{"id":1356,"date":"2024-02-29T09:50:51","date_gmt":"2024-02-29T09:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrclutch.com\/blog\/?p=1356"},"modified":"2024-04-05T11:57:54","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T10:57:54","slug":"when-to-change-the-timing-belt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrclutch.com\/blog\/when-to-change-the-timing-belt\/","title":{"rendered":"When to change the timing belt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With so many different components to keep track of within your car, it can sometimes be difficult to keep on top of what needs replacing when. However, it\u2019s crucial to make sure you have your cambelt <\/a>changed at the recommended intervals. If the cambelt were to break while you were driving, the damage could be significant and may even result in your vehicle being written off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I know if my cambelt needs changing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First of all, it\u2019s important to note that it\u2019s not always possible to tell if your cambelt is on its way out. Timing belts can wear out without showing any of the below symptoms, which is why it\u2019s so important to have yours checked regularly and replaced when recommended to avoid costly repair bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the signs listed below may mean that there\u2019s a problem with your cambelt – or with another component in your car. Whether you think you know the cause of the issue or not, it\u2019s best to get the problem checked out at your local autocentre<\/a> so it can be fixed before it causes further damage to your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problems starting the engine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your cambelt becomes worn and tired, it can make it harder to start your car – and it can be impossible if the cambelt has gone completely. This is because the cambelt synchronises the turning of the crankshaft and the camshaft – without it, the camshaft can\u2019t turn and the engine can\u2019t function properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding it difficult to start your car could also mean there’s a different problem within your engine, the battery<\/a> or the internal connections within the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black smoke from the exhaust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your car starts billowing dark, black smoke from the exhaust when you start it up, it\u2019s often a sign that your fuel isn\u2019t combusting properly. Incomplete combustion can be caused by a number of issues relating to the engine, one of which is a worn or damaged timing belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loss of voltage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve mentioned, the cambelt\u2019s job is to synchronise the two halves of the engine via the camshaft and the crankshaft. This is why it\u2019s also known as a timing belt – because it controls the timing of the engine. If your cambelt breaks or slips out of position, that can affect the timing of the engine which may result in it misfiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n