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Most manufacturers use Car Timing/Cam Belt in the design of their engines. This enables the cam shafts in the top of the engine to be aligned and synchronised with the crankshaft in the bottom of the engine. This then allows the values and pistons to move in harmony with each other.
These toothed belts are predominantly made of rubber and have a limited life. They are affected by mileage wear and tear, as well as age due to perishing and deteriation.
Each manufacturer has their own time frames around when the timing belt is replaced. Ranging from 60,000 miles or 6 years, to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Because of the infrequency of belt replacement needs, they are often be over looked and may not be replaced when they are due.
So what happens when a belt brakes – the pistons collide with the values in the cylinder head, generally causing the values to bend or brake. The stress of the impact can also cause damage to cylinder heads, cam shafts, valve guides and rockers. Also in extreme cases pistons can also be damaged.
Other factors that cause car timing cam-belt failure is frost and ice. With some engine designs the Cambelt drives the water pump, if the water in the pump is frozen the belt teeth get stripped off when the engine is started. It is always best to make sure the coolant in your vehicle is strong enough to stop that happening.
The consequences of Car Timing/Cam Belt failure are often severe, and result in very high repair bills. This can mean your vehicle can be of the road for extensive periods. Any vehicle owner that has had this experience will know what I am referring to. As a general rule I would recommend that you find out if your vehicle has a cam or timing belt, if you cannot find any evidence of it being changed then have it replaced as a matter of urgency.
So you can have care free motoring.
Please call if you have any concerns, or if you want specific advice about your vehicle.
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