When should I change the timing belt?

As the core component of the engine valve system, the condition of the timing belt directly determines whether the engine can run stably and safely. If there is a problem with the timing belt, the engine, the "heart" of the car, will not work properly. The following will talk to you about the conditions for the replacement of the belt on time, common faults, and the doorway for maintenance.

1. When should I change the belt?

The belt is aged or injured

Cracks and abrasions: Let's open the engine compartment and look directly at it, or reach out and touch it. If you find that there are obvious cracks on the surface of the belt, the edges are rough, you feel that the belt has become stiff (like a popsicle, no elasticity), and even the fibers inside are loose, then you have to change the belt quickly.

Wrong tightness: If the belt is loose and loose, it is likely that the tensioner has failed. In this case, it is better not only to adjust the tensioner, but also to change the belt.

Look at the mileage and time

Generally speaking, the timing belt has to be changed when it runs to 6-100,000 kilometers (you have to refer to the manual of your car, and the requirements are different for different models). Some cars have stricter requirements, and they may have to be replaced in 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. If your car is constantly running in particularly hot or cold environments, and the belt deteriorates quickly, you will need to shorten the time interval between inspections.

Other component failures are implicated

If the tensioner, idler, guide or pump breaks, the timing belt looks fine, and the entire system has to be replaced. Otherwise, one bad part may drag down other good parts, and then the trouble will be big.

The engine has an abnormal reaction

Poor power: When driving, I feel that the acceleration is not strong, the climbing is difficult, the car is unstable when idling, and even suddenly stalls, which may be the problem of the timing belt.

Strange noises: If the engine makes a "click" sound, or there is a sound of the belt rubbing, it may be due to insufficient lubrication or the wrong position of the belt.

Difficulty in starting: If the timing belt is misaligned, the ignition system will also be out of order, and the car may be difficult to start, or even not start at all.

Second, the timing belt fails, and the engine will "suffer"

The timing is wrong or skipping

At this time, the movement of the valve and the piston are not on point, and it is easy to collide. In this impact, the valve may be bent, the piston may be pierced through a hole, and the engine will have to be overhauled.

The belt broke

As soon as the belt broke, the engine stalled. Especially in multi-valve engines, serious problems with top cylinders can occur. At this time, not only the belt must be replaced, but the damaged parts of the engine must also be repaired.

Other parts were then damaged

If the tensioner and water pump are broken, the belt will wear out faster, and the maintenance cost will increase.

3. What should I pay attention to when repairing the timing belt?

Steps for replacement

Professional operation is important: special tools are used to align the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft with special tools. This step should not be sloppy, if it is not correct, the engine will shake when it runs later, and it may make strange noises.

Replace the  automotive timing belt with the parts: When changing the belt, it is best to change the tensioner, idler, guide wheel, and the water pump driven by the belt. This ensures that the service life of the entire system is about the same, reducing the probability of problems in the future.

Tips for daily check-ups

Don't be lazy with regular checks: check the timing belt every 1-20,000 kilometers after the car has traveled 50,000 kilometers. It is best to open the hood to see the condition of the belt when the car is hot.

A simple inspection method: Touch the surface of the belt with your hands to see if it has become rough. Take another phone, turn on the flash and take a photo to see if there are any cracks, or if there are any whitish spots.

Choose a place for repairs

For such a thing as changing the belt, it is best to go to a 4S store, or find a professional maintenance point with a good reputation. In this way, the quality of the replaced accessories can be guaranteed, and the installation process is also in line with the standard, so as not to cause various problems in the future due to improper installation.

summary

Whether the car timing belt should be changed or not depends on the mileage, the actual condition of the belt, and the performance of the engine. If you ignore the replacement of the timing belt, if something goes wrong, the maintenance cost of the engine can be high. Therefore, all car owners must strictly follow the requirements of the vehicle maintenance manual, regularly check the timing belt, and find a reliable place to repair. If you notice that the car is idling, has a strange noise, or is not working properly, you should quickly check whether there is a problem with the timing system. Don't let small problems become big problems.