How important is changing the timing belt? As with any automotive belt, we all know they do not last forever. A timing belt will fail one of two ways. The teeth will wear to the point where they strip off the belt and can no longer keep the shafts timed. Or, the belt will simply become weak enough to break. Either way, your car just turned from a means of transportation into a multi-ton paper weight. You will not be able to drive any further. It will have to be towed somewhere to be repaired. vw timing belt.

Things may get worse. There are two types of engines. Non-interference and interference. (Again, you can determine which one you have by consulting a mechanic or the dealership.) In a non-interference engine, the valves and the pistons never occupy the same space. In an interference engine, the valves and pistons do occupy the same space, but at different times. If your engine is non-interference, you can have the timing belt replaced and be back on the road.

If, however, your engine is interference, you will have much bigger problems when the timing belt fails. Because the valves occupy the same space as the pistons and there is no longer a timing belt to make sure this occurs at different times, the pistons and valves will attempt to occupy the same space at the same time. If this sounds bad to you, you are correct. Valves will bend, pistons may break, the engine will have to be torn down, inspected, and rebuilt as necessary (read this as, “Your wallet will become much thinner.”). Why do they make interference engines? It allows for higher compression ratios and farther opening valves. This makes the engine more powerful and efficient for its size.

In summary, change your timing belt at the intervals suggested by the manufacturer of your car. Change it immediately if it becomes contaminated by chemicals such as coolant or oil. Change it immediately if you do the maintenance of other opinions and is damaged. And if it has been replaced, change it if you must remove it to complete other maintenance. timing belt tools.

Follow these guidelines and you should save yourself an unexpected roadside breakdown and towing fee, not to mention an expensive repair bill.