A healthy timing belt does the crucial job of synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close at the correct times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes. When a timing belt begins to fail, it can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs. Timing belts commonly need to be replaced somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and it’s important to follow your vehicle’s particular guidelines. At Yanis Foreign Auto Repair, we provide expert timing belt replacement in the greater Hyannis, MA area. Here’s a look at four signs of a faulty timing belt.

Ticking Noise from the Engine

One of the early signs of a worn-out timing belt is a ticking noise coming from the engine. This sound is often a result of the belt not maintaining the proper tension, causing the camshaft and crankshaft to be out of sync. The noise can be quite pronounced and should not be ignored, as it indicates that the belt is struggling to keep up with the engine's demands.

Engine Misfires or Runs Roughly

A faulty timing belt can cause the engine to misfire or run roughly. The belt controls the timing of the engine's valves, and if it slips or stretches, the engine's timing will be off. This can lead to incomplete combustion, causing the engine to run inefficiently, misfire, or even stall. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected immediately.

Difficulty Starting the Engine

If your car has trouble starting or won’t start at all, a broken timing belt could be the culprit. When the belt breaks, the engine's valves will no longer open and close properly, leading to a lack of compression. This results in the engine being unable to start. A broken timing belt is a severe issue that requires immediate attention.

Check Engine Light Turns On

The check engine light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, including issues with the timing belt. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor the performance of the engine and its components. If the timing belt is not functioning correctly, these sensors can detect the problem and trigger the check engine light. 

Brake Repair in Hyannis, MA

When you need auto repair in Hyannis and the surrounding area, contact Yanis Foreign Auto Repair at 508-266-5842. At our local auto shop, we provide expert auto repair for European, Asian, and domestic vehicles. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!