Reliable Timing Belt Replacement

Professional Timing Belt Replacement

Your traditionally powered automobile requires a timing mechanism, but timing belt replacement requires specific skill and knowledge. The certified technicians at Johnson’s Tire & Auto in Smithfield, North Carolina, offer the professional auto repair you need to ensure your vehicle works as intended. We address the needs of all makes and models, so there’s no need to return to a dealership or drive elsewhere for service. Financing is available through Synchrony and Pay360, and discounts are currently available on our Specials tab. Our team is known for honest work and exceptional customer care. You’ll find us near you at 267 NC-210, Smithfield, NC 27577. We’re here to help you Monday-Friday: 7:30am-5:30pm. Schedule your appointment today using our online contact form or call us at (919) 934-2662.  

What is a Timing Belt? 

As the name states, a timing belt has hard rubber teeth. It connects the camshaft pulley to the crankshaft pulley, synchronizing their rotation. Synchronization is crucial for an internal combustion engine’s ability to open and close the valves at appropriate relative intervals. Following this timed schedule, fuel is taken in and exhaust expelled. Without precise movement timing, internal components can strike one another, causing extensive damage to the engine. Depending on the specific vehicle you own, your engine may employ a timing chain instead of a timing belt. A chain is less likely to break but may stretch, requiring adjustment.  

When Should You Replace It? 

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will recommend the estimated mileage for changing the timing belt. While the belt is made of hardened, reinforced rubber so that it’s durable, it won’t last forever. The belt can stretch over time, or the teeth can begin to break off. Because the damage from a broken timing belt can be so severe, replacing it as recommended or as soon as you suspect a problem is important. Even if your car has not yet reached the mileage mark specified in your owner’s manual, it’s best to switch if it is between five and ten years old. The rubber belt can begin to harden or glaze over time since degradation is a product of heat and time, not mileage alone. Another consideration is the correlation between a timing belt and a water pump replacement. It’s advisable to replace them simultaneously because of their proximal locations. We need to remove one to reach the other, so you can save on labor costs by replacing them both during the same service visit. Following this principle, you may need to adjust the timing of exchanging one of these components if the other expires prematurely. Regardless of when you need a timing belt replacement, you can count on Johnson’s Tire & Auto because we’ve been our community’s trusted auto repair partner since 2006.