As you’re driving in Clifton, NJ, and anywhere else, nothing is more important than driving safely. You also need to have confidence that your car will perform well and get you where you need to go without incident. Taking good care of various parts and components will help you accomplish these goals. The timing belt is one piece on your vehicle that you can’t ignore. You need to know when to replace it and why doing so is vital.
An Overview of the Timing Belt
The timing belt is a piece of reinforced rubber that connects to the camshaft and crankshaft gears. These items must operate effectively for your vehicle to run properly. Timing belts used to be timing chains. However, today, they often have teeth to help control the camshafts in the engine. This ensures that the valves open correctly and provide a smooth ride.
Signs That It Is Time to Replace the Timing Belt
Fortunately, when you need to replace the timing belt, it doesn’t have to be guesswork. Furthermore, you shouldn’t have to encounter an emergency to know that your car needs a new one. Certain clues will tell you that the belt is wearing out or failing. If you follow these warnings, you can avoid more costly repairs and breakdowns.
Firstly, pay attention to how long it has been since your car got a new timing belt. You should replace it as often as every 30,000 miles. However, some manufacturers say the belt can last up to 120,000 miles. Therefore, it is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a bad timing belt. Poor engine performance or an engine misfire could indicate timing belt problems. If you hear clicking or squealing from the engine, the timing belt could be the culprit. Also, if you put a lot of wear and tear on your car with stop-and-go city driving, you may need to replace the timing belt sooner than later.
The Dangers of Putting Off This Replacement
Never ignore these signs or dismiss the need to get a new timing belt. You must replace it to avoid having your car not start, which could lead you stranded somewhere. More extensive engine damage could also occur. You may even encounter exhaust issues or have oil leaks near the motor.
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Let a Pro Take Care of It
For timing belt concerns, let a qualified, experienced mechanic help you. You can have confidence that a professional can properly install a new belt. The costs to replace a timing belt are much less than fixing bigger engine issues by putting off this maintenance.
When it’s time for a new timing belt in your car, bring it to the service team at Garden State Honda in Clifton, NJ. Our technicians will get your car back in good working order, giving you peace of mind.
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