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.

Jeep

Jeep is a brand of American automobiles, established over 70 years ago in 1943, and has been owned by the Italian-American corporation Fiat Chrysler Automobiles since 1987.

How popular is Jeep in the United Kingdom?

Jeep’s current range consists solely of SUV and off-road vehicles, but there’s plenty available for every eventuality. Whether you need a car for an out-and-out adventure or a luxury family vehicle, Jeep has something for just about anyone.

There were 83k Jeep vehicles on the UK roads by the end of 2018, a number that could show signs of growth with the marque’s plans to introduce more small and large SUVs and fully electric models to the range.

Crossing streams or navigating the school run—you can do it all in a Jeep

With a 5-year warranty and a selection of body styles and sizes, Jeep has SUVs and 4x4s that traverse the full range. With a starting price of under £20k for the compact Renegade, all the way up the ranks to the £90k Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Jeep will get you where you’re going, however you choose to do it.

Be part of the Jeep family at Camp Jeep

For Jeep owners across Europe, and in some of the most stunning and challenging locations available, Camp Jeep gives their drivers an event of their own to celebrate the bond between the brand and its fans. With a packed programme of off-road test-driving, and theory and practical courses held by the Jeep Academy, the camp is backed up with additional social activities including hot air balloon flights, concerts and family fun and games to provide the perfect atmosphere.

You don’t get that kind of inclusion from any of the typical mainstream brands.

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 every 3 to 5 years, or after 40,000 or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. 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.