Recognizing a worn or broken timing belt

Every car has a timing belt. This is usually located at the front of the engine. Timing belts are under a lot of stress when they are in motion. This can cause them to wear out after a while. Car manufacturers therefore prescribe that the timing belt should be replaced after a number of years or after a maximum number of kilometers driven. This usually has to be done every 4 or 5 years or after 80.000 to 120.000 kilometers driven. If you wait too long to replace the timing belt, this can result in major damage to the engine. And repairing the engine is an expensive joke. If you have to do this, you will spend a lot more money than on the initial replacement of the timing belt. It is therefore important to recognize a worn or broken timing belt in time. We would therefore like to tell you more about the common problems with timing belts and the symptoms that can indicate that your timing belt is broken or worn out.

Common Timing Belt Problems

There are a number of problems that can occur with the timing belt. The most common are a broken timing belt, a noisy belt, a cracked backside, broken teeth, a cracked backside, oil contamination due to an oil slick, a worn-away intermediate space and worn edges. These problems are in most cases accompanied by underlying problems. This underlying problem will have to be thoroughly addressed. It is then not sufficient to simply replace the timing belt.

Recognize a worn or broken timing belt by the symptoms below

If the timing belt is broken or worn, you can usually recognize this by one of the following symptoms:

The engine skips

If a timing belt is worn, the combustion in the engine can be compromised. In that case, the timing belt starts to slip off the gears and falls onto the camshaft. In that case, one of the cylinders opens and closes too quickly and an engine failure will occur. If you notice that the engine misfires, the timing belt must be replaced immediately.

The engine makes a ticking noise

If the timing belt is wearing out, a ticking sound can come from the engine. But this does not always have to indicate a problem with the belt. It can also be related to too low oil pressure or too much/little lubricant.

The engine won't start anymore

When the timing belt is broken inside, the engine will not be able to ignite or will fall. When you start the car, you may still hear the starter motor, but it will not work, but it will not start.

There is oil leaking from the engine

In the case of problems with the timing belt, it is also common for engine oil to leak from the timing belt cover. This can also lead to overheating of the engine. It is therefore very important to take action immediately if this happens. Also keep in mind that you check the oil level from time to time. Read here how to do this.

Make an appointment in time

It is often difficult to recognize a worn timing belt in time. Therefore, discuss with your mechanic how often the belt of your car needs to be replaced and plan an appointment immediately to prevent problems with the engine. And if you need a replacement vehicle during the appointment, you can come to us for a nice rate rent a car for a day. Whether you a want to rent a car in Geleen, Really, Maastricht, Heerlen or another place in South Limburg, Adrem is the right place for you!