3 Signs That Indicate Your Cambelt Needs Replacing

If you own a car, you already know how crucial it is to make changes to certain parts of your vehicle. It ensures that your car can continue to run smoothly and you avoid the risk of falling into dangerous situations. 

One such crucial part you may want to consider replacing is the cambelt. Also known as the timing belt, it’s a crucial component of your car’s engine that should be maintained. It ensures that your engine runs smoothly and delivers the best performance possible. 

However, like all parts, cambelts tend to wear down with time and use and can eventually fail. It can cause some serious issues with your engine and could lead to some expensive repairs. 

Due to this, you may want to consider replacing your cambelt before it causes any issues to your vehicle. If you live near Northampton, the best way to do this is by taking your vehicle to our nearby garage at In Town Automotive. 

However, before you book an appointment, you should note down signs that indicate a cambelt replacement. In this blog, we’ll take a look at easy-to-spot signs that indicate your cambelt needs replacing.

Let’s get started! 

1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises

One of the most common signs of cambelt replacement is squeaking and squealing noises coming from your car. If you hear these sounds while driving, it could happen because your cambelt is slipping on the pulley. 

The cambelt is designed to fit properly around the pulleys in the engine and turn them at the right time. However, the cambelt can become loose or stretched with use, leading to slipping on the pulleys. 

If the cambelt slips on the pulley, it’ll create a high-pitched squealing noise which you’ll notice. This sound may become properly evident during while startup or acceleration because it puts more load on your engine. 

Due to this, if you hear a squeaking or squealing noise, it may be an indicator is torn or damaged. You shouldn’t leave this unchecked because the cambelt may cause serious damage to the engine. Instead, you should visit the experts at In Town Automotive to check if your cambelt needs to be replaced or if your car needs servicing. 

2. Difficulty Starting the Engine

The cambelt plays a crucial role in opening and closing the engine valve at the right time. It helps to synchronise the movement between the engine’s crankshaft and camshaft. However, if the cambelt becomes worn or damaged, it’ll cause issues with the timing, making it difficult to start the engine. 

If your cambelt becomes worn over time, it becomes difficult to stretch or lose tension, which can cause it to slip on the pulleys. If it slips, the engine will lose time and have difficulty starting. Due to this, if you’re having difficulty starting the engine, it could be a sign that your car needs a cambelt replacement. 

If you’re finding it difficult to start your engine and/or have the check engine light on, you should consider booking an appointment with the technicians at In Town Automotive. They can check your belt’s condition and replace it if needed. It’ll ensure that your engine starts smoothly and you won’t have any trouble down the road. 

3. Visible Wear and Damage

Visible wear and damage is another indicator of a cambelt replacement. It’s because cambelts tend to wear out and deteriorate over time. As the cambelt wears, it can get cracked or start to break apart, losing its ability to function properly. 

Due to this, we recommend taking the time to inspect the components of your car including your cambelt. Look out for any signs of damage or wear, like missing parts, cracks, or tears. If you notice any of these signs, you need to replace your cambelt immediately. 

If you have a worn or damaged cambelt, you risk the component breaking while the engine is running. This could cause significant damage to other engine components, like the valves and pistons. Due to this, it’s better to get your cambelt replaced at In Town Automotive. 

Choose In Town Automotive for Cambelt Replacements and Repairs Today!

This sums up our list of signs that indicate a cambelt replacement. If you’re facing any of these issues, we highly recommend getting your car checked by professionals. For instance, if you live near Northampton, the best option for you would be going to our award-winning garage. 

Our technicians have years of experience in the industry and can ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. Therefore, if you’re looking for a cambelt change, we’re the best option for you. We also repair car parts like air con, wheel alignment and more! 

To learn more about us, visit our cambelts page or contact us to book an appointment today!