• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutches
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

Broken Timing Belt

July 11, 2016 by Denver Express Car Care

Broken Timing BeltQuestion:

My friend had a broken timing belt and it was very expensive to repair his engine.  What can I do to avoid a broken timing belt?

Express Car Care Answer:

Well, a broken timing belt can lead to one of the most expensive engine repairs Denver drivers will ever face.  The good news is that replacing your timing belt on its recommended schedule can help avoid those problems.  Here’s a brief overview of what the timing belt does:  Air is drawn into the cylinder of the engine through the intake valves.  After the air and fuel mixture is burned, it’s pushed out through the exhaust valves.  The timing belt, which is driven by the engine, turns the camshafts, that control when the intake and exhaust valves open and close.  It is the opening and closing of the valves that takes place at exactly the right time for the engine to run properly.

Beyond that, on some vehicle engines, the valves actually extend into the combustion chamber far enough that they can be hit by the piston as it moves up and down in the cylinder.  When everything is timed just right – no problem.  When the timing is off, the piston will slam into the valves and cause big damage for drivers.

The timing belt makes sure everything is timed just right.  However, the belt does have a useful life.  Beyond that it can brake or slip – and that’s when the damage can be done.  If your vehicle has a timing belt (some have metal timing chains) it will have a recommended interval for replacing it.  Be sure to check your owner’s manual or with your Express Car Care service adviser to make sure you know when your timing belt needs to be replaced…there is a lot at stake.

Getting to the timing belt requires a lot of labor, so service costs are higher, but it is certainly less than repairing a damaged engine.  If your timing belt drives your water pump, change them both at the same time to save labor costs.  Ask your Express Car Care service adviser when your timing belt should be changed and get an estimate for what it will cost, so you can budget for this service.

Filed Under: Engine Tagged With: Broken Timing Belt

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

Before Summer Gets Here – Car Maintenance Tips Before The Temperatures Rise

Summertime in the Rockies is the best time of the year. Whether you choose to head up to the mountains to cool down, or drive to a ballgame to sit back and relax, Denver has you covered. There’s so … [Read More...]

  • Your Car Speed Sensor May Be Bad
  • Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Pickup Truck Working Hard For Years
  • Extend The Life of Your Vehicle With These Easy Maintenance Tips
  • Car Maintenance Tips That Will Improve Fuel Efficiency
  • How Worn Out Shocks and Struts Can Cause An Accident

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

How Do I Know If My Brake Rotors Are Bad?

A Guide To Brake Calipers

What happens if you don’t break in car brakes?

Oil Change

Does Your Hybrid Vehicle Need an Oil Change?

Regular vs Synthetic Motor Oil – What You Should Know

Do You Really Need To Change Motor Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

Suspension

How Worn Out Shocks and Struts Can Cause An Accident

CV Joint and CV Boot Repair – What You Need To Know

Do All Shocks and Struts Need To Be Replaced At The Same Time?

Transmision Service

Does Your Clutch Need Repair or Replacing?

Does Your Car Really Need a Transmission Flush?

Early Warning Signs of Transmission Failure

Engine Service

The Timing Belt Is About To Destroy Your Engine

Does Your Car Really Need a Radiator Flush?

What Are Auto Diagnostic Tests and Are They Reliable?

Auto Tips & Tricks

What Cold and Heat Does To Tires

How To Make Your Car More Efficient With Gas Prices Rising

Does Changing a Cabin Air Filter Really Make a Difference?

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2022 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760