Your timing belt is an essential component of your engine. It is a belt that connects your crankshaft to the pistons that move your engine, and allows your engine to sync up its movements - it’s named after the fact it syncs the opening and closing of your engine valves to the movements of the pistons. A broken timing belt will cause complete engine failure, and recognizing the signs of a failing timing belt may save you some time - and money!
1: Engine Issues at High RPM
Your timing belt consists of rubber teeth that fit into the gears in your crankshaft. As your timing belt wears, these teeth will become deteriorated, meaning that at higher RPM it will have trouble gripping the gears. Watch for strange behaviour at RPM above 2000, as it may indicate your timing belt has lost many teeth and is slipping.
2: General Performance Problems
The timing belt is what syncs the movement of your pistons to that of your engine valves. If it is not properly functioning, your engine’s entire performance may be affected drastically. If your engine is not functioning properly while switching gears or speeding up, it may be a timing belt issue.
3: Misfires and Exhaust Issues
Your engine may misfire as a result of a slipping timing belt, although most or all of your teeth will have had to deteriorate in order for this to happen. Exhaust issues are also common (for example, an increase in black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe). This is a result of failing timing of your valves and your engine competing against itself.
In the case of a complete failure of your timing belt, your car will fail to run. However, your car will still be able ignite and start, but will fail to turn over, and continue running. Replacing your timing belt can be time consuming but isn’t generally expensive, however, a broken timing belt while your car is in operation can cause significant damages. If you can spot the symptoms of a failing belt in advance, it can save you significant time and money.
Fiix can diagnose and replace your timing belt, as well as associated issues. If you are having problems with your engine, call us at 647-361-4449 or get an online car repair quote or send us an instant chat!
