A timing belt is an essential part of your vehicle’s engine. It helps ensure the engine works properly by keeping all its components in sync. It's like a special rubber band that keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

To ensure your commercial vehicle runs like a well-oiled machine for miles and years to come, a good timing belt is essential. Replacing the timing belt is a crucial thing to do to keep your commercial vehicle in good shape! 

But how do you know if your timing belt needs replacement? 

In this post, the top Car mechanic in Melbourne will help you learn about recognising the common signs timing belt needs replacing. 

What is a timing belt?

Think of your vehicle’s timing belt as the bike chain. It is wrapped around gears and wheels, keeping the engine in synch. It powers your vehicle's oil, water, and injection pumps. 

The timing belt is made of extremely durable rubber with hard teeth that fit together with the gear wheels of the engine's camshafts and crankshaft. If you don’t know much about cars, the crankshaft controls the pistons, while the camshaft opens and closes the engine's valves. 

The timing belt makes sure the crankshaft and camshafts work together smoothly. It protects them from rubbing against each other, which may cause game-over damage. Further, a lack of synchronisation between the camshafts and crankshafts affects your vehicle's performance. 

Timing belts usually become worn out over time. You can check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific timing belt replacement intervals. For instance, if you own a VW Caddy, it's recommended to get your timing belt replaced every 96000 to 128747 kms or 4 to 5 years. 

Besides, a few warning signs can indicate a potential problem with your vehicle’s timing belt. Let’s learn more about them. 

Signs timing belt needs replacement

Keep an eye out for the following telltale signs of timing belt damage:

    1. Engine having a difficult time starting. 

The timing belt may be the issue if your car’s engine doesn’t start smoothly or takes longer than usual. Usually, if the timing belt is the reason behind this, you will hear the motor turning when you try to start the vehicle with the key or the start button.

If this is the case, it is advisable to have an experienced mechanic take a look under the hood to determine the issue and replace your timing belt, if needed. Do it sooner, and your car will work better and be safer.

    2. Engine misfires. 

Ever noticed your car’s engine stumbling for a while and regained its composure on its own? That's what we call an engine misfire. It happens when one or more cylinders aren’t providing enough power to the vehicle.

Difference performance issues lead to misfires. If your timing belt is the cause behind it, it’s a sign that the valves and pistons inside the cylinder aren’t working together smoothly. 

Although engine misfires are a usual problem, they can still lead to major issues like weak engine performance, lower mileage, and sometimes even engine fires. To avoid these problems, you must seek professional assistance to inspect your timing belt if you see any signs of a misfire in your car.

    3. Heavy exhaust fumes 

Excess fumes and smoke from the exhaust could be another sign your timing belt needs a quick replacement. This generally happens if the engine belt is broken. 

    4. The engine producing a ticking sound

You might hear various sounds coming from under the car bonnet when you're driving a car. If you notice a ticking noise from the engine area, it's important to check your timing belt.

A ticking sound is the most common sign timing belt needs replacing. When the timing belt gets too old and worn out, the engine parts won't be able to work together smoothly. As a result, the performance of the car’s engine will suffer. This causes your engine to produce a ticking sound, indicating it's time to replace the belt.

    5. Oil leaks and low oil pressure

Oil problems like oil leaks or low oil pressure can also be a potential sign of failing timing belts. If the gasket sealing the engine block and timing cover deteriorates, you will notice a decrease in oil pressure and level. 

A low oil pressure light illuminating the dashboard indicates insufficient oil pressure in your vehicle. But if you hear louder engine noise and notice higher engine temperature and lower fuel economy, it means there’s inadequate engine oil in your vehicle. 

    6. Rough idling of the engine 

Your vehicle’s timing belt comprises teeth that grip gears as they rotate several engine parts. If these teeth become fragile, disengage, or fracture, the timing belt may begin to slip away from the gears. This is particularly noticeable when towing a heavy load or driving on wet roads. Slipping off the gears may potentially cause stalling of your engine. 

If you notice rough running conditions (such as unusual idling), a decline in power, and a flashing check engine light, you must seek assistance from a certified mechanic. 

    7. Worn edges 

If you notice visible wear on the edges of your timing belt, with exposed filaments, it's time to consider a replacement. Such wear can occur due to misalignment of pulleys or tensioners or exposure to high temperatures. 

How to replace a timing belt? 

Regarding timing belt replacement, a DIY is a clear NO. Instead, you should leave the job to the professionals if you have extensive knowledge of your car's engine. 

The timing belt is deep within the engine, making it complex. When you take your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis, they will likely recommend a comprehensive timing belt service. During this service, they may also replace the water pump and change the radiator coolant, as these components tend to have similar lifespans and rates of wear.

It's wise to have these aspects checked now to avoid the risk of a breakdown or the expense of a return visit later on.

So, do you need a timing belt replacement?

Replacing the timing belt is an imperative, intricate, and labour-intensive process. Hence, it should be dealt with promptly and carefully. If you are experiencing any of the signs discussed above or have any other reason to believe your timing belt is damaged, quickly schedule an appointment at a nearby car service mechanic to prevent unexpected breakdowns.