Your car’s timing belt is one of the most essential components of the engine because if it fails or breaks, your car won’t function. A timing belt looks exactly like a long narrow strip of rubber that wraps around camshafts, pulleys, and crankshafts in your engine. It’s an essential component that can offer some warning signs that it’s failing. It’s best to get auto or truck repairs done at the first sign of trouble.
The timing belt is composed of rubber teeth that fit into the gears of the crankshaft. The rubber of the timing belt can wear down over time, which will make it more difficult to grip the gear. This can cause it to slip when your engine is functioning at a high RPM.
The timing belt may also be responsible for general performance problems. It’s what syncs the movement of the pistons to the engine valves. If the belt isn’t functioning properly, it can affect the performance of your engine.
Even something as simple as a timing belt can cause your engine to misfire if it’s wearing down. A slipping timing belt may be missing teeth. If your vehicle is experiencing an increase of black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, it could be as simple as the timing belt causing failed timing of the valves, and your engine working against itself.
If your timing belt completely fails, your car will simply stop working. If you’re stuck on the road, able to ignite and start your car, but the engine fails to turn over, it may be your timing belt.
This small component of your vehicle can actually be time consuming to replace in your vehicle. It’s not your most expensive auto repair, but it’s something that can cause significant damage if you ignore the signs.
Please give Alpine Automotive a call today for your truck repairs or auto repairs. Hopefully you don’t need towing services, but we do offer towing too. You might as well add oil change service for your vehicle while it’s in our shop for timing belt replacement.