Timing Belts: Repair & Replacement in Colorado Springs

What Is a Timing Belt? What Does a Timing Belt Do for Your Vehicle? 

Your vehicle’s timing belt is responsible for ensuring that the timing of the opening and closing of your vehicle engine valves is synchronized. The timing belt is a sturdy, reinforced band of rubber that is notched on the inside. These teeth fit into the notches of the crankshaft and camshaft. The crankshaft turns the belt, which turns the camshaft. The camshaft opens the engine valves in a timed pattern, and keeps the pistons and valves from interfering. enables the engine pistons to move up and down. 

Your engine performs through a series of actions that must occur in a perfectly timed order to ensure that it operates correctly. It is critical to the success of your engine function. 

Is It Time to Replace Your Timing Belt?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a dashboard warning light that will alert you that your belt is becoming worn and brittle. Even worse, it is not able to be visually inspected. That means you may not know it needs to be replaced until it’s too late — unless you take preventative measures. Take the initiative in replacing the timing belt before it breaks. Take a moment and consult your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage at which your vehicle’s timing belt should be replaced. Generally, timing belt replacement should occur between 60,000 and 150,000 miles, or every 10 years. If you’re in the window for manufacturer recommended replacement, or if you are simply concerned about the belt in general, our shop service manager can help advise you on the recommendations for your particular vehicle. 

In addition to following your manufacturer’s recommendations, you may also be able to detect symptoms of a bad timing belt if your vehicle is operating poorly. 

Diagnosing Bad Timing Belts

• The car won’t turn on/engine won’t kick over
• Oil leaks near the motor
• Higher exhaust than usual
• Ticking sounds in the engine
• Weird revving patterns and strange surges on your RPM gauge that don’t match the vehicle’s action

These timing belt warning signs can make it more obvious that there is an issue, but again, do not simply wait for it to break just because you do not hear ticking or notice oil leaks. Refer to the owner’s manual or contact Honest Accurate for guidance. 

Many people avoid changing a timing belt because the cost to replace a timing belt is not an inexpensive repair. Removing the timing belt cover and disassembling the engine takes time, as well as precision expertise and labor (which is also why a DIY timing belt kit is not a good idea). This is a mistake that can cost far more than the service. 

Out of sight and often easily ignored, your vehicle’s timing belt is an integral part of many overhead valve engines. Remember, the belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), controlling the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. As the belt ages, it will stretch and crack. If your timing belt breaks or jumps a tooth, damage can occur on the engine’s head, pistons and/or valves. The cost of a timing belt replacement is significantly less expensive than repairing the resulting damage should that timing belt slip or break.

Please Note: Check your service manual for your specific vehicle to see whether your vehicle has a timing chain that does not require replacement.

What Happens When Timing Belts Break?

The consequences of a broken timing belt can range from an annoying inconvenience to extremely expensive engine damage. The level of damage is dependent on when the timing belt failure occurs. Once your belt has broken, your engine will no longer run. If the belt breaks while you are driving, that can mean bad things for your vehicle:

• Valve damage
• Piston damage
• Cylinder damage
• Complete engine replacement

Damage can still occur even when the car is not in motion. That is why it is so important to be proactive in replacing the belt once it is worn or within the timeline specified in your owner’s manual?

What’s Included in a Timing Belt Change?

When comparing prices for a timing belt change, be sure and ask what is included in the repair service. At Honest Accurate, we include the following services when replacing a timing belt:

• Replace the water pump, idler pulleys, hydraulic tensioner and drive belts.
• Check the idler pulleys, tensioner, and seals

By managing these other systems as part of your timing belt replacement, we ensure you are not charged extra labor to access these areas at a later date.  By utilizing an experienced, trustworthy ASE Certified Technician to replace your timing belt, you have strong insurance against being stranded on the side of the road, with possible catastrophic engine damage.

Get the Timing Right with Honest Accurate Auto Service

Honest Accurate Auto Service has been servicing timing belts in Colorado Springs since 1993. Preventive maintenance is the best insurance against getting stranded on the side of the road. It will keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly for years to come. Our two shops employ ASE Certified Technicians who perform everything from routine factory service maintenance and every day oil changes, to extensive diagnosis and repair.

Our shops are equipped with the latest diagnostic and repair equipment. We can accurately diagnose your problem, and repair your car efficiently. Find out now if your car’s engine has a serviceable timing belt or a non-service timing chain. Call or visit one of our two locations for information regarding repairs & services. Complimentary Shuttle Service is also available. Our West location at 426 Nevada Mesa View can be reached by calling 719-598-6306. Our East location at 3905 Tutt Blvd. can reached at 719-426-2698. Visit us online at www.HonestAccurateAuto.com.