![]() ![]() Is a serpentine belt the same as a timing belt? At worst, the engine has to be replaced, or you buy a new car. When a timing belt fails, the risk of damage is similar to a timing chain breaking – pistons, valves, and cylinders can be severely damaged, as well as other engine parts. How long a timing belt lasts depends on a number of factors, such as the type and quality of materials used in manufacturing, driving habits and environment, miles driven, engine temperatures, and exposure to dirt and contaminants. Replacement intervals for rubber timing belts vary from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Rubber belts are easier to replace and usually come in a package that includes a new water pump (the water pump is usually the same age as the belt and will wear out at the same time). Rubber timing belts are quieter and more efficient. However, a failed timing belt might only result in engine header repairs, whereas a failed timing chain might require a complete engine replacement (or a new car, if you prefer). Either scenario is not good, and both can require costly repairs. ![]() If the chain fails, it can cause a lot more damage than a rubber timing belt failure. So, if that becomes compromised, your timing chain is at great risk. The downside to a chain is that it requires lubrication, usually provided by the oil and pressure of the engine. If you have to change the timing chain due to stretch or any other damage, it is necessary to also replace the timing gears, as the teeth on the sprockets will have worn to match the stretch of the chain. Chains do stretch, however, and should be checked to ensure tension is set properly and the chain is not stretching. Though it might seem hard to believe (but nice), some manufacturers say that the chain doesn’t even have to be replaced and will last as long as the lifetime of the vehicle. Some manufacturers recommend changing the chain at certain intervals, but those intervals are longer than for rubber timing belts. Metal chains serve the same purpose as belts, but last longer. Metal timing chains are tougher and last longer than rubber timing belts.Ī timing chain looks much like a bicycle chain. But more and more modern cars are being manufactured with timing chains purely for the durability, and ease or elimination of maintenance or replacement. Rubber timing belts are found in the majority of small cars and SUVs, particularly 4 cylinder engines that have lower torque. Trucks, utility, and heavy-duty vehicles are usually equipped with timing chains, as their engines are regularly subjected to higher stress and have to deliver more power and torque on a consistent basis. Higher torque engines that do a lot of heavy work, such as towing, are usually equipped with timing chains. Related: Reasons Your Car is Squealing What determines if it’s a belt or a chain? The difference is in the type of engine. If this timing is off, the engine will run unreliably, or might not run at all. The valves have to open at a precise time in conjunction with the pistons, and if they don’t, the engine won’t work properly, if at all. The rotational relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft is called “mechanical timing.” It’s what controls the combustion cycle –pistons and valves moving in sync within the engine cylinders. Throughout an engine’s four-stroke process, the camshaft rotates once and the crankshaft rotates twice. The combustion process of a modern four-stroke engine has four “strokes” or steps: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. It controls the action of the pistons and valves inside the engine cylinders to ensure the valves open in synchronized time with the pistons. The timing belt or chain rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft in sync so the cylinders fire at the right time. Some vehicles have timing belts, some have timing chains – both serve to time the engine’s combustion. ![]() Basic things you need to know about your car’s timing belt or chain. ![]()
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