We spoke of the importance of belt checks and changes in our last article. Caring for & changing your 
timing belt when needed is one of the most important belts to look after and can potentially cause many issues should it become damaged, worn or old. In fact, it is an extremely important internal engine component. Your timing belt’s main job is to keep your camshaft and crankshaft rotating in sync so that the cylinders of your engine fire at the appropriate time. JNJ Auto Service owner & certified mechanic, Jim, elaborates a bit more on timing belt inspection and replacement.
Important Timing Belt Information You Need To Know
Your timing belt is subjected to a lot of dust, oil, water, and high heat, putting a lot of pressure and wear on the belt. This can lead to damage, cracked, worn and old belts. Belts that remain damaged and go unrepaired often lead to multiple other engine issues that could have been prevented had your timing belt been inspected sooner. Generally, it is advised to change your timing belt every 90,000 miles, yet it differs depending on the make and model of your vehicle. It is best to look in your owner’s manual to see what applies to your vehicle to be precise!
Warning signs that there may be something wrong with your timing belt include ticking noises, your vehicle won’t start or it misfires. Should your vehicle exhibit one of these warning signs it is highly advised to take it into your mechanic ASAP! That being said it is important that you find a certified professional mechanic you can trust. If you will be scheduling regular inspections, oil changes, and any repairs that need to be done it is best to work with someone you trust, is within your budget and you feel confident in his abilities. The more comfortable you feel taking your car into your mechanic the more apt you are to handle repairs & maintenance sooner rather than later.