
Role of Timing Belts in Your Car’s Maintenance, Brisbane
If you require a timing belt replacement, the team at Sommer Car Care in Brisbane offers expert repairs and can provide you with information on maintenance. In this blog, we explain the function of this belt in your engine, outline the potential risks of it failing, provide guidance on intervals between belt replacements and reference the original engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Schedule a timing belt inspection or replacement with our team today.
H2: How Does the Timing Belt Work?
The timing belt acts similarly to a bike chain. It is a rubber belt with many teeth that lock into the cogs on the camshafts and crankshafts; it works by synchronising the movement between them. This allows the intake and exhaust valves of the engine to open and close in time with the pistons. Without this component, the engine will not function correctly.
H2: What are the Risks of Timing Belt Failure?
If you don’t arrange a timing belt replacement before it breaks, there are a variety of risks to your engine which can be both expensive and dangerous:
H3: Potential for Damage to Components
A broken timing belt can cause serious damage to the many elements in your engine, such as pistons and valves. Your engine will stop immediately, and subsequent repairs are often expensive.
H3: Risk of Losing Control While Driving
Belt failure can occur when you’re driving, potentially causing a serious safety risk to you and other drivers. This can result in costly repairs to your vehicle and to any other vehicles impacted by the incident.
H3: Broken Belts Can Cause Oil Leaks
Broken belts can cause the pressure inside your engine to change dramatically, which results in a strain on all the other components. This strain will cause parts to wear out faster or break, which can cause oil to leak.
H3: Reduce the Performance
If the belt skips or stretches, it can damage the fuel injectors, resulting in diminished performance and potential misfires. This can cause your vehicle to be unreliable until you can arrange a timing belt replacement.
H2: How Long Between Replacements?
Due to the many expensive and dangerous issues broken timing belts can cause, it is essential to replace them as soon as they’re due for replacement. Manufacturers typically suggest approximately 5 years or 100,000km between your belt replacements. As part of our regular servicing, our expert mechanics will inspect your belt for wear and tear, check for common timing belt warning signs and advise you on its condition. We can also arrange replacement at our state of the art Brisbane workshop.
What Does the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) say?
Manufacturers can differ when recommending how often you replace timing belts. Mercedes recommends around the 60,000km range, whereas BMW recommends as low as around 40,000km. Sommer Car Care’s expert mechanics are familiar with all European OEM recommendations and specifications for belt replacement and repair.
Arrange a replacement or repair of the timing belt in your European car with Sommer Car Care in Brisbane. Call our friendly team today on 07 3171 8780 or contact us online to schedule a service.