Your automobile is often one of the most important items you own, and a reliable automobile is critical for meeting personal and professional responsibilities. Keeping your car running as it should requires regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and can prevent future repairs.
An essential part of your automobile that requires regular care is its belts. One of the most important belts in your car’s engine is the timing belt. Over time, the timing belt can succumb to wear and tear, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed immediately. Recognizing early signs of trouble can spare you from the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown, ensuring your engine continues to run smoothly and reliably. Here is what you need to know.
The Importance Of Your Timing Belt
Your car’s timing belt times the camshaft and crankshaft in your car’s engine. The camshaft operates various valves, and the crankshaft moves the pistons. These two systems have to properly work together for your car to be safely operated, requiring exact timing. Without a good timing belt, the timing can be thrown off, damaging the pistons, valves, and various components of your car’s engine.
The Signs You Need a New Belt
When you need a new timing belt, there are signs you should look out for. These include the following issues.
- Strange Sounds: If you hear a screeching or whirring noise when you first turn on your car, this is a sign you need a new belt. These odd noises can also occur when you are idling or accelerating. Another sound to listen for is ticking noises coming from the engine. This indicates an underlying belt issue.
- When Driving At Certain RPMs: Performance issues when your engine is running between 2,000 and 4,000 RPMs are a sign of a failing belt. This can be due to the belt itself being damaged or the belt being loose. This leads to slips when you’re accelerating, which causes noticeable performance issues.
- Increased Exhaust: Exhaust output increases can signal that your belt is failing and needs replacing. Several different mechanical issues can cause your car to increase its exhaust levels, and a damaged belt is one of these issues.
- Your Car Will Not Start: A severe sign of belt damage is your engine not turning over when you try and start your automobile. This can be a sign the belt has fully broken down or snapped. This can lead to damage to the engine, rendering your car inoperable.
- Your Car Stops Functioning: A bad timing belt can cause your car to stop working when you are driving. This is often the worst possible result of a damaged or aging belt, and it can leave you on the roadside and damage your car’s engine.
When You Reliable Automotive Care In North Logan
At Leavitt Automotive, we provide full-service automotive repairs to North Logan, UT residents, and all nearby communities. In our clean and well-maintained shop, we provide the best in service and use the latest advancements in automotive service and repair. When you bring your automobile to us, you can rest assured it is in good hands. With our decades of combined experience, we can provide the servicing and repairs you need to keep your car on the road.
Our experts provide a wide assortment of critical services to keep your car in operation and prevent damage. Your timing belt should be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or when your manufacturer recommends it. Regular servicing can detect an aging or damaged belt before it fully snaps. Contact us today to schedule your servicing appointment, or call us at 435-344-4382.
