Symptoms That Might Indicate That Your Timing Belt Is Wearing Out

Often, it’s difficult to discover a problem with the timing belt until it’s too late and has broken. However, you should check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to determine when the replacement interval is scheduled and have the timing belt replaced by a professional mechanic.

HOW TO KNOW A BAD OR FAILING TIMING BELT 

Common signs include a ticking noise coming from the engine, an engine that won’t turn over, engine misfires, and oil leaking in front of the motor.
The timing belt is an internal engine component that rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft in sync and ensures each cylinder fires at the appropriate time. The timing belt is located under a timing cover and is in the front of the engine. It’s commonly manufactured out of high-quality rubber with nylon-reinforced cords inside to extend the life of the belt. However, it is subject to incredible forces inside your motor and will need to be replaced eventually. WITHOUT A FULLY FUNCTIONING TIMING BELT, YOUR ENGINE WILL NOT RUN.

Not all engines have a timing belt. The timing belt is commonly found in cars and SUVs with smaller displacement engines. When an engine has a larger bore and stroke, most automotive manufacturers utilize a timing chain system that replaces the rubber belt with a metal chain. Generally, timing chains last longer than timing belts, with some rated to last the lifetime of the car.