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What are the signs of a timing belt failing?

If your timing belt fails, it will cause severe damage to everything it comes into contact with. It is highly recommended that a timing belt is changed when it shows signs of wearing down. It will save you money and keep your car running properly for longer. Factors that signal timing belt failure include:

 

1) Smoke:

If you’ve observed that your vehicle is emitting an unusually significant amount of exhaust fumes or smoke, this could be another sign that your timing belt needs to be replaced. A worn timing belt will cause the engine to overwork, resulting in increased exhaust emissions. If your vehicle begins emitting thick smoke from the tailpipe, the fuel is not burning correctly. It is likely due to a worn timing belt and out-of-sync valve opening and closing.

 

2) Engine Not Starting:

Malfunctioning timing belts are one of the many reasons why your engine may not start. If your automobile doesn’t start, you can’t ignore this issue because you can’t drive it. However, if the timing belt breaks while you are driving, you will know immediately, and your engine will indeed sustain extra damage. If the timing belt is broken, the vehicle will not start, it will not turn over, and there will be no response whatsoever.

 

3) Engine Running Rough:

Another indication of a worn timing belt is an engine running roughly. It may manifest as shaking, bouncing when idling, screeching/whirring, power loss, or inconsistent RPM counts. The timing belt comprises tiny “teeth” that latch onto gears as it rotates the engine’s moving elements. If the teeth become worn, broken, or fall out, the vehicle will compensate by slipping gears, resulting in engine failure and stalling.

 

4) Strange Noise:

While a timing belt works to build a healthy timing system between the engine’s two sides, you should not hear any timing-related sounds. Any unusual ticking or similar sounds should be approached with caution. It is common for outdated and worn timing belts to generate noises during engine startup, acceleration, and idle. Your engine should not produce unusual sounds; if it does, it’s time to take your vehicle to the mechanic.

 

Timing belts play a vital role in keeping the engine components synchronized and in their proper order. When the timing belt breaks, it will create havoc on the entire engine, causing it to fail. If you suspect your timing belt needs to be changed, contact your local parts store and make an appointment with your mechanic. While some people prefer to change their timing belts themselves, it is not recommended because of the high level of maintenance and the potential for further damage to the vehicle.