If you think the timing belt is not so important a part which worth your immediate repair, then you’re absolutely wrong. The timing belt means a lot to the engine, if it fails, the engine also fails to perform its deed, and your car hereby goes to sleep.

In our article today, we will give you a clear idea of what the timing belt does for your engine and when you should change it.

 Each timing belt change should be around 60k to 100k miles

What does the timing belt do for your engine?

Being a part of the internal combustion engines, the timing belt is in charge of synchronizing the functions of the engines. It is in charge of the crankshaft and camshaft’s rotation, and allows gas and air in and out by controlling the opening and closing of many valves of the engine, thereby allowing the fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber. During the explosion, the valves are there to stress the pistons down.

To ensure the whole process take place properly, the valves should open and close at the right time. Besides, the valves and the pistons should be in the right position. For each cylinder, the valves will open at a different time.

When the timing belt breaks, the valves will fail to open at the right time, and cause damage to the engine by hitting larger pistons.

When should you change your timing belt?

It’s extremely hard to spot an imminent death of a timing belt; therefore, just bear in mind that the milestone for each timing belt change should be around 60k to 100k miles, which is recommended by most auto brand’s manuals and mechanics as well.

Car owners have long been accustomed to replacing their timing belts only when they have gone broken. A broken timing belt costs a lot more to replace than a brand-new belt if it caused damages to the pistons, valves or water pump. Prevention is better than cure. Don’t wait for your timing belt to really break to have your replacement.

Video: What To Do When Your Timing Belt Breaks