A significant element of the “brain” of a car engine, the timing belt (aka cam belt), controls your vehicle’s valve timing. The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of valves necessary during the internal combustion process. On some engines, it may also turn the water pump. Wikipedia explains the first car to use a timing belt was in 1945, and the timing belt first went into mass production in 1962 with the German Glas 1004 car. It hit The US with the 1966 Pontiac Tempest, and also the 1966 Vauxhall introduced the modern-day use of the timing belt with the four-cylinder overhead cam design that is common to most cars today. Auto manufacturers suggest the timing belt be exchanged at regular intervals, so it is wise to consult your owner’s manual and keep accurate records.
Article resource: Replacing your timing belt regularly is essential by Car Deal Expert
Make this change of the timing belt regular
All automotive belts are important to an engine’s proper function, and the timing belt is no exception. It’s made of rubber, so it is relatively inexpensive. It can also snap without warning. Depending upon whether you’ve the “free-wheeling” type of engine (as it was explained by AutoMedia.com), a snapped timing belt can cause the engine pistons to bend the valves, which needs the head to be removed. That’s an costly repair procedure, so have your timing belt exchanged regularly. As the timing belt is usually covered up and not effortlessly visible, it’s typically a good idea to have a trained professional perform the inspection and replacement. However, mechanic-savvy consumers can perform the procedure at home. See About.com’s instructions for more info on the procedure, and be careful not to over-tighten.
Timing belts, how long do they last?
This varies by manufacturer. It could be 10,000 miles for a belt tension check, or up to 100,000 miles before total replacement. If there’s doubt, preventative maintenance is better than waiting until it snaps and the valves warp. If you live in a warm climate, you’ll probably have to change the timing belt much more often, as excessive heat causes rubber to crack over time. Exposure to oil or antifreeze can also wear down the rubber, so if you have a leak, you’ll want to inspect the belt. Since the cost of a new water pump is relatively low compared with the cost of having a mechanic go in and check the timing belt, numerous experts recommend replacing the water pump at the very same time as the timing belt.
Auto car loans help purchase new cars with new timing belts
More details available at these sites:
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timing_belt
About.com
autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/a/aa051102a.htm
AutoMedia.com
automedia.com/Behold_Your_Timing_Belt/ccr20020301tb/1
Changing a timing belt on a Vtec Honda Accord:
youtube.com/watch?v=EmasxgJdXJ8
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