Replacing the Timing Belt on Your Vehicle: Visiting The Service Center at Capitol Chevrolet

May 4, 2021

Did you know there's a single component in your vehicle's engine that keeps it running smoothly and synchronizes all its moving parts? If your vehicle has a timing belt, there are some important things you need to know about this part. Find out more below, then get the help you need and genuine OEM parts at Capitol Chevy. Replacing the timing belt before it fails is critical to keeping your car running strong.

6. What Does The Timing Belt Do?

The timing system in your engine ensures the movements of the pistons and driveshaft operate in perfect synchronization with the movements of the valvetrain. The valves allow air and fuel into the cylinders, as well as letting exhaust fumes out. To ensure the engine generates the most power possible from the least amount of fuel, all these components must operate in perfect harmony. In some engines, a failure in this system can even cause pistons to collide with valves, leading to severe engine damage.

5. Does My Car Have A Timing Belt?

Not all timing systems use timing belts, however. Many modern vehicles use timing chains, which don't need to be preemptively replaced. Some vintage cars used a system of gears to synchronise the engine. Still, on many cars today, you will indeed find a timing belt under the hood.

4. Where Is The Timing Belt Located?

The timing belt is typically connected to the engine on the opposite side of the driveshaft. So, if you have a longitudinal engine, the timing belt will be on the side of the engine facing you when opening the hood. If the engine is mounted transversely, the timing belt will be located on one side of the engine. The timing belt is protected from dust, dirt and debris under a timing cover, which will need to be removed for inspection and replacement.

3. How Long Will The Timing Belt Last?

A timing belt could last well over 100,000 miles. However, because timing belt failure can cause damage, Chevrolet sets a replacement interval at 97,500 miles for this component on modern Chevrolet models equipped with a timing belt. Keep this in mind if your vehicle is approaching this important milestone and still has the original factory timing belt.

2. What Happens If My Timing Belt Fails?

Depending on the design of the engine, a failure of the timing belt could cause the engine to essentially destroy itself! That's because modern engines are built to tight tolerances. For maximum efficiency, the valves occupy the same space at the top of the cylinder as the piston will occupy at the top of the compression stroke. By the time the piston returns to top dead center, the valves must be entirely closed. The timing belt ensures the valves open and close in harmony with the pistons. If the valves and pistons come out of sync, the pistons can strike the valves, bending them or potentially breaking them entirely. That usually means a complete engine rebuilt, an engine swap or more likely replacing the vehicle altogether.