Could a Cambelt Failure Really Wreck My Engine?

When it comes to keeping your engine running smoothly, few components are as critical as the timing belt. If your timing belt fails your engine will cut out, and for certain engines you may experience severe damage and costly repairs.

In this blog post, we will explain how timing belts work, the three different types, timing belt maintenance, and what early warning signs may indicate that your timing belt needs replacing.

What Is a Timing Belt?

The timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt that mechanically connects the camshaft to the crankshaft, keeping the movement of valves, pistons and other components synchronised.

Cambelts, Wet Belts & Timing Chains

I have been referring to timing "belts" but before rubber belts came timing chains, which are metal chains still used to this day by some manufacturers for their longevity, often lasting the entire lifetime of the engine.

Cambelts are still the most common form of timing belt but wet belts are becoming more popular. The difference with a wet belt is that it operates whilst submerged in engine oil. This design aims to extend the lifespan of the timing belt to almost match the durability of chains.

Proper Maintenance

The catch with wet belts is that in order to achieve these longer lifespans, their condition depends heavily on the integrity of the engine oil. Regular oil changes with the correct oil are a must, and failure to do so can reduce the lifespan of the belt down to less than a regular cambelt.

Cambelts and timing chains also benefit from running in good quality, clean oil, and will experience an extended lifespan but they are not as sensitive to oil condition as wet belts.

When Should You Replace Your Timing Belt?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cambelt every 5 to 7 years. However, this varies depending on your vehicle make, model, engine type, and mileage.

Wet belts can often last around twice as long; whilst timing chains are known to last the lifetime of the vehicle, on a well-maintained engine, but sometimes wear and stretching mean a replacement is required.

Not sure when yours is due a replacement? We can check your service history or look it up based on your registration.

What happens if the timing belt/chain breaks?

If the timing belt/chain breaks, the precise coordination of the engine is lost, the engine will stop abruptly, and in interference† engines valves and pistons can collide at high speeds, often causing catastrophic internal damage.

† Interference engines are configured in such a way that the valves and pistons occupy the same space at different times.

Signs Your Timing Belt May Be Due

While timing belts often fail without symptoms, there are a few warning signs that could point to trouble:

• A rattling noise from the engine

• Engine misfires or poor performance

• Oil leaks near the timing cover

• Trouble starting the car

If you notice any of these, get your belt inspected as soon as possible.

Book Your Timing Belt Check Today

We offer timing belt inspections, replacements, and full service packages to keep your car safe, reliable, and road-ready.

📞 Call us today or book online to get peace of mind, before your timing belt gives you a much bigger problem.

You can find us at one of our three locations (follow the links to visit our websites):

Broadway Garage, Suffolk Rd, Andover SP10 2JF

01264 352 489

Portway MOT Centre, Macadam Way, West Portway Industrial Estate, Andover SP10 3SL

01264 359 540

(Andover's BMW Specialist is located on the site of Portway MOT Centre)

Riverside Garage, Warminster Road, Stapleford SP3 4LT

01722 790 287