Your Timing Belt and Auto Engine Repair in Lincoln Park01.11.2022 | Okan Sengullu

If you don’t spend time under the hood of your vehicle, you may not be familiar with the timing belt, but it’s a vital part of your engine.

So, what is the timing belt, and why is it so important? Please read on as we try to explain.

Timing Belt

Perhaps the best way to describe the timing belt is to compare it to a bicycle chain. As you crank the pedals, the chain keeps the front and back sprockets working together, moving the bike forward. In a similar way, the timing belt keeps the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine working in sync.

The timing belt is made of rubber and has hard teeth that interlock with the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshafts. This coordination ensures that the engine’s intake and exhaust valves are opening and closing in time with the pistons. If the timing belt is extremely worn or broken, these engine components won’t operate in sync. Consequently, they can damage each other, your vehicle won’t run correctly, and you’ll be left with a costly repair bill.

Signs of Trouble

Here are some warning signs indicating you may need to replace your timing belt:

• Engine overheating
• Vibration or shaking
• Loss of power
• Difficulty starting the vehicle
• Rubbing or squealing sounds from the engine belts
• Leaking oil
• A ticking sound coming from the engine
• Flashing check engine light

Expert Car Engine Diagnostics and Repair Shop in Lincoln Park and Surrounding Neighborhoods

It’s extremely important to replace your timing belt at the mileage recommended by the manufacturer, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Ignoring this recommendation potentially can lead to complete engine failure and expensive auto repair service.

Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage for your car or truck. If you need to replace your timing belt, or need any other engine diagnostic and repair service performed by our certified, professional technicians, come see us at Bucaro Brothers Auto Care for state of the art auto repair in Chicago, IL.