When to change the car's timing belt

The timing belt of the car is responsible for ensuring synchronization between the intake phase of the air-fuel mixture (camshaft) and the movement of the valves with the rotation of the crankshaft and the movement of the pistons. In general, it is an element of the car that we do not usually pay much attention for its long duration and neglect its maintenance. However, it is vital to keep track of your condition and change it as a method of prevention, since its breakage can cause serious consequences in the vehicle. If you do not know when you should change the timing belt of the car, in this article we give you the keys.

one

You can differentiate three different types of distribution :

• Gear distribution. It is the least used and does not usually have maintenance.
• Distribution by chain. Some vehicles use this system by metal chain because it does not usually require replacement, although it can be changed from 350, 000 km.
• Timing belt distribution. It is the most common system and requires monitoring and maintenance to prevent breakage.

two

The truth is that there is no exact time interval to change the timing belt since there is no set duration limit. To know exactly when we should change the timing belt we should consult the manual of our vehicle, since each brand has stipulated a number of approximate kilometers to which the change of the belt should be made.

3

However, there is a general rule that determines that the timing belt should be changed between 100, 000 and 120, 000 kilometers traveled, although this may vary depending on what was said in the previous step. For greater safety, it is advisable to change it 5, 000 or even 10, 000 kilometers before stipulated by the vehicle's brand.

4

Failure to perform maintenance on the timing belt may result in a breakage of the same. What happens when the timing belt breaks? That there is an engine stop and irreversible damage to the top of the engine. The pistons come to touch the valves resulting in bent valves, twisted camshafts, damaged piston upper parts, bent cranks, etc.

5

The repair cost due to breakage of the timing belt is much more expensive than the replacement cost. Because of this and the damage it can cause to our car, it is essential to maintain the timing belt and change it before it breaks.