Your Chevy engine is highly efficient, and its various components work on split-second timing to achieve this performance. The timing belt synchronizes your engine’s operation. As your Chevy dealer, we want to tell you more about the importance of this belt and some signs you need a timing belt replacement.
From Your Chevy Dealer: When Do You Need a Timing Belt Replacement?
Why the Belt Is Important
The timing belt is made from tough, reinforced rubber and connects the camshaft at the top of your engine to the crankshaft at the bottom of your engine. It moves through the grooves between the sections, ensuring that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close at precise intervals. The engine intake valves allow the fuel-air mixture into the cylinders and the exhaust valves allow the gases and residue from combustion to enter the exhaust system.
Even slight timing delays can cause engine problems. Intake valves that open too early can draw in a fuel-air mixture that hasn’t been mixed precisely, and your engine will use too much fuel. In contrast, if the exhaust valves open too early, the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders won’t be sufficiently compressed, and your engine will lose power.
When Do You Replace the Belt?
On average, a timing belt needs replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The correct replacement time for your Chevy’s timing belt is listed in your car handbook. The belt needs replacement as even reinforced rubber becomes less flexible and can crack. The heat inside the engine will cause any crack to widen and deepen, and the belt could break.
Signs You Need a New Belt
Misfiring
Misfiring is caused by the fuel-air mixture in a cylinder igniting incorrectly. The mixture must be fully compressed before it’s ignited to enable it to burn in a carefully controlled series of explosions. Efficient compression can only occur in an airtight engine cylinder. As we saw above, if your engine timing is out of sync, a cylinder may open too early. Increased airflow into the cylinder will cause the cylinder to misfire.
Ticking Noises
If you hear an odd ticking sound from the engine, it’s a sign your belt needs replacement. The timing belt turns the crankshaft pulleys as it moves, but a worn belt won’t move them fast enough, resulting in the ticking sound.
Check Engine Light
Sensors are connected to every important component to ensure they’re working correctly. An older, worn timing belt can overheat, and if it gets hot enough it can snap. This immediately causes your engine to stop and sustain damage in the process. The sensors will identify the damaged belt and inform your computer, and the engine light will illuminate.
Visit our service department today at Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA, and our technicians will check your timing belt and replace it if necessary.
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