It isn’t often that one considers replacing their timing belt unless, of course, a break down results in that recommendation from a certified auto technician, but there are signs a driver should pay attention to that could make it possible to avoid being stranded. Preventative care certainly trumps being stuck on the side of the road, so if the following issues are occurring, bring your car in to Master Tech Automotive today for an evaluation.
Wear & Tear – Over time, the timing belt will break down. This makes traction less secure, causing the timing belt to slip. Often, this slipping will occur during wet weather or if pulling a heavy load for long periods of time. If the timing belt is slipping, you’ll know it. Not only is this noisy, it will be felt immediately and the reliability of the engine will suffer.
Abrasion – A misalignment may occur with a worn timing belt. This misalignment can lead to accelerated wear and eventual break down. Heat or a bearing failure may also be the cause of timing belt abrasion. Slipping is another indicator that there is a problem with timing belt abrasions.
Cracking – This is diagnosed visually and may be visible without a complete diagnostic run by a professional. If cracking is obvious, do not wait for engine failure to occur. Bring your vehicle in to Master Tech Automotive for a full evaluation. Cracks indicate excessive wear, a state which will need to be rectified immediately to avoid complete belt failure.
Glazing – If the timing belt is shiny or glossed in appearance, it means the timing belt is no longer providing the flexibility needed to keep your engine running smoothly. This stiffness will only lead to eventual failure. Take note of the appearance of the timing belt for future discussion with a certified, Master Tech auto technician.
Hydroplaning – If water can no longer be dispersed away from the timing belt and pulleys, the belt will hydroplane. This will cause the engine to lose power. It will be felt throughout the vehicle – a sure indicator that something is not quite right with the engine.
Misalignment – This condition is most often diagnosed by a professional, certified technician. Misalignment will let your service technician know that additional internal engine components may have failed along with the timing belt showing signs of increased wear. Preventative maintenance could catch this issue before it becomes damaging to your engine.
Elongation – Increased wear can also stretch out your timing belt. This issue results in a change in the amount of tension, the result being poor engine performance.
Maintaining the health of your engine is critical to prolonging the life of your vehicle. Replacing a worn timing belt prior to failure can save additional costly fixes. If you are experiencing slipping, engine lagging, or hydroplaning, contact us at Master Tech Automotive today to set up an appointment for your free diagnostic test and allow our experts to recommend a solution that will get your car back on the road safely in as little time as possible. Don’t forget to consider our coupons for money off of any needed repairs!
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