Denver Auto Repair

Timing belt replacement is one of those things that feels easy to postpone because the car can run great right up until it doesn’t. There’s usually no gradual buildup of the check engine light that nudges you into action. If you’re trying to figure out whether you can wait or whether it’s time, you’re already thinking the right way. The smartest move is understanding what decides the schedule before you roll the dice on it. Timing Belt Vs Timing Chain A timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt that keeps the crankshaft and camshaft(s) synchronized, so valves open and close at the right moment. It’s hidden behind covers, so you can’t truly judge its condition from a quick glance under the hood. That’s why replacement is usually based on interval, not appearance. Some engines use a timing chain instead, and chains are built differently and usually last longer. Still, chains can stretch and tensioners can wear, so they ar ... read more