What exactly is a timing belt?
The timing belt is one of the most critical parts of the engine which keeps the close synchronisation of the valves and pistons with each other.
Should your timing belt fail then this can result in catastrophic damage to your engine.
What is the difference between a timing belt and cambelt?
Cam belts and timing belts are both the same – there is no difference whatsoever.
Do I wait until my timing belt fails or change as a precautionary measure?
As previously mentioned, if your timing belt fails, it can have catastrophic and costly implications to your engine.
Timing belts should be changed at certain mileage or time intervals which can range from 40,000 up to in excess of 100,000 miles or from 4 – 6 years. Some manufacturers recommend regardless of mileage covered that the belt be changed on age.
Your vehicle handbook should specify the change frequency. If you’re unsure, just give us a call or drop an enquiry email here.
When was my timing belt last changed?
You’ve purchased a second-hand vehicle and there are no receipts or records of having the timing belt changed. This happens quite often, we will always recommend that you get the belt changed sooner rather than later.
The costs involved in changing a belt are far cheaper than the costs involved should the belt fail causing needless amounts of internal engine damage.
I’ve been quoted for a new water pump at the same time as the timing belt change. Why?
Customers often ask us this question. In many modern-day engines, the location of the water pump is in the drive-line of the belt so when you have a new belt fitted it is most important that the water pump is changed at the same time.
Yes, it may not be faulty or leaking but should it fail during the life of the new belt then premature failure can occur. Normally the labour cost for replacing the pump is negligible as most of the labour is in the replacement of the belt. Some models, however, will incur extra labour due to more time being required for the removal of the pump.
Here at Lindleys Autocentres, we are happy to advise you before carrying out the replacement.
How do I go about booking in for my timing belt replacement?
At Lindleys Autocentres, we consider ourselves to be the experts in the replacement of timing belts.
We have the largest stock of specialist timing belt removal tools in the Nottingham area and have many years of experienced staff working with us which allows us to be very competitive in our pricing and gives you the peace of mind that the job is done properly with the correct equipment.
We have recently teamed up with ‘Gates’ one of the biggest suppliers of timing belts in the UK and have negotiated special terms, so we can offer you an additional 10% off the cost of your belt replacement. Just quote TBK10 when collecting your vehicle.
For more information – please visit our cambelt repair and replacement page.