Timing Belt Replacement in New Berlin

Learn More About the Importance of Timing Belt Maintenance

Not all vehicles have timing belts. If yours does, it should be changed at regular mileage intervals. In some vehicles, if the timing belt breaks, the engine can become seriously damaged necessitating costly engine repair or replacement. This condition happens if your engine has a "run-on" or "interference" engine.

• It is recommended you replace your timing belts every 90,000-100,000 miles.

Save Money on Timing Belt Service

Timing belts and chains require service so seldom it can be easy to forget to do it. Unfortunately, waiting too long for a timing belt or timing chain service can result in a car that won’t run or worse, a destroyed engine.

Ravenswood Auto Center can service your car’s timing belt or chain to ensure that you stay on the road and stay free from unexpected engine failure. Call our locally owned auto shop today for an appointment.

When Should I Change My Timing Belt?

Every manufacturer will have a different recommendation for when you should change the timing belt in your vehicle. Timing belts are made from tough, nylon-reinforced rubber. This means that they often last for quite a while, between 50,000 and 100,000 miles in many cases.

Newer cars often have timing chains in lieu of a belt. These chains are able to last much longer, sometimes even for the lifetime of the car. The downside of a timing chain is if it does fail, the damage can be much greater than a belt.

Signs of a Worn or Damaged Timing Belt

You’ll likely have some advanced warning of a potential timing belt failure if you know what to look for. Signs of trouble include:

1. Clicking noises coming from the engine.
2. An engine that runs rough or misfires
3. Your car won’t start
4. Squealing sounds

Potential Damage Caused by a Broken Timing Belt

A broken timing belt is never a good thing. The extent of the damage caused by a timing belt break varies depending on whether you have an interference-type engine or a non-interference engine.

Timing Belt Replacement Service at New Berlin Auto Service

The timing belt or chain in your car is typically encased in a protective housing. This helps to protect the belt from damage, but it also makes it very difficult to check on your own.

Ravenswood Auto Center in New Berlin can diagnose your timing belt if you suspect it may be nearing the end of its life or you are nearing the manufacturer’s recommendation for replacement. Call us today.