintenance is way better than doing the repair.
Check your owner’s manual or call us to see if your car has a timing belt or chain and when it’s recommended to change it. It could save a lot of grief and money later.
This may help better understand the workings of a timing belt if you have interest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPApHQ0tGBk&feature=player_embedded
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