Timing Belt Replacement
A timing belt is a crucial part of most engines. The engine requires an exact mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber. The camshaft opens and closes the valves that allow for the fuel and air mixture to enter and exit the combustion chamber. These are called the intake and exhaust valves. The crankshaft turns the timing belt, which turns the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves, and allows the engine pistons to move up and down. With so much riding on the thick rubber timing belt, you can see just how crucial it is to have RepairTech Automotive and DIY in Kissimmee, FL maintain, or replace a timing belt when needed.
How often should you replace your timing belt?
Every automotive manufacturer has a recommended schedule for inspecting or replacing the timing belt. The interval for timing belt inspections and replacement varies widely by OEM or manufacturer. If you want to know whether your car, truck or SUV is due for a timing belt inspection or replacement, call RepairTech Automotive and DIY today.
One of the easiest ways to protect against an unexpected timing belt failure is to keep up with the scheduled maintenance on your car, truck, or SUV at RepairTech Automotive and DIY. A timing belt inspection during an oil change, a tune-up, or another service visit, may just save you the hassle and aggravation of being stranded on the side of the road in Kissimmee, FL with a broken timing belt.
What are the symptoms of a worn or broken timing belt?
Even though most timing belts are made from high-quality rubber and designed to last a long time, eventually they will need to be replaced. Timing belts are tricky, and sometimes it’s hard to tell if yours needs service. Different vehicles may exhibit all, some, none, of the systems listed below. That’s why it’s important to let the pros at RepairTech Automotive and DIY take a look at your timing belt during your regularly scheduled service intervals.
Here are some symptoms your vehicle might display due to a timing belt problem:
- The engine dies while driving or won’t start. This could be an indicator of a broken timing belt.
- The engine won’t turn over. Since the timing belt is responsible for turning the sprockets that turn the camshaft, a bad timing belt will cause your vehicle not to start.
- There’s an oil leak near the motor. If the timing belt cover is loose, there is a possibility that there may be an oil leak near the motor.
- Your fuel economy starts decreasing. As a timing belt wears, it can stretch, causing the valve timing to suffer. Early on, this may not be noticeable in the performance of your vehicle other than a decrease in fuel economy.
- Your engine runs rough or misfires. Similar to the symptom of decreasing fuel economy, a worn or stretched timing belt affects the timing of your engine. Since the primary job of the timing belt is to synchronize the turning of the camshaft, which drives the opening and closing of valves, any loss of synchronization can affect the way your engine runs, resulting in a rough idle, lack of acceleration, misfires, or stalling.
- You hear squealing sounds coming from your engine. Most cars, trucks, and SUVs have multiple belts that can cause a squealing noise. A squealing timing belt may occur during acceleration, while braking, or even at idle, and is a clear indication that you need to visit RepairTech Automotive and DIY. A squealing belt will not get better. Ignoring it could cause more costly damages in the future. If your timing belt, serpentine belt, or any other belt is squealing, call RepairTech Automotive and DIY.
- A ticking or clicking noise from the engine. This could be an indication that your timing belt is wearing out, or that there is low oil pressure in the motor. Either issue requires immediate action.
It’s important not to self-diagnose a potential timing belt issue, or delay visiting RepairTech Automotive and DIY when you notice any of the symptoms above. We can accurately diagnose these issues, and get your car, truck, or SUV back on the road safely!
What if my timing belt breaks while I am driving?
Even with proper maintenance and inspection, your timing belt can fail without notice. A broken timing belt will cause your engine to shut off. You’ll want to steer to the shoulder or to safety whenever possible. Depending on the type of engine your vehicle has, a broken timing belt occurring while driving can cause additional damage to the engine. Below are some of the mechanical failures you may experience.
- Bent or broken valves
- Damaged camshaft
- Ruined cylinder heads
- Damaged pistons
No matter what issues your timing belt is causing, come to RepairTech Automotive and DIY in Kissimmee, FL as soon as you can! Our quality technicians will take a detailed look at the problem, and resolve any issues with care and efficiency.
Come see us for timing belt repair & service
Serving communities in Orlando, Kissimmee, Hunters Creek and St. Cloud, Florida, the entire Osceola area and surrounding areas since 1998, our expertly trained technicians and owner Charlie Payne have a vast amount of knowledge on many makes and models. We’ll provide thorough, high-quality service that will get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Why choose us:
- Locally veteran-owned NAPA Auto Care Center since 1998
- Only OEM and OEM-approved parts/components
- Local Shuttle Service
- We have excellent reviews based on feedback from hundreds of satisfied customers.
- Free WiFi, refreshments, and child-friendly waiting area
If you are in the Kissimmee area or nearby, we’d love to see you stop by. Feel free to schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at 407-348-3400 today!