Here’s a brief overview of what the timing belt does:

Air is drawn into the cylinder of the engine through the intake valves. After the air and fuel mixture is burned, it’s pushed out through the exhaust valves. The timing belt, which is driven by the engine, turns the camshafts which control when the intake and exhaust valves open and close. It is important that the opening and closing of the valves take place at exactly the right time for the engine to run properly.

Beyond that, on some engines the valves actually extend into the combustion chamber far enough that they can be hit by the piston as it moves up and down in the cylinder. When everything is timed just right – no problem. When the timing is off, the piston will slam into the valves and cause big (expensive) damage.

The timing belt makes sure everything is timed just right. However, the belt does have a useful life. Beyond that it can break or slip – and that’s when the damage can be done. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or with your service advisor at Woodburn CarCraft to make sure you know when your timing belt needs to be replaced: there is a lot at stake.

Now, getting to the timing belt requires a lot of labor so it is an expensive service item, but it is certainly less expensive than repairing a damaged engine. If your timing belt drives your water pump, change them both at the same time to save labor costs down the road. Ask your Woodburn CarCraft service advisor when you timing belt should be changed and get an estimate for what it will cost so you can budget for this important service.

Woodburn CarCraft
220 South pacific Hwy.
Woodburn, OR 97071
5039809091

At Woodburn CarCraft we install quality NAPA replacement parts.