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CAR AND VAN TIMING BELT & CHAIN REPLACEMENT AND REPAIRS MITCHAM
At Safari Cars Ltd, we understand the critical role that timing belts and chains play in the smooth operation of your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, van, or SUV, these components are essential for synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring your engine runs efficiently and reliably. Over time, timing belts and chains can wear out, leading to potential engine damage if not replaced at the recommended intervals. At Safari Cars Ltd, our experienced mechanics are equipped with the knowledge and tools to inspect, repair, and replace timing belts and chains, providing you with peace of mind and extending the lifespan of your vehicle. Trust us to keep your car or van running smoothly and safely on the road. We also replace Ford Transit wet timing belts.
What Happens If My Timing Belt/Chain Fails?
If your timing belt fails, it can lead to serious engine damage and potentially costly repairs. Here’s what can happen:
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Engine Stops Running: The most immediate effect of a timing belt failure is that your engine will stop running. This is because the timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, essential for the engine's operation.
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Engine Damage: In many engines, particularly interference engines, the failure of a timing belt can cause the pistons to collide with the valves. This can bend or break valves, damage pistons, and even crack the engine block.
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Loss of Power: If the timing belt slips rather than completely breaks, it can cause a loss of synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft, leading to reduced engine performance, misfiring, and a loss of power.
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Stranded Vehicle: A failed timing belt will leave your vehicle stranded, requiring a tow to a repair facility.
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Expensive Repairs: Repairing the damage caused by a failed timing belt can be very expensive. This often involves rebuilding or replacing the engine, which is much costlier than regular timing belt maintenance.
To avoid these risks, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for timing belt inspection and replacement. Regular maintenance at Safari Cars Ltd can help ensure your timing belt remains in good condition, preventing unexpected failures and costly repairs.
When Do I Replace My Timing Belt/Chain?
Replacing your timing belt at the correct intervals is crucial for the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Here are the general guidelines for when to replace your timing belt:
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Manufacturer's Recommendation: The best source of information is your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which provides the manufacturer's recommended replacement intervals. This is typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
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Age of the Belt: Even if you haven’t reached the mileage interval, timing belts should generally be replaced every 5 to 7 years due to material degradation over time.
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Signs of Wear: Regular inspections can help identify signs of wear or damage. If the belt shows cracks, fraying, glazing, or missing teeth, it’s time for a replacement.
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Driving Conditions: If you often drive in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dusty environments, or do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you may need to replace the timing belt more frequently.
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Preventive Replacement: Some mechanics recommend replacing the timing belt slightly earlier than the maximum recommended interval as a preventive measure to avoid unexpected failures.
At Safari Cars Ltd, our skilled technicians can inspect your timing belt and advise you on the best time to replace it based on your specific vehicle and driving conditions. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the timing belt will help prevent engine damage and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. For an accurate replacement interval for your car or van contact us today.
Don't Forget We Also Offer
Discover our range of expert car repair services at Safari Cars Ltd. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, we have you covered. We also offer MOT, Tyres, A/C services.
Trust our skilled mechanics for precise tyre fitting of car and van tyres. All tyres are balanced, new valve and fitting included.
Why not combine you service with an MOT? This means only having to visit us once and can be done on the same day. Getting you back on the road quicker.
We offer A/C servicing, re gassing and recharge to any vehicle with a R134A starting from £75 or R1234yf system starting from £145. We also conduct any A/C system repair.