Everything you need to know about timing belts: important advice for car owners

Subject: Tips for car owners  |   Date: 02.12.2021

The timing drive in the car is an outwardly simple device that performs a serious function. He is responsible for the performance of the engine and the ignition system. A broken belt is fraught with serious damage to parts in the engine. Therefore, every motorist should know information about this part. In addition, you should learn to clearly recognize the main signs when timing belt urgently needs to be replaced. All questions will be answered by our article.

What is a timing belt, what is it for

The timing drive is one of the most complex in the design of a car. The belt rotates on the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys, thus driving the water pump. Its main task is to ensure the timely filling of the cylinders with fuel, the removal of exhaust gases from them.

In modern internal combustion engines, the timing belt is located between the radiator and the cylinder block. When the hood of the machine is opened, the rubber toothed belt covering the pulleys is visible even to the naked eye. Although, for security reasons, it is most often hidden behind a special casing.

Why timing belt breaks

Despite the importance of the timing belt, its breakage is one of the most common breakdowns. Among the main reasons for the open circuit are:

• poor quality part;
• contact with technical fluid or oil on the belt surface;
• violation of operating rules;
• expired component life.

Main features for timing belt replacement

Timely detection of deviations in the operation of the gas distribution system, as well as its replacement, helps to avoid serious damage in the car. To do this, you need to periodically look under the hood, dismantle the protective casing. A part needs urgent replacement if the following deviations were found during visual inspection:

• cracks on the back of the chain;
• frayed belt edges that have lost their evenness and smoothness;
• small cracks on the teeth on the inside of the product;
• toothed belt delamination;
• formation of black deposits on the casing and parts in contact with the belt.

It is worth noting that it is often not possible for the car owner to dismantle the casing on his own. Because of this, it is not possible to visually inspect the belt. Symptoms of malfunction:

• Timing drive worn out. It is recommended to change a spare part every 50-120 thousand kilometers. Even if the vehicle is rarely used, the chain should be changed every 5 years. All because of the rubber material, which loses its elasticity over time. Having bought a used car, this part is changed first.
• Reduced power, the car cannot start the first time. This means that the belt has begun to stretch, causing malfunctions in the ignition system.
• The appearance of black exhaust smoke. In the absence of synchronization, the fuel in the engine does not burn completely. This means the belt is loose and needs replacing.

All these points should definitely be taken into account. If necessary, seek help from specialists.