When you think of your car’s most essential parts, you might consider the brakes or the steering wheel. But what about the timing belt? It’s responsible for opening and closing engine valves at the appropriate times, playing a role in how your engine functions. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest a replacement, so when you tune your car for the incoming winter, you can take care of your belt as well. Use the following guide to determine whether or not your vehicle’s timing belt is faulty.

How to Determine When You Need a New Timing Belt

1. A High-Pitched Sound

You can tell a lot about the condition of a machine by the sound it makes—for instance, you may have been alerted to a flat tire by an unusual thumping sound when driving. The same goes for the engine’s timing belt. If you hear a high-pitched, scream-like noise, or a ticking sound, this integral component might need to be replaced.

2. Irregular Exhaust Fumes

Since the timing belt is responsible for opening and closing valves that release and intake chemicals, you can identify the issue by the amount of emissions your vehicle produces. If there’s more smoke than usual coming from the exhaust pipe, you could be dealing with a malfunctioning timing belt.

3. A Faulty Engine

The timing belt is crucial to the ignition process. Therefore, if you can hear the starter motor but the engine still refuses to turn over, the timing belt may have snapped.

4. Problems at a Certain RPM

You can also identify timing belt issues when your car reaches a certain speed. If your engine starts to sputter when your vehicle hits 2000-4000 RPM, the belt could be slipping due to the acceleration. Over time, this will wear on your belt, causing a sudden snap and engine failure. 

If you encounter any of these issues, stop by Dee's Auto Care Specialists today. With three convenient locations in La Crosse, WI, Winona, MN, and Onalaska, WI, you can stop by whenever you expect auto trouble without going out of your way. For more information on their services, from brake to timing belt repair, visit the website. You can also call them at (608) 782-2530 to speak with a skilled professional.