Timing belts allow your vehicle’s engine to operate by synchronizing the rotation system of the camshaft and crankshaft to make sure your engine valves open and close at the right time.
Timing belts cannot withstand great forces inside the vehicle’s engine. Thus, every vehicle that has a timing belt will need to eventually replace the timing belt. Without a perfectly functioning timing belt, your car’s engine will not run well.
What Does a Timing Belt Do?
Your timing belt (cam belt) is responsible for connecting the crankshaft and camshaft and controlling the combustion cycle of the internal combustion engine.
The pistons are connected to the crankshaft, which rotates as the pistons move. The rotation of the crankshaft is transferred through the timing belt to turn the camshaft, which ultimately controls the activity of the intake and exhaust valves.
Here is what occurs inside a cylinder:
- The intake valves of the cylinder open up to allow air and fuel into the combustion chamber.
- Once the camshaft closes the valves, the piston will move up the cylinder, compressing the compressed fuel/air.
- The spark plug will ignite the mixture and causes an explosion that forces the piston down the cylinder and the crankshaft to turn.
- Once the piston is at the bottom, the camshaft opens the exhaust valve, allowing the exhaust gasses of the explosion to exit the cylinder, and then this cycle repeats.
Each valve and piston must operate in a timed sequence for the engine to operate without blowing up.
Disclaimer: Please do not confuse your timing belt with your serpentine belt! Your serpentine belt is responsible for operating the accessories on your engine, while your vehicle’s timing belt is responsible for the combustion cycle.
Signs Your Timing Belt Is Going Bad
A few warning signs help you to diagnose if you need a new timing belt, but remember that prevention- before a timing belt wears out- is the best indication of optimal maintenance of your car, since there will be no certain signals to indicate a worn belt may be ready to snap.
Below are five main key signs to keep an eye on to help you to see if you need to check and get a new timing belt.
#1. Ticking Noise Inside Engine.
When the timing belt gets worn, it can cause ticking or clicking sounds in the engine, which indicates low oil pressure. Low oil pressure does affect the timing belt since the tensioner that holds the belt because it is pressurized by the engine oil.
If the tensioner has dropped oil pressure, then the belt will be less tight or disengage from the pulley and/or break. If there is not enough oil pressure to allow the camshafts to operate properly, they will also lock up and cause the timing belt to break.
#2. Your Car’s Engine Won’t Turn Over.
With a broken timing belt, you may as well not even try to start your vehicle: while you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, the engine will not fire; that clicking will come from the starter motor.
But when the belt is broken it won’t allow the crankshaft and the camshaft to operate. There are many times that you won’t even know that the timing belt has broken because in many cases the belt fails while the vehicle is driving.
#3. Notice an Oil Leak Near the Motor.
The timing belt is secured by a number of nuts, which can come loose over time. This may cause them to leak oil on the timing belt cover, which is a problem.
When the oil flow is stopped, you run a significant risk of the engine overheating (which can cause damage and a big repair bill).
#4. More Smoke and Fumes Than Normal.
Belt wear and stretching harms the catalyst. The fuel is not entirely combusted in the chambers due to an improper/incorrect composition of mixture fuel. This means: all the fuel that is unconsumed is directed to the exhaust system.
If when turning the engine you hear clicking noises and see black smoke come from the exhaust pipe, this indicates an incorrect composition of fuel that could be due, but isn’t limited to, damage to the timing belt.
#5. If You Notice a Change in Your RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute).
If you’ve observed that your RPMs (revolutions per minute) have gone awry, then this could spark concern that something is wrong with your timing belt. Whether your timing belt has missing teeth or has completely snapped, it can have a substantial impact on your car’s RPM meter.
In some cases, however, there are no glaring indicators that your car’s timing belt is failing. This is especially why 5-star rated mechanics suggest you have your timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, and the owner’s manual can let you know what the manufacturer suggests as well.
#6. Damaged pistons.
When a timing belt fails completely, it immediately affects the crankshaft motion and as a result, the camshaft motion. Therefore, it affects the pistons motion which can potentially damage the piston and even create a hole in the engine block.
Ultimately, a timing belt breaking will affect the overall functioning of the vehicle and cause serious damage in an engine.
#7. Your Check Engine Light Is On.
The timing belt issue can trigger the check engine light, depending on what car you drive.
While it’s one of the least alarming warning signs, you should never ignore it. It indicates that something is wrong and you will need to see a mechanic right away.
What To Do If Your Timing Belt Breaks While Driving?
If your timing belt is broken, your car is not going anywhere! By the time the timing belt snaps, damage is done, and you will be unable to operate the vehicle. You will have to have the car towed to an auto repair shop.
But what about if you have a bad timing belt? After you know the timing belt is bad, can you still drive your car? Sure, you can drive the car while it is bad, but there is a possibility the timing belt will snap at any given time.
You should not drive the car for any prolonged time once you are aware that you may have a problem with the timing belt.