You should change your cambelt at between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. Car maintenance isn’t always that simple. Owning a vehicle at times feels like it comes with a lot of challenges. Even on low mileage cars, it is advised to replace the cambelt every four or five years.
But what does it do?
What Is A Cambelt?
Sometimes known as a timing belt, it is an essential component of your vehicle’s engine. It’s a long, thin band made from rubber or synthetic material. It is driven by your engine’s crankshaft and connects to the camshaft. You might now be wondering what the camshaft is.
Simply put, the camshaft enables the engine’s valves to open and close, ensuring that the air-fuel mixture that enters is expelled from the engine. Without a cambelt, the engine wouldn’t run properly.
Because it is such an important component for the smooth running of your vehicle, it is often worth checking over when buying a used car. It will also be inspected during a car service.
When Does A Cambelt Need Changing?
A broken or damaged cambelt can often be disastrous for your vehicle, as the engine will not run or turn-over. So, it’s important to catch signs of a cambelt wearing. Then, you must address it early. Therefore, being aware of these key indicators could help you prevent long-term damage to your vehicle:
- Unusual engine noises, rattling or ticking noises.
- A resulting lack of power and poor acceleration.
- Oil leaks.
- Smoke in the tailpipe.
- Overheating engine.
- Higher fuel usage.
- Failure to start.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should get in contact with a Mann Auto Services mechanic to arrange engine diagnostics check.
What Happens If I Leave It?
If you ignore the warning signs that your cambelt is wearing out, the outcome will be significant damage to your vehicle’s engine. A snapped cambelt or timing belt can cause the engine components to collide. This results in permanent damage to the engine, leading to a costly rebuild.
Cambelt Replacement With Mann Auto Services
If you need a belt or chain replacement or are looking for a service check, get in touch with our team of expert mechanics. Don’t let the signs go unnoticed, address the problem early and stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance.
