If you are noticing signs your Toyota timing belt is failing, you may want to head right on down to the knowledgeable staff at Toy Car Care in Centennial. We specialize in Toyota vehicle care of all sorts, including timing belt issues and more. We are confident that you will like what you see at Toy Car Care, because we have large service bays, up to date technicians, and we are happy to share these important tips about timing belt failure with you.
First off, what is a timing belt? A timing belt is an engine component that turns the engine’s cam and crankshaft in sync and makes certain that each cylinder fires at the correct time. It is strategically located under a timing cover and is in the front of the engine. It is usually made of high-quality rubber with nylon-reinforced cords inside to ensure the life of the belt is extended. That being said, it is subject to incredible forces and stresses inside your motor and will need replacement at some point. Without a timing belt, your car won’t run.
Many car owners often wonder how often they should replace their Toyota timing belt. Earlier, a general rule of thumb was every 60,000 miles, but as technology has improved, many manufacturers recommend intervals up to 100,000 miles. For safety reasons, check the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends and stay within that suggested mileage timeline. If you notice strange sounds or general operating issues, read on to learn what may be causing it.
Be aware of the following signs and symptoms of timing belt failure or issues:
- Ticking Noise: When the timing belt starts to wear out, it may create a ticking sound inside the motor. This warning sign may also mean there is low oil pressure or the engine is not getting the proper amount of lubrication. The timing belt is made up of a series of pulleys connected to the engine’s crank and camshaft. The crankshaft powers the engine’s connecting rods which are attached to a piston, and so on. So you see, all this intricate detailing needs lubrication. If you hear this noise, get to Toy Car Care immediately.
- Engine Won’t Start: If your Toyota timing belt is broken, the engine will not start. You may hear the starter motor engage, but it will not ignite the engine, in this case. There also may be some internal engine compartment damage if the timing belt broke while in motion, such as cylinder head hardware, crank bearings, and oil pump. This is a definite must for a qualified mechanic to check into as soon as possible.
- Engine Misfires: Sometimes the timing belt will slip on the camshaft drive and cause one cylinder to open or close earlier than it should. This might cause a misfire in your engine and is not something to be ignored as it may result in tremendous engine damage.
- Oil Leaking in Front of Motor: The timing belt has a cover, which from time to time can become loose causing oil to leak. Another possibility is the gasket between the engine block and timing cover cracks, wear out, or was improperly installed. All of these problems will cause an engine to overheat, and a timing belt to wear out before it’s time.
- Engine Problems at High RPM: Strange behavior at high RPM could indicate that your Toyota timing belt has lost many of its rubber teeth that hold onto the gears in the crankshaft, and is slipping.
- Performance Issues: If you are noticing problems when shifting gears or speeding up, this is another good indicator of a timing belt mishap.
- Exhaust Issues: Along with misfires comes exhaust issues. An increase in black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe is a result of failing timing of your valves and your engine competing against itself, which can relate back to your timing belt problems.
Timing belts take a little bit of time to replace or fix properly, but in general, the cost is not that expensive. Remember, spotting these sure-fire signs are your best defense against future, more costly problems with your engine down the road. Be sure to give Toy Car Care a call at the first sign of a problem.
Regular maintenance appointments at Toy Car Care will help you avoid seeing signs your Toyota timing belt is failing, and a whole host of other problems that may arise. Keeping your vehicles running smoothly and at their best is Toy Car Cares mission. We will get you where you need to be, so stop by and see us today!