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The timing belt in your Volvo may not be the part of your vehicle with which you’re most concerned, but being aware of it and its particular issues is crucial to the health and safety of your Volvo. That’s why it’s important to monitor it carefully and understand when and why it needs to be replaced.

What is a Timing Belt?

The timing belt in a Volvo is a part made of synthetic rubber and it is responsible for turning your Volvo’s camshaft at the right speed so it responds correctly in relation to the crankshaft. You may also hear it referred to as the cam belt, and these terms are interchangeable. Your timing belt is also responsible for making sure that the valves in the engine cylinders open at the correct time.

Because the correct amount of belt tension is vitally important for the function of your timing belt, even slight changes in tension can cause the belt to malfunction or break. For example, if a belt is too loose and lacking the proper tension, it may whip out of place and snap, not only breaking the belt but throwing off the carefully regulated equilibrium of your vehicle.

Too much tension is equally dangerous, because if the belt is too tight, this level of tension will put excess strain on the bearings of the cogs. This can also cause the belt to snap and break. In either case, problems with the tension of your timing belt can significantly decrease the belt’s lifespan.

How Can You Tell When Your Timing Belt is Damaged?

Although you should change your timing belt regularly whether you notice signs of damage or not, it’s important to know what to look out for. One automatic cue is visual damage, and this is fairly easy to spot. You can tell if the tension belt is experiencing damage by looking for such signs as cracks, shredding, sagging or brittleness. You may often have some audible cues as well, most notably a sharp squealing sound if the belt is under stress.

When Should You Replace the Timing Belt?

It’s important to remember that simply checking the tension of the timing belt is not sufficient. It must be regularly checked and replaced throughout the duration of your car’s lifecycle, and it’s important to be aware of any potential issues on the horizon. This is vital because if the belt snaps while your car is in motion, it can cause significant—and often irrevocable—damage to your vehicle’s engine. And in these cases, replacing a timing belt is one—relatively inexpensive—thing. Replacing your vehicle’s engine—or purchasing a new car entirely—is another matter altogether.

So, if you want to prevent severe damage to your engine, a good rule of thumb to establish is to replace the timing belt every 4 years or every 60,000 miles. You can get away with carrying out replacements slightly less often for newer vehicles, but even in the case of newer vehicles, changing it regularly certainly won’t hurt.

How Can You Fix It?

Although it is possible to replace your Volvo’s timing belt on your own, it’s not advisable. Mechanics are best equipped to diagnose the wear and tear on a timing belt and an experienced mechanic should be up to date with industry standards for your vehicle’s ideal replacement timing.

Glenwood Foreign Car Can Help

If you’re located in the Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, or Morrisville areas of PA, you don’t have to look far to find a qualified mechanic because Glenfield Foreign Cars can help! Since our opening in 1977, we’ve cultivated a reputation for excellence, and we pride ourselves on maintaining those standards to this day. We’re here to help you get the care you need for your vehicle at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Our skilled service technicians are ready and waiting to help you feel more secure in your Volvo.

We know you want your Volvo to last for a long, long time, and we do too! So, take good care of your timing belt and bring it in to us for regular check-ups. We guarantee your car will thank you!