On the Road Again: Mobile Mechanic
That Dreaded Timing Belt
May 2013         
Greetings!
 

Working as the Office Manager at OTRAMM, I quickly learned that replacing the Timing Belt on a vehicle is crucial to regular preventative maintenance - just like changing the oil.  In fact, the death of many high-mileage cars is a result of a failed Timing Belt.

  

Mind you, not all cars have Timing Belts - every vehicle I've owned carried a Timing Chain, which doesn't require any additional preventative maintenance (besides your regular oil change).  Knowing whether your car has a belt or a chain is important.  To find out, you can check the owner's manual or contact OTRAMM.  We'll even let you know when your vehicle is due for a Timing Belt replacement.

What is this "Timing Belt"?
 

The Timing Belt is a simple rubber belt that keeps your engine running smoothly by coordinating the movement of parts.  

Timing Belt
This Timing Belt on a 1991 Toyota Camry doesn't look too bad, considering it's 21 years old!
(We recommend not waiting this long to change the timing belt.)

 

The Timing Belt synchronizes the rotation of the camshafts and crankshaft, which open and close the valves and pistons inside the engine, allowing air and gas to flow in and out of the engine. (Air and gas enter the engine to create combustion, then exhaust from those explosions is vented out of the engine.) When properly installed and calibrated, the Timing Belt moves all of these parts in harmony.

 

On some engines, a broken Timing Belt can mean extreme engine damage as the valves and pistons go out of sync and collide.  Unfortunately, Timing Belts give little to no warning before they snap or slip.  There's no squeak and there's no dashboard light to let you know when it's time.  One day, the car runs fine and the next moment the engine suddenly stops.

 

The Super-Sensitive "Interference" Engine
 
Timing Belt damage 
Chipped Piston on an Engine that Ryan repaired after it was
destroyed by a F
ailed Timing Belt 

 

 

In "Interference" Engines, an incredibly small amount of space exists between the valves and pistons, so a slipped or broken Timing Belt can smash a piston into an open valve - causing the engine to self-destruct, making it little more than a useless hunk of metal. 

 

 

 

On the other hand, "Non-Interference" Engines provide a bit more space between the valves and pistons, so a failed Timing Belt may not cripple the motor completely.  This isn't to say that it won't cause some damage - as many engine components are at risk. 

 

The Timing-Belt-Failure Nightmare
 

Regardless of the type of motor, Timing Belt failure causes the engine to stop suddenly - and it will not start again.  If this sounds dreadful, that's because it really is.  

 

Fortunately, you can avoid this ordeal with timely preventative maintenance.  Most timing belts should be changed every 60,000 to 75,000 miles or every 4-5 years, whichever comes first. (Be sure to track the mileage and date of your vehicle's last Timing Belt change. If you purchased a used vehicle, you may find a sticker under the hood that reports this information. If you can't find a sticker, it's probably best to change the belt anyway, just to be safe.) 

Timing belt
New Timing Belt and Water Pump that Ryan installed on a 2005 Toyota Tundra

When it comes to Timing Belts, it's best not to wait.  Changing the belt early is much safer for your engine and much less costly for you - a little money out of pocket now can save you a lot of money in the long run.  While replacing a Timing Belt isn't cheap or easy, it beats the alternative of purchasing a new car or a new engine. 

 

Replacing a Timing Belt can be difficult.  The timing must be set exactly to sync the valves and pistons and prevent them from colliding.  In this area, it's usually best to trust a professional.

 

Remember, even though you may change your oil every 3,000 miles to care for your car, there is more to preventative maintenance than oil changes and tire rotations.  Be sure to have a certified mechanic replace your Timing Belt when it's due.  It can mean the difference between a good running car and useless piece of metal.

 

Highlighted Repairs & Services

Last month, OTRAMM's owner and mobile mechanic Ryan performed the following repairs and services:

If you need similar work, contact us for a free estimate or to schedule an appointment: [email protected].

For a complete list of the services we provide, please visit our website: www.OTRAMM.com.

 

Sincerely,

Your friends at On the Road Again: Mobile Mechanic (OTRAMM)


A Mechanic 
When and Where
You Need One!


Servicing Fauquier,
Prince William and
Loudoun Counties
as well as surrounding areas.


Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Call us today!
(540) 316-8677
[email protected]

Volunteers Needed 
at the 2013 
Father's Day 
Car Show in Warrenton!
 
 This year, Ryan is leading 
the committee for the 
2013 Father's Day Car Show, 
a Warrenton tradition
for over 17 years! 


It takes a lot of hands for
the Car Show to run smoothly each year, so OTRAMM is asking for volunteers. 
People are needed for 
wide variety of tasks.  

If you're interested in helping out with this long-standing tradition, email us today at:  OTRAMM@OTRAMM.com

Toyota Scion FRSThe Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce
is raffling off a brand
new Toyota Scion FRS at
the Annual Father's Day
Car Show!

Tickets cost $20 each for a chance to win this beauty.
Less than 2,000 tickets are available. The drawing will be held Sunday, June 16th, 2013.

Click the link below to buy
your ticket to win today!

Enter for Your Chance to Win! 
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May 2013 Savings:
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