The timing belt: keeping your engine in sync

The timing belt is an integral part of your vehicle’s engine. If it breaks, your engine will most likely need to be repaired or replaced.

For an engine to work properly, the pistons powered by the crankshaft and the valves driven by the camshaft must move in perfect harmony. If the timing belt fails, these parts can fall out of sync and cause the pistons and valves to rub together. This can result in major damage to your engine.

The timing belt ensures that the crankshaft and camshaft move at exactly the same rate. The belt has a toothed edge made of rubber and metal filaments that interlock with the crankshaft and camshaft gears. These gears rotate in unison to ensure the engine’s valves and pistons move up and down at precisely the right time. On most engines, the timing belt also operates the water pump, which cools the engine.

In addition, some vehicles use a chain or multi-sprocket system instead of a standard timing belt. Your timing belt should only be replaced by a professional according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, trust this job to the experts at your nearest Mr. Muffler!