HOW TO TELL IF YOUR TIMING BELT NEEDS REPLACING

Cars can be expensive enough to run, and the last thing you need to worry about is something going wrong. Sometimes, knowing the telltale signs of car troubles and catching them early can end up saving you a lot of time and money.

This guide will help you identify some of the main bad timing belt or timing chain symptoms Honda vehicles exhibit, the effects of this and how to change a timing belt or chain.

HOW TO SPOT THE SYMPTOMS OF A BAD TIMING BELT ON HONDA VEHICLES

A timing belt or timing chain is there to synchronise the camshaft and crankshaft movements, keeping your car running. Here are the main symptoms of a bad or failing timing belt that might be a sign to get it checked or replaced.

• A drop in oil pressure – If you notice a dramatic drop in your oil pressure, you should stop driving and turn the vehicle off. This usually means the belt is failing and the timing of your camshaft will be affected. Failure can lead to parts of the camshaft breaking and getting into the oil pan, consequently leading to an engine failure that would require a rebuild.

• Misfiring – Misfiring is common when timing belts fail as the cylinder opens and closes too early.

• Smoke from your tailpipe – Your timing belt plays a big part in the cars air intake and exhaust. If your belt fails, you might notice more smoke coming from the tailpipe.

• Ticking noise in your engine – A timing belt starting to wear out can sometimes make a ticking noise in your engine. Acting before this gets worse can help to save you money.

• Oil leaks – Finding oil in or around your engine can result from loosening nuts and bolts that hold your timing belt in place.

• Broken valves or pistons – If your camshaft and crankshaft stop working in synchronicity, pistons and valves can contact one another, which can be catastrophic for your engine.

CAN I DRIVE WITH A BAD TIMING BELT?

Depending on the severity of your timing belt issues, your car might not start at all. If it does, continuing to drive with a faulty timing belt can cause more severe engine troubles that can be expensive.

IS IT WORTH REPLACING THE TIMING BELT IN MY CAR?

Despite the expense of replacing a timing belt, it is better to do this before it is too late. Keeping an eye out for any common symptoms like your check engine light popping on, low oil pressure, engine misfires, oil leaking, a ticking noise coming from the engine, and others mentioned previously is imperative.

If you have any concerns, getting a professional mechanic that you have a fully functioning timing belt could be the difference between a temperamental car and catastrophic engine damage.