Timely replacement of the cambelt is important for car maintenance of any generation and manufacturer. The seriousness of this procedure is due to the fact that the correct operation of the engine and the gas distribution system of the vehicle directly depends on the integrity of the belt.
Thus, the maintenance of the cambelt ensures the driver safety on the road and stable operation of the entire car.
When to change the cambelt?
This part replacement frequency is determined by the car mileage and depends entirely on the conditions set by the manufacturer – in most cases, the mileage interval is from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The exact value of this indicator for your car can be found in the operating manual or ask a service station specialist.
It should be borne in mind that various factors can affect the service life of the drive system: operating conditions, part quality, etc. For example, incorrect installation of the cambelt can lead to a much more urgent need to replace this part – in this regard, only proven experienced specialists who know their business should be trusted to reinstall and maintain it. The operation of a car with a faulty engine can also shorten the service life of the belt – unstable operation of parts negatively affects the gas distribution system and often causes premature wear of the cambelt.
Why is it important to change the cambelt?
This part consists of rubber, which, as is known, tends to wear out during intensive operation. In the absence of timely replacement, the cambelt breaks, causing parts to become out of sync and significant damage to the engine.
Thus, in the case of maintenance of the cambelt, it is better to foresee and prevent the rupture of this part than to eliminate the consequences of damage.
What happens if I don't change the cambelt in a timely manner?
Ignoring the timely replacement of this part entails a rapid rupture of the cambelt and a number of negative consequences for the car. By inertia, after stopping the camshaft, the valves of the moving crankshaft may bend – as a result, a complete replacement of the valve set will be required. In some cases, the piston may be pierced and the cylinder block may be damaged – such a serious problem leads to the need for a complete engine bulkhead and replacement of damaged spare parts. Also, a belt break can damage the camshaft pastel – in this case, the driver will have to replace the cylinder head.
It is not difficult to imagine the amount that it will cost to repair the engine after the rupture of the cambelt – in the best cases, this process costs the vehicle owner several thousand pounds.
Are there any clear signs that it's time to change the cambelt?
If you are wondering: "When to change the cambelt?" – pay attention to a number of indirect signs indicating the need for maintenance:
- long–term operation – the age of the belt should not exceed 6-8 years, even if you rarely use the car;
- ignition system failures – unstable engine operation may indicate wear of the cambelt;
- atypical sounds – strange clicking during engine start may indicate increased wear of the part;
- smoke from the exhaust pipe – weakening and abrasion of the belt surface often leads to incomplete combustion of fuel and burning of its residues in the exhaust system;
- traces of grease under and near the casing are a serious signal, in most cases indicating the need for a complete replacement of gas distribution mechanisms;
- an engine malfunction is a critical sign that signals a rupture of the cambelt and the occurrence of severe damage.
Have you noticed at least one of the signs? In this case, it's too late to think about when to change the cambelt – the need for mandatory maintenance has already come.
