Top Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Car’s Timing Belt on Time

The timing belt synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft in your car’s engine. It ensures that the valves and pistons open and close on time. Timely replacement of your car’s timing belt helps to prevent engine damage and avoid costly repairs. Ignoring the issue can result in engine failure and breakdowns. This is why a well-functioning timing belt is so important for car maintenance, especially in Dubai and UAE conditions.

Timing Belt Functions: Why is the Timing Chain Important?

The timing belt is a crucial component in your car’s engine. It is made of reinforced rubber with teeth that link the crankshaft and camshaft. Due to the form of the teeth it is often called a V-belt. Its function is to synchronize the rotations of the the crankshaft and camshaft so that the engine’s valves open and close in sync with the pistons. This coordination ensures the proper intake of air and fuel and exhaust of combustion gases.

The key functions include:

• Connecting the crankshaft and camshaft to regulate engine timing: The camshaft rotates at exactly half the speed of the crankshaft, meaning the crankshaft completes 2 rotations for every 1 rotation of the camshaft. The timing belt ensures this precise 2:1 ratio.
• Controlling the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves: Intake valves typically open about 10–20 degrees before the piston reaches the top dead center (TDC) and close about 10–20 degrees after the piston passes the bottom dead center (BDC). The timing belt controls these timings.
• Coordinating valve movements with piston strokes to prevent collisions: In interference engines, precise timing prevents the pistons from striking the valves. Without exact synchronization, valves and pistons can collide.
• Ensuring smooth combustion cycles and engine performance: Proper valve timing allows for optimal air-fuel mixture intake and exhaust gas expulsion, which results in smooth combustion and efficient engine power output.

If the timing belt slips or breaks, it can cause valves and pistons to collide in interference engines. Maintaining a healthy timing belt is essential to protect your engine.

Why to Replace the Timing Belt on Time? Recommended Replacement Intervals

It is recommended to replace timing belts every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. This is equal to every 4 to 7 years but, of course, it depends on the brand and model. Even if your mileage is low, the rubber belt tends to degrade over time, making timely replacement necessary. Adhering to these intervals will help you keep the timing belt in top-notch condition.

Besides, changing the timing belt together with the entire timing belt kit (including the tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump when applicable) ensures extended service life and prevents premature wear due to a worn-out timing belt. Regular inspections at our service facility will help you detect the signs of a malfunctioning belt early.

At Golden Horse, we recommend scheduling your timing belt service according to your vehicle’s needs. This means the specific factors unique to your car. This could include the manufacturer’s recommended intervals (mentioned above), your driving habits (e.g., urban driving vs. highway cruising), the vehicle’s age and model, and any signs of wear like unusual noises or reduced performance. Proactive care will help to prevent breakdowns. It is better than a one-size-fits-all approach – our experts can assess the issue and advise accordingly. 

Warning Signs Indicating Your Timing Belt Needs Replacement

If you notice any of the following signs, your car’s timing belt may be failing and should be checked promptly:

• Persistent ticking or clicking noises coming from the front of the engine, indicating belt teeth slipping
• Difficulty starting the engine or the engine not turning over properly due to a worn belt affecting camshaft rotation
• Engine misfires or rough idling caused by mistimed valve operation
• Excessive vibrations or shaking while the car is idling
• Visible oil leaks near the timing belt cover, which may indicate belt cover seal failure
• Check engine light turning on, signaling engine performance issues potentially related to timing

These symptoms provide important clues that the timing belt could be worn or damaged. Although sometimes the belt can fail without warning, responding early to these signs helps prevent costly engine damage.

Main Reasons for Car Timing Belt Replacement

Replacing your timing belt on time is key to avoiding serious engine problems and keeping your car running smoothly. It’s a small investment that prevents big issues down the road.

Prevent engine damage

A broken timing belt can cause valves to bend and pistons to crack, leading to severe engine failure. Repair costs for such damage can exceed AED 5,000 or more, often requiring expensive engine rebuilds.

Save money on costly repairs

In Dubai, outine timing belt replacement starts from around AED 100-200, which is significantly less than the thousands required for repairing catastrophic engine damage caused by a broken belt.

Maintain fuel efficiency and performance

A worn timing belt can reduce engine timing accuracy by up to 25%, leading to decreased engine power and fuel economy. Replacing the belt restores full engine efficiency and smooth performance.

Avoid breakdowns on the road

Timing belt failure causes sudden engine shutdown, leaving drivers stranded unexpectedly. Studies show more than 10% of engines with broken belts suffer breakdowns in hazardous locations, such as highways.

What Happens If You Ignore Timing Belt Replacement

Ignoring timing belt replacement can lead to sudden belt failure and may cause severe damage, including:

• Bent valves as a result of pistons striking the valves when timing is lost
• Damaged cylinder head from internal collision of engine parts
• Destroyed pistons resulting from broken belt allowing parts to collide
• Total engine blockage or catastrophic engine failure requiring rebuilding or replacement
• Extremely costly repairs often amounting to thousands of dollars in parts and labor

Because of these risks, timely timing belt replacement is a crucial preventive step to avoid engine damage and high repair costs.

Professional Timing Belt Replacement in Dubai

Golden Horse repair and maintenance service offers expert timing belt replacement starting from 100 AED, excluding 5% VAT. The replacement procedure at Golden Horse includes:

• Conducting a full diagnostic. This helps to assess your timing belt and engine condition.
• Removing the old, worn-out timing chain carefully.
• Installing a new timing belt with precision, ensuring proper alignment of the camshaft and crankshaft.
• Adjusting and checking the timing belt tension. This helps to achieve optimal synchronization.
• Performing the final tests. This is the way we confirm the timing belt is functioning correctly and the timing is accurate.

Golden Horse car service in Al Quoz provides quick and efficient replacement services offering utmost care, competitive pricing, and professional expertise.

Importance of Timely Car Maintenance

Replacement of the timing belt is crucial to keep your engine running, avoid costly repairs, and maintain optimal performance. Golden Horse offers a well-functioning timing belt replacement service that stands out among other service providers due to offering quick and efficient replacement with utmost care and precision.

Our service network employs expert technicians. They understand the importance of timing belt repair and offer competitive timing belt replacement cost options. The entire service process is designed for quick turnaround and high-quality workmanship.

Book Your Timing Belt Replacement Today!

If your car shows signs indicating it’s time to change the belt, don’t wait. Contact Golden Horse today for professional timing belt replacement in Dubai. We will help you avoid engine failures coming from faulty timing belts, and offer competitive car timing belt change cost options.

Don’t wait for your timing belt to fail – protect your engine today. Contact Golden Horse now to schedule your car timing belt replacement.