Cambelt Replacement: 5 Important Signs You Must Know
Have you checked your cambelt recently? Is it time to get it replaced? The cambelt, or timing belt as it’s also called, is a critical component in your engine. Thus, you must keep it in check to ensure your vehicle stays in tip-top condition for a long time. In this article, we’ll explain the role the cambelt plays in your vehicle’s engine, why it’s so important to have it regularly checked, and the signs for cambelt replacement.
How does a Cambelt work?
The cambelt synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in an internal combustion engine. It’s responsible for controlling the timing of the engine valves, which open and close at different times as the pistons move up and down in the cylinders. And, like the tyres of your car, the cambelt gradually wears out if it’s not serviced properly and replaced at regular intervals.
When does a Cambelt need to be changed?
There’s no exact rule of thumb to follow. But you may have to replace your cambelt more than once over the course of your car’s lifetime. Your vehicle’s make and model, as well as how often you drive it, will often determine how long your cambelt lasts.
That’s why we advise you to read your vehicle handbook and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. They often recommend changing your cambelt after:
4 years of constant use
40,000 – 70,000 miles
5 years of age – regardless of mileage.
Ignoring when it’s time for your cambelt replacement will cause you to encounter a number of problems, all of which can be really bad news.
What happens if you don't change Cambelt?
If you don’t replace your cambelt on time, it’ll wear out and eventually lose grip. You cambelt may slip, which will affect the timing of the engine and can cause valves and pistons to come into contact with the cylinder head. All this could lead to engine failure and result in a very expensive repair bill.
To ensure this never happens to you, here are 5 telltale signs that you car needs cambelt replacement:
5 Important Signs you must know
1. Cambelt Appearance
Is the rubber on your cambelt shiny? It could indicate that it’s stressed and likely to snap soon.
Cracks and peeling are also an indication of age and wear and tear. If you spot them, then your cambelt is about to malfunction as the rubber is losing its integrity.
When the engine is running, the belt should move with a reasonable amount of tension. Any sagging or slipping means it’s time to replace your cambelt.
Make sure to check the ridges surrounding the belt as they may wear down too.
2. Noise
The cambelt may produce loud noises when your vehicle is running. If you hear a squealing sound, it could be an indication that the belt is loose.
3. Starting issues
A worn cambelt can be the cause of a hard start. If your vehicle doesn’t start at all, it may be because without the belt, the camshaft can’t rotate when the crankshaft turns.
4. Smoke after starting
Black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe is usually due to incomplete combustion of the fuel. This could be caused, among other factors, by damage to the cambelt.
5. Loss of voltage
If the cambelt slips or breaks, it can cause the timing of the engine to be off. This can cause a misfiring of the engine, which can lead to:
decrease in fuel efficiency
decrease in power output and
a loss of voltage
If you notice any of the previous warning signs, you should seek professional advice right away.
Let MotorServ UK help you: ‘Cambelts for Life’
At MotorServ UK, our technicians are fully trained to take care of your vehicle. And we offer a 1-year Cambelt Warranty for your peace of mind. You can be assured we’ll fit exact dealer specification parts, which will be backed by a 1-year mechanical failure warranty. At the same time of replacing the Cambelt, we also replace the waterpump for completeness.
So, if anything happens within a year of the fitting date, you can return your vehicle to us and we’ll take care of any damage resulting from the cambelt failure completely FREE OF CHARGE.
What if you never had to worry about your cambelt again? No need to remember dates and miles travelled or stress about any worrying signs – wouldn’t that be wonderful?
With MotorServ UK, you can get FREE Cambelt Replacement for life! Our Cambelts for Life option will save you the hassle of paying for any replacements in the future.
Want to know more? Contact the MotorServ-UK team today!
