When Should I Change My Cambelt?
Generally speaking, your vehicle’s cambelt – or timing belt - will need to be changed more than once over the course of your car’s life. Whilst there is no set guideline for when the cambelt will need to be replaced, you can refer to the vehicle handbook for your car to find out what your car’s manufacturer suggests.
This can vary depending on the make and model of the car - some manufacturers recommend changing the cambelt at the 4 to 6 year mark. Others suggest replacing the cambelt in terms of miles - anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 miles.
Does My Cambelt Need to Be Replaced?
Whilst these recommendations are worth bearing in mind, know that your vehicle’s cambelt may need to be changed sooner.
This may be the case for you if you notice that your vehicle is struggling to start. If the cambelt is broken, then your car will not start, and you’ll need to book a replacement.
Likewise, if you notice any strange noises coming from your vehicle’s engine you should act quickly to resolve the issue. Cambelts can fail with little warning - a rubbing sound coming from the belt cover is one of the only noticeable warning signs that a cambelt is about to fail. If you happen to hear this noise, turn your engine off and make sure you have the vehicle looked at by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
A cambelt replacement is an in-depth process - one which should only ever be performed by professionals. If your vehicle needs a cambelt change, book a repair slot at Williams Garage in Winchester today.
FAQs
What Does a Cambelt Do?
Your car’s cambelt controls the timing and sequence of certain components that make up your vehicle’s internal combustion engine. It is a vital component that helps to keep your vehicle running smoothly when it is in top condition.
Depending on the make and model in question, some vehicles may have a timing chain instead of a cambelt. You can refer to your vehicle’s handbook to find out whether your vehicle has a chain or a belt. A timing chain does the same job as a timing belt, but it is made of metal instead of rubber.
Why Is My Cambelt Failing?
As is the case with many vital car parts, your cambelt will experience gradual wear and tear over the years. If your cambelt is failing, this can lead to poor timing on the engine, which could in turn cause serious engine damage. This will be expensive to fix.
Signs that your cambelt is failing include:
- Misfiring when driving/idling
- Lack of power when accelerating
- Rough running of the engine
- Increased fuel consumption
Without a functioning timing belt or chain, your engine won’t be able to run. When it is time to change your cambelt, you can rely on Williams Garage to perform a professional cambelt replacement.