| One of the most overlooked parts of a vehicle, and | | | | cover, and a quick visual inspection isn't a possibility. |
| one of the most common automotive repairs is the | | | | Over the past several years, cars have been built to |
| timing belt. Your car's timing belt may look like an | | | | rely on a timing chain as opposed to a belt. |
| accessory, but the fact is that if it fails, your car will | | | | While these are typically longer lasting, they operate on |
| suddenly stop, and, if you're lucky, you will find yourself | | | | essentially the same principal, and require replacement |
| stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow | | | | and maintenance, which varies by car. Typically, you |
| truck. | | | | can expect to have to replace your timing belt or chain |
| Timing belts are typically made of nylon reinforced | | | | every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. |
| rubber, with square teeth located on the inside surface. | | | | Replacing a timing belt or chain requires the removal of |
| While you drive, the belt transfers the rotation of the | | | | the engine drive belt, the component responsible for |
| crankshaft the camshaft, which in turn activates the | | | | operating the alternator, water pump, power steering |
| valves that provide air and fuel to the cylinders and | | | | pump, and air conditioner. |
| expel combustion gases to the exhaust system. | | | | When you visit your mechanic, be sure to ask them |
| Inside your car, the valves and pistons move up and | | | | about how often the timing belt or chain on your car |
| down rapidly, and most engines are not built to allow | | | | should be replaced. Your vehicle's owners manual will |
| clearance between a valve that is down and a piston | | | | also be able to provide guidelines as to timing belt |
| that is up and this is where the timing belt comes in, | | | | replacement and maintenance. |
| since it is what keeps the valves and pistons for | | | | Remember, the care you take of your car today |
| colliding. | | | | ensures its continued health, and your safety while on |
| If your timing belt fails, and a collision occurs, the | | | | the road. Automotive repair problems, if caught early, |
| damage to the cylinder head, cylinder walls, valves, and | | | | are less expensive and require less time to repair than |
| pistons can be extensive, and expensive, as well. | | | | those that are overlooked in the initial stages. Doing a |
| During an automotive repair, the timing belt is often | | | | good job with preliminary care and maintenance can |
| overlooked, since they are typically protected by a | | | | really help your automobile to go along way. |