The timing belt is an important part of your car or truck. They keep your engine components working in unison by causing valves in your engine to open and close at proper times.

If you do not replace your timing belt from time to time, it could break causing your engine to stop working. To prevent you from being stuck on the side of the road, here are some belt tips you should follow.

Timing Belt Warning Signs: If your engine is making scraping or slapping noises, it may be time for a Phoenix belt replacement or a Tucson belt replacement. Another sign that may signal you need a belt replacement is if a warning light on your dashboard is on.

When To Change: Most car manufacturers recommend changing your timing belt at regular mileage intervals to help prevent the timing belt from breaking. This prevents you from being stranded on the side of the road. As a general rule, you should change your timing belt every 60,000 to 90,000 miles depending on your make and model. For more precise information, read your owner’s manual to find out when you should replace your timing belt.

A Snapshot Of What Happens: When replacing the timing belt, the mechanic removes the fan belts and timing covers and loosens the crankshaft pulley. The mechanic checks the crankshaft pulley seals as well as the belt tensioner bearings. During the long process, the mechanic will remove the old belt and replace it with a new one and reassemble all the parts removed.

What Else You Should Do: A lot of times, a mechanic will recommend replacing the water pump when they replace the timing belt. That is because a good part of the labor needed to replace the water pump has already been done during the timing belt replacement. It saves you money, in the long run, to replace the water pump along with the timing belt.

These are just a few things you need to know about your car or truck’s timing belt. When working with a mechanic, always be sure to ask questions to help you learn more about vehicle maintenance.