The timing belt replacement is an extremely important maintenance item that does not get the attention it deserves.
What Does the Timing Belt Do?
It can help ensure that your vehicle works properly, and letting this maintenance item slide can lead to potentially costly engine damage down the road. Your timing belt is responsible for orchestrating the timing of the combustion process. Your pistons travel up and down in the cylinder, and the intake valves open at just the right time in order to let in air and fuel. They also close at the exact right moment to allow the fuel to burn, and then the exhaust valves open at the right moment to let out all the exhaust.
This process happens thousands of times per minute, and it is your timing belt that ensures that the valves are opening and closing at just the right moment. If this process is off even slightly, your engine will not work, and that is the best-case scenario.
The worst case is that a valve is opening at the wrong moment, colliding with the piston. This can result in bent valves and perhaps even more extensive damage to the cylinder head. Such repairs can cost several thousands of dollars, which is something that you will want to avoid.
Timing belts will wear out over time, so you should replace a worn belt before it slips or breaks. Always check your owner’s manual or contact a qualified auto mechanic in San Diego to see when you should replace the timing belt.
When Should I Change My Timing Belt?
If you have never replaced your timing belt and have more than 60,000 miles, you should consult with a technician at Automobile Repair Shop San Diego immediately.
Certain engines have a water pump that is also driven by the timing belt instead of the serpentine belt. For these engines, it is advised to replace the water pump when you are replacing the timing belt and vice versa. This will save some time because the same level of work is required for both.
This is also true for the timing belt tensioner. It should be inspected and replaced at this time. Replacing a timing belt can be fairly costly routine maintenance, but not replacing your timing belt can result in serious repairs that you will want to avoid later on.
You should always be safe just to put your mind at ease. Contact us today and we will be more than happy to advise you on your vehicle needs. Your mechanic in San Diego will walk you through every step of your needed auto maintenance.
Auto Repair San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated repair shop that has provided quality auto repair in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today at (619) 330-0862 to see how we can help.