Top 4 Warning Signs That May Mean Worn Out Or Broken Timing Belt

Timing belts can be expensive to replace this is why some car owner hesitate or insist to use their existing one as long as possible. However, doing this may just lead to more costly damages to your engine and components. To prevent this from happening here are the few signs that you should look out for that will tell you when it’s time to seek car repair and replace your car’s timing belt.

1. Ticking Noise Coming From The Engine

Ticking sound inside the motor is usually a strong indication that the timing belt is starting to wear out. That’s because of low oil pressure or the engine is not having proper amount of lubrication. This is why it’s important to be mindful of strange noises coming from your car because they almost always send you a warning message.

2. Engine Won't Turn Over

The timing belt operates the crank and camshaft, so once the timing belt is broken or damaged inside chances are the car won’t start. Yes, you’ll hear the motor engage when you try to turn the key but it won’t go all the way. If you have no knowledge or experience with this kind of issue, the best action would be to call for car repair.

3. Engine Misfires

Worn out timing belt tend to slip on the camshaft drive and causes one cylinder to open or close earlier than it should, which is why the engine misfires. If you’ve been experiencing engine misfires lately, time to have the timing belts replaced if you don’t want it to cause any more damage in your engine.

4. Oil Leaking From In Front Of The Motor

Leaking oil from the timing belt cover commonly results in engine overheating as well and can prematurely wear the timing belt. This is because the gasket between the engine block and timing cover wears out over time, is cracked or has been improperly installed and is pinched. Leaking oil is one sign that you should definitely ignore. Don’t wait till the problem has become irreversible before you decide to replace your vehicle’s timing belt. 

ALSO READ:

Times When You Can’t Afford To Deal With A Broken Car

Times When You Can’t Afford To Deal With A Broken Car

Having and driving your own car gives you the convenience, flexibility and independence in traveling whether on any vacation place you like or simply to and from work. However, there are times when it would be easier to let someone else take care of the wheels. Aside from that we all know that sometimes our cars have the tendency to breakdown in the most inconvenient time. Although there are car repair shops you can always go to that can definitely take care of your car problem, it’s still a headache for that to happen when there’s a lot going on that you need to prioritize.

But don’t worry, in times you want to take driving off your hands (along with the possible problems that may come with it) or your car suddenly breaks down a day before an important engagement you can still ride in comfort and luxury.

Corporate Travel

When you have a corporate event to attend, there are a couple of things in your mind that you have to worry at the same time. Preparations, possible presentation, hoping for successful outcome are just some of those. To let you focus on more important things, book a luxury minibus and you won’t have to be stressed during transportation. You can’t afford running late to that because you noticed a problem with your car’s brakes and you had to have it fixed at the car repair shop 30 minutes before the event. 

Sports Event

If you grew up with a sport enthusiast family, going to sports events to watch a game live is a big deal. Be sure nothing goes wrong on your way there because the action is supposed to happen on the field not in the middle of the highway because your tires blew up! 

Wedding

Got invited in a wedding? Hire a minibus to take you to the venue! You don’t wanna ruin your dress and sweat out your make up by going in an uncomfortable car.  Just imagine if you drove yourself there and you had a flat tire in the middle of the road, definitely not something you want before attending a wedding especially if you had an important role in it like being a bridesmaid!

Prom

This is a part of adolescent life that all of us have been anticipating. It only happens twice, junior and senior prom, so we owe to ourselves to make sure every detail is exactly what we’ve imagine it to be. The last thing you’d want to go south, when you’ve made all the arrangements, is your ride to prom. 

Tour

Going on a trip is fun but challenging. A lot of things can happen on the road, having a hard time communicating with the locals, getting lost while sightseeing, unexpected expenses, etc. But at the end of the day you should be able to at least find comfort in your luxurious minibus to regain strength and confidence to take on the next day.

Although you always have an option to rent a car to ferry you to and from these important events in case your car won’t cooperate, it’s still better if you stay up-to-date with your car maintenance. This should ensure that your car is always in good condition and not surprise you with a problem in the most hectic day or moment.

ALSO READ:

5 Reasons Why Your Car Overheats Even When Just Idling

5 Reasons Why Your Car Overheats Even When Just Idling

Most people don’t get surprised when their car overheats while driving especially when the temperature outside is really high. But what if your vehicle stays cool when driving, yet overheats when it comes to a rest? Here are the possible reasons.

1. Fan Clutch

It’s easier to cool the engine when you’re driving because the air flows easily the radiator. So when it’s idle, your car has to rely on a fan to draw air through the radiator. This can be a problem if your car has a mechanically driven fan that can get worn out which fails to rotate at sufficient speed in order to draw enough air and cool the engine.

2. Sensor

Some cars have electrically powered fan that gets activated with the help of a temperature sensor to draw air to the radiator and cool the engine. So when the temperature reaches the sensor’s limit, the fan will be activated. However, like most sensors that can be defective over time, the fan may not work when your car is idle which can lead to overheated engine.

3. Fan Shroud

The fan shroud helps focus the air coming from the fan to the radiator in order to cool it much better. Now if this is damaged or the fan doesn’t have this, then the air just blows all over the place which lessens the air that the radiator gets. This then makes the engine overheat because there’s less air working to dissipate the heat.

4. Obstructed Radiator

When dirt, bugs, or road grime gets stuck and accumulate in your radiator, it becomes harder for the air to flow through it. As a result, it’s harder to cool the engine especially when the vehicle is stopped and the radiator have to rely on just the fan to keep it cool which is why it overheats when idle.

5. Internal Clogging

If clogs outside the radiator is enough for your car to overheat, how much more when the obstruction is inside? Usually, this happen on the internal cooling tubes of the radiator where reduces the flow of the coolant. Combine that with your car in idle where only the fan trying to cool the engine and you could almost expect it to overheat every time. If you don’t want this to happen, send your vehicle to car repair right away. 

ALSO READ:

Top 5 Signs Your Car Has Transmission Problems