Albany Auto Repair

A timing belt (or timing chain) is an integral part of the functioning of an internal combustion engine. Timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s). This allows the engine's valves to open and close at the proper times as each cylinder goes through its intake and exhaust strokes. There is also a type of engine, called an interference engine, where the timing belt is also critical in preventing the piston from striking the valves. That’s why a broken timing belt can result in very expensive repairs.  Timing belts typically need to be replaced every 90,000-100,000 miles (but check manufacturer recommendations for your vehicle as they differ from make to make). Timing chains last considerably longer, though they may occasionally break, and they do stretch out a bit.  Since the timing belt is so critical to the proper functioning of your vehicle, every time you bring your vehicle for service or repairs, we perform a digital veh ... read more