WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY CAMBELT? CAMBELT REPLACEMENT SERVICES IN EASTLEIGH, HAMPSHIRE

It is imperative to make sure your cambelt (aka timing belt) is replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. Each car is different, but you can find your recommended intervals in your handbook, or call Master Tech Autos and we can advise you accordingly.

The change period for your cambelt is likely to be between 60,000 and 80,000 miles or five years, but it is best to be sure as the damage a snapped cambelt causes can be catastrophic to your engine. Cambelts are made of rubber, so wear, crack and perish over time, and there are unlikely to be any warning signs before a cambelt fails. They require replacement regularly to make sure they are always in good working order, minimising the risk of any issues.

Book your cambelt replacement today – call 02380 611161

Cambelt repair is rather a misnomer as a term, as once it is broken that is the end of its life. It’s easy to say that a lot of things can go wrong with a car. It’s a lot more difficult to ascertain what has actually happened to create a problem or breakage in a car, and then assess any resulting damage. This is why it is paramount that you replace a cambelt as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and keep a record of such vital changes.

It goes without saying that you should find a trusted mechanic or cambelt replacement service at your local garage in Eastleigh and the Southampton area. It is important to ensure any work or replacement is carried out ahead of time, and that any potential damage from a worn timing belt is also addressed in the same instance. It is also a good idea to ensure cambelt failure insurance is included in any car insurance policy. Let’s find out what a cambelt is.

WHAT IS A CAMBELT OR TIMING BELT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A timing belt, or more commonly known as a cambelt, gives your engine the timing it requires to ensure each part of your engine operates as and when it should. While smooth on the outer rim, it is edged on the internally facing side. This belt stretches and fits against the ridges of the various wheels that turn your engine, not withstanding the cam shaft, crank shaft and water pump.

Each of these different wheels, in turn, affect the timing of other instruments vital to your engine starting and operating safely and peacefully, not dissimilar to the cogs in a watch. They operate pistons and valves, releasing fluids and creating simultaneous actions. Without the cambelt setting the correct timings, metal clashes with metal causing often terminal damage to the engine. In essence a cambelt makes your engine tick correctly.

WHEN TO CHANGE CAMBELT AND BEST TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT

Unlike a variety of other parts of an engine in a car, it is difficult to tell when a cambelt is worn or about to snap. While you can still have problems with a timing chain, a timing belt (cambelt) is effectively a strengthened piece of rubber and like your tyres, they can develop problems, puncture or rip at any time.

When you received your car initially, you will have received a manual and a checklist, with a mileage and/or time recommendation for replacing the cambelt, for example, five years or 60,000 miles, depending on which comes first. This manufacturers recommendation for cambelt replacement should be adhered to rigorously and is individual to each car model and manufacturer based on the revolutions and consistency of the rubber. Your annual Southampton car service is an ideal opportunity to check the condition of the belt and when it is due for replacement.

If you suspect there are any problems in this area of the engine before your cambelt is due for replacement, take your car immediately to a mechanic as the damage in the aftermath will be horrendous.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CAM BELT BREAKS AND THE RESULTING DAMAGE

This is a situation in which you do not ever wish to be in. The resulting damage of a cambelt break is horrific and could mean you require an entirely new engine. At the very least pistons will collide and valves would be bent out of shape. There is no such thing as cam belt repair, only a cambelt replacement, and engine repairs from the subsequent damage, which will be extensive should the belt snap.

SOUTHAMPTON CAMBELT SERVICE AND CAMBELT CHANGE COST

As explained previously, each and every car is different pertaining to the expected lifetime of any individual cambelt and the model it is in use with. In that respect, any timing belt change cost would be considered to be around about or less than 10% of the cost of the repair and fall out of a cambelt breaking and the resulting damage within the engine itself. Timing belt damage usually results in a large bill.

Any local Southampton cambelt repair mechanic will be able to consult their fixed price schedule and advise on how much it would cost to replace a cambelt on the spot simply by assessing the engine size and number of cams. These will range from 1300cc to 2200cc and single cam, twin cam or four cam. To get the all clear or replace your cambelt in Eastleigh, Southampton, call today 02380 611161

Visit our services and repairs page for a full list of car maintenance and repair services available at Master Tech Autos.