Service Overview
It is essential to replace your timing belt according to your car’s manufacturer schedule. A broken belt can cause serious damage to the engine, often requiring a complete engine replacement. Our professional team of mechanics in Reading thoroughly inspects your car and replaces the belt if required. It is often cost-effective to replace your water pump at the same time, as the operations are dependent on each other and require the same labour to access.
What is a timing belt?
The timing belt, also known as a Cambelt, is one of the most vital parts of your engine's working system. It is made of sturdy materials like polyurethane or rubber and features high-strength teeth designed to maintain synchronization between internal components.
How does a Cambelt work?
The main purpose of the Cambelt is to regulate the timing of your car’s internal combustion engine. It ensures that the crankshaft and the camshaft always rotate in perfect sync, which is responsible for opening and closing the engine valves at the precise moment for correct combustion.
What happens if a timing belt snaps while driving?
When the Cambelt breaks, the camshaft stops turning, leaving the engine valves stuck open. The continuous rotation of the crankshaft causes the pistons to crash into these open valves. This collision bends or breaks the pistons and cylinders, which typically ruins the engine and leads to a full engine replacement.
Can low oil cause the Cambelt to break?
Yes. If your timing belt tensioner is pressurized by engine oil, low oil levels can cause the tensioner to fail. Furthermore, oil is mandatory for the camshafts to operate smoothly; without proper oil flow, they could lock up, putting excessive stress on the belt and causing it to snap.
Free collection and delivery service
We offer a free collection and delivery service in Reading to make your maintenance hassle-free. Our team will collect your drivable vehicle from your home or workplace and return it after repairs are complete. We operate a fleet of pool cars and require a valid parking space or permit at the collection location to leave our vehicle while we work on yours.