Have You Checked Your Timing Belt?

We offer timing belt replacements in the St Helens & Merseyside area. Call us today on 01744 808586

Every year literally 1000s of vehicles have major engine failure due to timing belt failure. This can be avoided by calling our team today on 01744 808586 and booking your vehicle in for a replacement timing belt. Every week we change timing belts and cam belts on a wide range of vehicles at The FastFit Centre

What does the timing belt do?

The timing belt also known as a cambelt controls one of the engines main functions; the interaction between the pistons and valves. If they are out of sync, it can have disastrous consequences, in addition to an irregular and wasteful operation. The timing belt is a transmission belt operated by the crankshaft and also operates the camshaft. It ensures that the valves and pistons in the engine are in line. Technically, what happens is that the intake valve opens and the piston draws air into the chamber. Then the valve closes and the piston depresses making this component one of the most important parts of your engine.

The fuel containing compressed air ignites and explodes. It pushes the piston and drives the process in the other chambers. When the piston is fully open, it is pulled back again, while the exhaust valve is open. Then the process starts all over again. Some timing belts and timing chains also work the fuel pump. This set up is mostly found on diesel vehicles. The valves must be open at the intake and exhaust, and the pistons must be in the correct position when the fuel-containing air ignites. The timing belt has teeth like ridges along the belt, these teeth fit within ridges in the cogs that are in turn pushed and pulled by the timing belt. A cam-belt or timing belt also operates the same processes, but here it is not as important whether the process is precise.

The timing belt is a belt that usually has (slightly) sloping sides. The cambelt wedges into the pulley groove, to get a firm hold. They do the same job but operate ever so slightly differently, that’s why people sometimes say they are the “same thing”. At The FastFit Centre, you can get a quote and availability for your timing belt replacement by calling the team on 01744 808586. We offer timing belt and timing chain replacements for any type of vehicle.

When is it time to change your timing belt?

It is a good idea to have your timing belt checked on a yearly basis. Depending on your vehicle manufacturer it is best to check that you will not go over the advised mileage for your next timing belt change. If you are close to the advised mileage, it would be better to change it sooner rather than later. Most cars will need to have their timing belt changed between 60000 - 120000 miles, the exact figure can be found in your car’s service manual. if you have bought a used vehicle it is advised to have the timing belt checked as soon as possible to ensure it is in good condition. It can be a little expensive to change the timing belt. Not because the timing belt itself is expensive, but because it's often in a difficult place and can be quite a time-consuming job. Some vehicles can even take a full day to do. Prevention is much better than cure in this case! Most of the time people often change the water pump as well. This is due to the amount of work involved in getting to this area. It also prevents a problem going forward.

We offer timing belts of the following vehicles

• Alfa Romeo

• Audi

• BMW

• Chevrolet

• Chrysler

• Citroën

• Dacia

• Fiat

• Ford

• Honda

• Hyundai

• Jaguar

• Kia

• Land Rover

• Range Rover

• Mazda

• Mercedes-Benz

• Mini

• Mitsubishi

• Nissan

• Peugeot

• Porsche

• Renault

• Seat

• Smart

• SsangYong

• Subaru

• Suzuki

• Toyota

• Vauxhall

• Opel

• Volkswagen

• Volvo

• Škoda

• Saab

Not only do we offer timing belt replacements on cars we also offer timing and cam belt replacements on other vehicles such as

• Commercials

• Vans

• Motorbikes

• Generators

• Motorhomes

• Campers

• 4X4

• Pickups

• Classic cars

What happens if the timing belt is not replaced?

The timing belt is extremely durable and can take many years of use, however, it will have general wear and tear that will eventually result in the timing belt needing to be replaced. You can find the manufacturer recommendations in your service manual. Usually, cars will need their timing belt changed after a certain mileage or after a certain period. Even if you do not drive very much, there is a risk that the timing belt becomes weathered and damaged. The timing belt consists of steel wire, fibreglass, polyester and Kevlar cables. If you do not change the timing belt, you risk that it frays, and bits become loose around the engine compartment and out onto the road. Here it may contribute to causing Flash rust The most dangerous thing that can happen is if it becomes so worn or defective that it no longer synchronizes pistons and valves. Some engines have plenty of space, while others are built so that there is no room if the pistons and valves are positioned wrong. The piston simply hits the valves if they are open when the piston is depressed. If that happens, it could mean that you need a completely new engine or a major rebuild.

How can you check if a timing belt has been changed?

If you are buying a used car privately, the chances are that you will have no additional warranty other than the manufacturers (if still relevant). If you purchase a used car from a dealership, most offer a 3-month warranty, but it is not always on parts of the car. You should make sure when the timing belt was last changed, and if it cannot be disclosed we advise for your own peace of mind and unnecessary expense you give us a call and get your vehicle booked in for its timing belt to be changed.

Here's our good advice when buying a used vehicle

• Check in the service booklet that the timing belt has been changed according to the recommendations

• Contact the garage which performed the job, check that it went as planned

• If in doubt, you should have it checked over

If you are unsure about the state of your timing belt get your vehicle booked in for its timing belt to be changed. Call the team today or visit us in-store. Our team are on hand and ready to help you today.

How to find us?

• If you are heading from the town centre simply follow Eccleston street to the traffic lights and turn left at the Nags head Building and we are located just on the right across the road from JD Gyms and Farmfoods on Boundary Road.

• If you are coming from Prescot, it's best to go straight down Prescot Road until you get to the Eccleston Arms Bar & Grill follow-on to the traffic lights and turn left. Carry on down past Morrisons and you will find us on the left.

• Or of course, you could put us into your Satnav.

232-256 Boundary Road

St Helens

Eccleston

WA10 2PZ

If you are looking for a timing belt replacement in St Helens, you're in the best place

Whilst our timing belt specialists replace your timing in St Helens, Merseyside. belt why not visit one of the following attractions in St Helens. The Heart Of Glass in St Helens is a great place to visit. Why not visit Carr Mill Dam which is a great family-friendly area offering stunning views and fantastic walks. Why not visit the World Of Glass in St Helens or the town centre is full of great shops and places to grab a bite to eat such as balti Spice, Shere Khan or of course Nandos. After your meal why not grab a movie in Cineworld or perhaps a visit to Duke Street to visit one of the local bars in St Helens Maybe a walk around Taylor Park.