Birmingham

Birmingham is the second-most popular city in the UK, located in the Midlands with a population of over 4.3million.

Originally a market town in the medieval period, Birmingham is now an international commercial centre and an important transport, retail, events and conference hub.

A centre for culture, Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Birmingham has also played its part in sporting history; home to Aston Villa FC and Birmingham City FC, it was Birmingham resident and Aston Villa director William McGregor who founded the Football League.

Birmingham will also be the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, expected to take place in July and August 2022.

The most popular cars in Birmingham

Possibly due to the rise in industry and commerce, and its handy functionality in city traffic, the Mercedes A-Class is estimated to be the most popular car in Birmingham, according to data provided between 2012 to 2018 by ownership and postcode.

Close on its heels—and in order of popularity—are the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Vehicle numbers in Birmingham

There are approximately 3 million licensed vehicles in the Birmingham area, with some of the most popular models including the Mini, Kia Sportage and the Ford Focus.

Fixter garages in Birmingham

There are a total of 49 Fixter garages in the Birmingham area, all ready and waiting to provide you with a fantastic quote for your car service, MOT and a wide range of vehicle repairs.

Fixter garages service the following postcodes and more, in and around the Birmingham area:

• B1, B2, B3 & B4: City Centre, Birmingham
• B6: Aston & Witton, Birmingham
• B10: Small Heath, Birmingham
• B15: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• B8: Washwood Heath, Birmingham
• B13: Moseley, Birmingham

What does a timing belt do?

The timing belt, or cambelt, is a vital engine component with a key role to play in keeping your motor running smoothly. It ensures the top and bottom halves of your engine rotate precisely in time with each other. Essentially, this ribbed rubber belt with teeth synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft’s rotation. It controls the sequencing and timing of the opening and closing of the valves on the cylinders in your engine to provide the right combustion. Camshafts, made up of the main journals, the lobes (or bulges) and the ends, control the valves in the cylinder head. A rocker head takes the spinning motion of an overhead camshaft and turns it into the movement that opens and closes the valves. Timing chains essentially perform the same function as cambelts but may be slightly noisier. The chains generally last as long as the vehicle (and generally require less frequent replacing), although the plastic guides they run over may not.

How often should a timing belt need replacing?

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach for how often to replace yours—a lot depends on your motor’s age and condition. There’s also huge variation between manufacturers and different engines. So you might need a new belt after 4 years, or 6, or after driving 40,000 or 100,000 miles. Consult your car’s manual—most manufacturers’ recommendations are based on time passed or miles driven, depending on which elapses first.

However, we’d always suggest treating these recommendations as a maximum, and erring on the side of caution.

The law, vehicle regulations, and your MOT

The timing belt will not be examined at your car’s MOT, but the associated issues of running a car with a faulty timing belt can lead to severe engine damage, which can.

What happens when we replace your timing belt?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will disassemble the parts of the engine to access the timing belt and proceed to examine the timing belt, the belt’s pulleys and tensioner.
• Wherever required your timing belt will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the timing belt has been replaced, our mechanics will test your car thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes a timing belt to stop working correctly?

Like most car parts, your timing belt will wear out eventually due to cracking, snapping or tearing. Timing belts are also unpredictable, with few warning signs of damage. (Although starting issues and noise may offer clues.) Driving your car infrequently, oil leaks and temperature changes, among other factors, can all play their part.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning timing belt

You hear unusual noises coming from the engine

If a grinding or squeaking noise is being emitted from your engine, it could be a malfunctioning timing belt.

The car won’t start

If your timing belt has broken, this can cause problems with your engine that lead to the vehicle not starting.