All About Your Vehicle’s Timing Belt

Car engine with timing belt.

What will happen to your vehicle if your timing belt fails?

The short answer is simple: your car will stop working. You don’t want that to happen to you—and particularly not if you drive a high-end vehicle like a Porsche!

The Timing Belt Explained

The timing belt is responsible for the synchronization of the camshaft and crankshafts inside the engine. It also regulates the opening and closing of the valves with the movement of the pistons. With a perfectly working timing belt, your valves and pistons keep the engine running smoothly.

The timing belt is made from rubber or chain. A timing chain lasts longer than a timing belt and is made of metal similar to a bicycle chain. Be sure to know whether your vehicle has a timing belt or a timing chain in your vehicles manual.

Timing Belt Replacement and Cost

A common sign that your timing belt is failing is a ticking noise that you hear when driving. You may also encounter an engine misfire and oil leakage.

The damage that a broken timing belt incurs will depend on whether you have an interference or non-interference engine configuration. In an interference engine, timing belt problems can result in damaged cylinders and pistons, as well as broken valves. Non-interference engines incur less damage because the piston and valves are not rotating in the same place.

The Porsche 944, which exhibits outstanding weight distribution and superb handling, has an interference engine and calls for a Porsche 944 timing belt replacement at the first sign of trouble. Is your timing belt not broken but slightly damaged with cracks or cuts? A Porsche repair shop in Denver is most likely to recommend a timing belt replacement to eliminate the risk of further damage.

Proper vehicle handling and regular maintenance can help keep timing belt problems at bay, but the rule of thumb here is to change it every 60,000-100,000 miles. To be sure, check the manual from your vehicle manufacturer.

As one of the most crucial parts of the combustion engine, your timing belt needs to be replaced immediately when the situation calls for it. The cost of changing the timing belt isn’t cheap! For example, the average Porsche 944 timing belt replacement can reach well over $1,000.

If you’re on the hunt for a certified Porsche repair shop in Denver, visit Specialized Preferred Auto today! We have the facility, the equipment, and certified mechanics to perform timing belt replacement and other repairs to keep your Porsche in good running condition!

Visit us or call 720-425-8383 today!