Signs Your Ford Needs Its Timing Belt Replaced

A timing belt can be a costly replacement, which is why many drivers tend to put off having it replaced. But, the timing belt is actually an important component of your vehicle. It controls your engine’s camshafts, opening and closing the valves as needed for a smooth operation. The timing belt delivers power to the car’s cooling system, power steering, alternator, and other vital components, making it an essential part of the entire system.

Because of this, when you encounter any of the following signs that your timing belt needs to be replaced, you need to bring it into your local auto service center as soon as possible.

#1 Sign: It’s Making Noise

The first sign that your timing belt needs to be replaced is that it is starting to make a noise. Strange sounds can occur throughout your vehicle for a number of reasons, making this one a bit hard to identify if you’re not familiar with the belt’s location. The best way to check whether or not the sound is coming from your belt is to park the vehicle, keep it running, and pop the hood. Listen for the belt and any strange rattling sounds coming from that area. You may also hear a flapping noise if the belt has come loose. If so, you are going to want to head straight to the auto repair shop.

#2 Sign: You Can See Visible Belt Wear

It’s a good idea to become familiar with how things look under the hood so you can spot issues as they occur. Timing belts start to show signs of wear before losing functionality. If you can identify this type of wear, you will be able to avoid getting into a sticky situation. Worn belts can be missing chunks or have warped notches, which indicates a disaster waiting to happen. If glazing has occurred, which is when the timing belt’s underside appears glossy, it’s gone stiff and isn’t as flexible as it needs to be to perform its job. And of course, more obvious signs of wear include rot and cracks. If you see any of these issues on your timing belt, though, you need to have them addressed immediately.

#3 Sign: There is Misalignment

In some cases, timing belts can become misaligned, indicating that the tensioner’s internal components have failed. When this happens, you’ll notice excessive heat, noise, and vibration, though you may not visibly see the misalignment for yourself. Timing belts can also elongate when they experience material loss, which reduces overall tension. If your timing belt is misaligned, it needs attention right away.

#4 Sign: It’s Been a While Since the Belt was Last Changed

Modern timing belts are designed with materials that resist chemical deterioration caused from coolant, motor oil, and other engine fluids, but even they don’t last forever. Aside from visually inspecting your timing belt on a regular basis, keeping track of your car’s mileage is a good indicator of when you need to have the belt changed. Each model comes with different manufacturer guidelines, but in general, a timing belt lasts at least 60,000 miles.

If it’s been well over that time since you’ve last had the car inspected, bring it in for servicing. A trained mechanic can better spot subtle timing belt issues and suggest correcting the problem before it becomes a major issue that places you and your family at risk.

When you suspect timing belt issues, don’t hesitate to have it looked over by a professional. Contact us or stop by Pearson Ford’s service center to ensure your car gets the best preventative maintenance possible.