There are some times in life when you really shouldn’t be taking any chances, and in our opinion this includes those occasions when it’s advisable to change your car’s timing belt. Also known as a cambelt and in some cars it’s actually a timing chain, this seemingly unobtrusive component performs an extremely important function, one that you can be forgiven for not even being aware of.
It connects the camshaft to the crankshaft, enabling your engine’s valves, pistons and engine to work together properly. It’s placed under a great deal of stress when the car is running, and as a result it will need replacing at some point in its life. Despite the fact that it’s made from extremely strong rubber, deterioration is inevitable.
Your car’s manufacturer will recommend replacement at a given mileage figure, and it’s best not to ignore this advice. If it breaks suddenly while the car is in motion the engine will stop running immediately, even if you’re in the outside lane of a fast motorway. As well as enduring a very scary situation, you will also be facing an expensive repair bill should this happen.
The harsh truth is that a broken timing belt can damage the pistons, the cylinder head, the valves and the camshaft itself. To avoid this situation, it’s a good idea to heed the advice of the manufacturer and have your belt changed. It’s not a cheap job to do, because it’s time-consuming to access the relevant part of the engine, but it’s a far safer and far cheaper alternative to the worst case scenario.
Tell-tale indicators of timing belt problems
It’s also worth noting there are several potential signs of timing belt wear and tear, and these should be investigated as and when they occur. They include misfiring of the engine, a reduction in oil pressure and the appearance of smoke from your exhaust system. To be on the safe side, it’s best to have issues such as these checked out by a competent garage.
Here at Tannadice Motors, we can check your timing belt for you, and recommend the best course of action. If it needs to be replaced, we’d be happy to offer a fair, competitive quote to bring you the peace of mind you need. If you’re ready to go ahead with the job, we’ll book the car in on a day that suits you and complete the task with a minimum of inconvenience to you.
We have built a reputation for excellence over the years, and our sizable band of happy repeat customers stands as testament to this. Tannadice Motors can get you back on the road now, so just call 01382 690 898 and let us take it from there. And even if you are considering using another garage, our message remains the same: please don’t take a chance with your timing belt.
