How to tell if your cambelt needs replacing?

What is a cambelt? 

A cambelt, also known as a timing belt, is often used in vehicles instead of timing chains. It is a vital part of a car’s engine and is made of polyurethane or rubber rather than metal links, which is what a timing chain is made of.  

What does a cambelt do? 

A cambelt is responsible for ensuring all crucial parts of the motor such as the crankshaft and camshaft are rotating in sync with each other by making sure timing is accurate for a smooth running of the vehicle. Cambelts are not as durable as timing chains and may often require a change as part of your car’s service.  

When should you change your cambelt? 

Generally, there is no set rule for when to change or replace your cambelt, though it will usually need to be replaced more than once over the lifetime of your vehicle. Most manufacturers will recommend you replace your cambelt after a number of miles or years, ranging from 4+ years or 40,000 to 100,000 miles.  We suggest you check your vehicle handbook for the correct manufacturer recommendations. 

How to tell if your cambelt needs replacing 

Many signs can indicate that the timing of your cambelt is off and may need replacing or adjusting. These include: 

• Poor acceleration – if your cambelt is broken, it may cause your engine to run poorly, which can result in a lack of power when accelerating. 

 

• Oil leakage – a broken cambelt can cause oil to leak from the engine which can decrease the performance of the engine  
   
• Unfamiliar noises – if your cambelt is broken, it can cause strange noises that come from your engine such as a ticking or rattling sound. 
   
• Overheated engine – if your engine overheats, your cambelt may be broken, which could lead to a breakdown.  
   
• Smoke from tailpipe – if you have noticed an increase of smoke emitted from the tailpipe or your vehicle, your cambelt may be the cause. 
   
• More fuel usage – if you find you burn more fuel than usual or a lot quicker, your cambelt may have stopped working and may be broken.  
   
• Car not starting – if your engine will not turn over and start, this will be because your cambelt has snapped.  

 

If you suspect your cambelt is broken, it can cause serious problems for your vehicle and may lead to a potential breakdown. We recommend booking in for a regular car service to spot the signs ahead of time. Simply locate your local PTA Garages or contact our helpful team today.