What Happens When Your Vehicle’s Timing Belt Breaks?

The timing belt (or timing chain, in some vehicles) is a component that keeps the engine timed. The timing belt spins a part called a camshaft, which is a rod that has machined metal lobes. When the camshaft spins, the lobes push the engine’s intake and exhaust valves, opening and closing them at precise intervals. The timing belt is called such because it connects the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring that the engine’s valves work in sync with the engine’s crankshaft.

Timing belts wear out over time and may need to be replaced after a certain amount of miles as indicated by their maintenance calendar. Timing belts can also wear out excessively and require earlier maintenance.

A timing belt can break if issues are allowed to persist or if a timing belt isn’t replaced after reaching the end of its lifespan.

How Do You Know If a Timing Belt Is Broken?

A broken timing belt is readily apparent. If your timing belt or timing chain snaps while driving, then your engine will immediately stall. Since the timing belt powers the valvetrain, a snapped timing chain will stop the engine’s valves from operating. If you’re traveling on the highway, you’ll be forced to stop at the side of the road.

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Will a Broken Timing Belt Destroy My Engine?

It might. A broken timing belt can damage other engine components. Once the timing belt snaps, your valves will stop operating and can get stuck in an open position. As your vehicle grinds to a halt, the pistons will continue to move up and down inside the combustion chamber. During this time, pistons can hit the valves. This can damage the valves plus the components connected to them like the camshaft and cylinder head.

When the timing belt or chain snaps, there’s a chance that debris from the front pulley can hit the cylinder head, damaging it and causing oil leaks.

What Can You Do If Your Timing Belt Snaps?

If your timing belt snaps while driving, you’ll have no choice but to have your vehicle towed to an auto shop to have a mechanic inspect the damage.

You’ll need to replace your timing belt and the damaged components to get your vehicle running properly again. This might involve replacing components like the intake and exhaust valves, cylinder head, camshaft, or even the engine block in serious cases.

Overall, having a broken timing belt essentially means that your engine is crippled. You can avoid this catastrophic issue by following the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval and looking out for timing belt-related issues.