When Do I Need To Change My Cambelt? Maintaining + Replacing

The cambelt is a highly crucial part of an engine, and yet very few drivers know:

• What it is
• How to tell if it needs changing

Also called a "timing belt," the cambelt is responsible for keeping all of the parts of an engine "in time" with one another. Timing is essential for the smooth operation of a vehicle. So, if the cambelt stutters or ceases to function, it's impossible to safely run a car. It may even cause disastrous mechanical problems if it fails while at speed.

What actually happens when the cambelt breaks? How do you know when yours needs replacing? Read on to find out.

How Do Cambelts Work?

The cambelt's main role is to control the rate at which your vehicle's combustion engine operates. The engine's timing is primarily controlled by altering the sequence of the valves in the cylinders that open and close.

This is done by syncing up the rotation of the camshaft and the crankshaft. Made of sturdy materials such as Kevlar and polyurethane, the cambelt has teeth on it that help keep these components in sync.

Let's break this process down further:

• The camshaft is responsible for controlling the valves that let fuel and air in and out.
• At the same time, the crankshaft must lift the pistons up and down.
• If these timings are not in harmony with one another, then the pistons, valves, or other engine parts may be damaged (all of which are not cheap fixes).

In some vehicles, the cambelt's function is replaced by a chain with metal links, instead of the rubber belt. These tend to last much longer, but still sometimes fail.

When Do I Need To Change My Cambelt?

Usually, you should replace your cambelts (or "timing belts") between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. If your car has especially low mileage, the 4-5 year mark is also a good time to replace the cambelt.

However, these guidelines are just a rule of thumb. In practice, accidents happen, faults go undetected, and anomalies occur with your vehicle. As such, it's wise to pay close attention to what your vehicle is telling you as you start or drive it.

The following signs are all indications that your cambelt needs changing:

1. Unusual Noises

Location-wise, the cambelt is nestled deep within the engine. That often makes it hard to detect faults in it while driving. Unlike other parts, like brakes or suspension, when the cambelt starts to fail, there may be no obvious change in the handling of the car.

Nonetheless, if there is a serious issue with the cambelt, you may be able to hear it. Before the cambelt snaps entirely, it might just wear down, leading to a rattling or slapping noise.

A rubbing or abrasive sound from the belt cover is another indication that the belt is failing. Even still, it is incredibly difficult to predict when the cambelt will fail just from auditory clues alone. If you hear a squeaking noise when driving, the chances are that the problem lies in your brakes.

That makes it wise to check in with a mechanic every 40,000 or so miles for an evaluation on your engine's overall state, alongside the cambelt.

2. Your Car Won't Start

A car may fail to start if the cambelt is broken. If the belt has snapped completely, the camshaft will not be able to turn when the crankshaft turns, preventing the engine from working at all.

If your car is having trouble starting in the morning during the wintertime, though, it is likely to be a battery-related issue.

Maintain Your Cambelt's Health

Because it's difficult to spot wear or tear on the cambelt, do not assume all is well beneath the bonnet as a default. This is what leads to complete and often unexpected failure.

When you first buy a vehicle, especially a used one, be sure to determine when the belt was last changed and when it will need to be changed again. A quick look in your manufacturer's guidebook, or checking in with an Autofusion mechanic, can yield the answers.

When the cambelt does need replacing, visit your nearest Autofusion and let the experts handle this tricky process. Before then, if you have any questions about your cambelt health or the performance of any other vehicle parts, contact us today.