Timing belts became the standard in the late 1970s. They were lighter and increased gas mileage over the chain belts of the past. The timing belt is responsible for keeping the camshaft and crankshaft turning at just the right velocity. As the crankshaft moves up for compression and exhaust cycles, the pistons shift down for power and intake those cycles. If you have a timing belt that is not working correctly, it could mean major damage to your engine.

As the timing belt is so integral to your vehicle running correctly, you should get it checked at 50,000 miles in older cars and start checking it around 70,000 to 100,000 miles for newer cars. As timing belts become worn and loose, they tend to whine and chatter. You can listen to your engine idle and hear a screeching in some cases.

If your timing belt feels out of whack, you should get it checked immediately. You can find amazing mechanics at McConnell Honda located in Montgomery.