Unless you're a weekend mechanic or serious gearhead, you most likely have no idea what a timing belt is, what it does, or why it matters. At the end of the day, you probably just want your car to run when it's supposed to. But remember that a little bit of knowledge can be powerful.
In your engine, the name of the game is precision. It's designed very specifically so that certain parts work in harmony with other parts. The timing belt is responsible for coordinating the movements of the camshaft and crankshaft in the engine, which causes the valves and pistons to move in sync. Usually, a timing belt will last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. It's always best to check the owner's manual for specifics. If you're coming up on the recommended time to swap out the belt, it's best to replace it before it breaks. Why? If a timing belt breaks, your car will simply not run. On top of that, if the belt does break, there can be a collision between a valve and a piston. If that happens, you're looking at an extremely expensive repair bill.
Should you decide to check the timing belt to make sure it's in good shape, just pop the hood of the car and look for the engine bay. The belt is usually under a metal or plastic shield that should be easy to remove. However, if you're in the market for timing belt repair, call the professionals at Clarke Automotive Systems. We proudly service Brandon, Riverview and Del Rio, along with surrounding Florida areas.