Is Your Engine's Timing Belt in Sync?
Some people say that in the hunt for success, timing is everything. This is certainly the case when it comes to the performance of your car's engine, as many different parts need to work together in sync to produce any power and drive your vehicle. At the heart of this system is the appropriately named timing belt that you may never have heard of but is undoubtedly the key to automotive success. What do you need to know about this important part and any crucial ongoing maintenance?
Understanding the Timing Belt
The typical timing belt is made from reinforced rubber composite and is designed to last a long time under duress. It connects the two most important parts of the engine: the crankshaft and camshaft. These two shafts have to turn at precisely the right time to allow the valves to open and close, fuel to combust, and pistons to move up and down. These activities must take place with split-second accuracy, especially when the engine is turning at high speed.
Well Adjusted
Engineers adjust the position of the timing belt to ensure that it will transfer energy from the crankshaft to the camshaft as part of a very accurate and repeatable cycle. So, as you can see, the timing belt is very important if you want your vehicle to run without issue and need to look after the engine.
Passage of Time
While the timing belt is well-engineered, it lives in a very hostile environment and will invariably wear out with time. If it starts to degrade, it may start to slip, and while the movement may be small, you'll definitely notice performance issues.
Sensor Activation
Modern-day engines have a variety of sensors, and one set is designed to check the correlation between the camshaft and the crankshaft. The ECU will likely flash the check engine light at the first signs of an issue. When you take the vehicle to a mechanic, they may trace the fault code back to the timing belt.
Significant Problems
A slipping belt could cause the engine cylinders to open and close out of sync with the incoming fuel mix. This will cause a misfire and a copious amount of dark smoke from the exhaust. Do not drive the car in this situation but get it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Taking Action
As you can see, a high-quality, efficient timing belt is crucial to your engine's longevity. If it's been some time since this part was checked, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If it needs to be replaced, always use the highest quality parts.
For more information on car repair, contact a professional near you.
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