Of all the maintenance items on your vehicle, few are as important, or as easy to overlook, as the timing belt. Not every car has one, since many modern engines use a timing chain instead, but for the vehicles that do, replacing the timing belt on schedule is one of the most critical services you can perform. Skipping it is a gamble that can end in a very expensive engine repair.
The timing belt keeps your engine’s internal components synchronized so that everything opens, closes, and fires at exactly the right moment. In many engines, if the timing belt breaks while you are driving, the pistons and valves can collide, causing severe internal damage. Unlike a worn brake pad or a dying battery, a timing belt usually gives little to no warning before it fails. That is why manufacturers specify a replacement interval, commonly somewhere between sixty thousand and one hundred thousand miles depending on the vehicle.
At Franklin Automotive, we can tell you whether your vehicle uses a timing belt and, if so, when it is due for replacement based on your mileage and service history. Because the water pump and related components are often located in the same area, it frequently makes sense to replace them at the same time, saving you labor down the road.
If you are approaching a high mileage milestone or are not sure whether your timing belt has ever been changed, stop by our Franklin shop. A little planning now can prevent a major repair later.
