Many people have never heard of a timing belt even though it’s one of your engine’s components that could mean it’s time for a new engine if ignored. This due to the fact that if your timing belt wears out your complete engine can seize up immediately. Luckily there’s Orozco’s Auto Service and they can help you prevent this type of disaster with some simple maintenance and or replacing your timing belt.
What Is A Timing Belt?
Essentially, the timing belt or in some vehicles the timing chain keeps the top half of your engine (valves) synced to the bottom half (crankshaft). Simple put, the timing belt is a ribbed belt that is run in a specific setup on one side of a vehicle’s engine to keep the crankshaft and camshafts timed properly. Many vehicles today have a timing chain that is more reliable but still needs replacing eventually. Many older vehicle’s engines run with a timing belt. The best way to determine if your vehicle has a timing belt or a chain is to refer to your vehicles maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Or stop by Orozco’s Auto Service Long Beach Downtown and one of our ASE trained Service Advisors can look it up for you. Generally manufacturer’s recommend a maintenance schedule for timing belt replacement differs between vehicles, most timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or 5 years – whichever comes sooner.
There are two types of engine timing configurations that employ timing belts: interference and non-interference. An interference engine means that the valve’s stroke and piston’s stroke occupy the same space in the cylinder at different times, so the timing belt keeps them from colliding with each other. If the timing belt snaps, the cylinder and valves will most likely hit each other, which most commonly causes bent valves but can also result in cylinder head or camshaft damage, and possibly piston and cylinder wall damage. It is possible to get lucky and not suffer any damage from a snapped timing belt on an interference engine, but very unlikely. On a non-interference engine, pistons and valves never occupy the same space, so if the timing belt snaps, no valve or cylinder damage should occur, and theoretically, replacing the broken timing belt will revert your engine to normal function.
If you’re thinking of changing your vehicle’s timing belt, it’s not just a simple task like changing your oil. if you do it wrong, especially on an interference-type engine, this can result in much more severe and expensive damage. At Orozco’s Auto Service of Long Beach Downtown our certified ASE trained technicians have the experience to replace all types of timing belts and timing chains on all makes and models. Additionally, all of our work is also back by a NAPA nationwide 2 year, 24,000 warranty and mile for a nominal fee can easily be extended to 3 years and 36,000. Also we know that there’s never a convenient time for a large repair, and that’s why we offer easy financing (OAC) to help get you back on the road as soon as possible.
If your vehicle is ready for Timing Belt Repair or you are not sure and would like to have it diagnosed, contact Orozco’s Auto Service of Long Beach Downtown today at 562-920-1871. Remember always keep your vehicle in good condition and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and those around you!
Orozco’s Auto Service Long Beach – Los Angeles County CA
3033 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA USA
Call Today: 562-426-6322 – Auto/Fleet/Diesel Service Repair
Orozco’s Auto Service has five convenient locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!
