Having general knowledge in car service can only benefit you. Here we are not referring to regular service like tire and oil changing, but for servicing and replacing specific parts of your car engine without which you car will not start. So, instead of waiting for a tow service to pick up your car, you can buy a needed part and replace it yourself and save money. Such service is timing belt replacement. Especially if we are talking about a high-mileage car, timing belt replacement gains highest priority if you decide to do a full automotive service.

To make things clear, a timing belt is the belt that controls camshafts in your engine and allows for air to be released for creating a combustion for the fuel. More specifically, the belt synchronizes the cranks and camshafts in opening and closing valves that let air inside. Worst case scenario: the timing belt snaps and pistons go flying in the valve causing fatal damage to a car’s engine. It’s like a self-destructing action. However, there is a difference according to type of the engine: interference and non-interference engine. In case of slip or break of a timing belt in a interference engine the damage is much greater than at a non-interference one. This is because the space between the valves and pistons is much smaller for the first type of engine and the possibility is greater for pistons to enter the valves. So, in order to avoid these scenarios we’ll provide you with tips on how to do a timing belt replacement.

• First you need to disconnect the negative cable from you car battery.
• Remove the distributor cap if your car has one. Most new cars today don’t have them anymore so do check before you overlook this step.
• Check for any other components that are blocking the space where you need to work and replace the belt. Different cars have different engines so make sure you check this before you start replacing the belt.
• Remove all screws and bolts that hold the timing cover
• Make sure that cranks and camshafts are properly aligned according to the timing marks. Also check for any oil span around the area.
• Loosen the timing belt just enough for it to come out easily.
• Loosen bolts of the timing belt tensioner and check for any damages and cracks
• Once loosened, remove the timing belt.
• Place the new belt and reassemble all components in their original place.