Timing is Everything (Timing Belt)
April 12, 2025
Talk about exquisite choreography; it happens under the hood of your vehicle every time you take a drive. Your engine’s many complex parts must work exactly together. One key is a part called a timing belt, which enables the synchronizing of two of your engine’s components, the camshaft, and the crankshaft.
The timing belt coordinates the valves in your engine to open and close at the appropriate time to get exhaust out of the engine’s cylinders. Timing belts may also power the water pump and the oil pump. The belt is made of rubber. Some engines use a timing chain (made of metal).
Your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends an interval after which you should have your timing belt or chain replaced, and that service should be part of your vehicle’s regular maintenance. It’s always better to replace it before it breaks rather than after. After all, if your timing belt breaks while you’re driving down the road, it throws off the whole sync of engine parts and can cause major damage to the type of engines most commonly used in vehicles today.
It's also important to remember that a timing belt is made of rubber, and rubber deteriorates with time, no matter how much use it gets. Have us look at your timing belt to see if it’s time to get it replaced.
Here are some signs to look for that will let you know if your timing belt is failing. You might have trouble starting your vehicle, it may misfire or black smoke may come out the tailpipe. If you notice any of those symptoms, bring your vehicle in and have us take a look right away. When it comes to your engine, timing is everything.
Meadows Automotive White Lake
7421 Highland Road
White Lake Twp, MI 48383
8108757527
http://www.meadowsautomotivewhitelake.com
Need Service?
More articles from Meadows Automotive - Formerly Millers Highland Tire & Auto Repair

Going (Lug) Nuts (Lug Nut Replacement)
March 15, 2026
Here's a part of your vehicle you probably don't think about much: lug nuts. They're what fasten your wheels onto your axles. Pretty important, right? In order to take the wheels off your vehicle to service the brakes, rotate the tires, etc., the lug nuts have to be in good shape so a wrench wi... More

A Fluid Situation (Check Fluid Levels)
March 8, 2026
There's one fluid in your car you are always careful to keep at a certain level: the fuel. If you don't have fuel, you're not going anywhere. Your vehicle has other fluids which are vitally important to proper and safe operation, too. So, here's a "level" headed approach to those "other" fluids... More

Hold the Oil! (Oil Pan Gasket Replacement)
March 1, 2026
You've likely heard how important oil is to your vehicle's engine. Did you know that there's one part that's responsible for holding that oil so you can use it every day? It's called the oil pan, and it sits at the bottom of the engine. The oil pan is a vital, though simple, part of your engine's... More
