2 Signs Your Car's Timing Belt Is Failing And Needs Replacing

If your car has been acting up almost every time you drive it recently, you may wonder if there could be an issue with the engine. If so, look for the following signs that the culprit is a failing timing belt that needs to be replaced.

Loud Noises Coming from the Engine

One of the first signs you may notice when your timing belt is failing is the presence of loud noises coming from the engine. At first, you may hear a loud shrieking sound whenever you try to speed up going down the highway. This high-pitched noise is likely caused by a worn belt slipping on the pulleys.

As the timing belt wears down even more, it may start jumping off of the pulleys, causing the loose belt to slap against adjoining parts. Each time it hits, you will start hearing a clicking sound coming from under your hood.

The frequency of these clicking noises will change depending on how fast you are going, with high speeds making them heard in rapid succession. As you slow down, the sounds will slow down as well.

If you are hearing the clicking noises, these sounds are an indication that the belt has become extremely loose and is in danger of snapping. If you do not have the belt replaced, you could find yourself stranded if this were to happen going down the road.

Car Acts Up When You Accelerate

Along with loud noises coming from your engine, another sign that your timing belt is failing is when your car acts up each time you try to accelerate. The timing belt keeps all of the moving parts inside your engine working in unison. However, when it becomes worn down or loosened, it will no longer be able to keep the motor running smoothly.

As a result, the engine will start skipping whenever you push down on the gas. You may feel the car jolt or vibrate violently whenever the RPMs of the motor are high, with the sensations decreasing as the revolutions per minute level off.

If your car is exhibiting the above signs, the timing belt is likely failing and should be replaced as soon as possible. Take your car to an auto repair shop so they can examine your engine and diagnose the problem with your timing belt so that they can change out the faulty belt and repair any possible damage the part may have done to your engine.