If you’ve owned a car for awhile, you’ve probably heard the mechanic say your car needs a new timing belt. If you’ve ever wondered what it does or how to replace it, here’s what you need to know.

Your car’s timing belt is an important part. The timing belt opens and closes the engine’s valves so the car can run properly. Timing belts come in two shapes, depending on the camshaft style of your engine. The shapes are oval and triangle.

Changing your car’s timing belt can be a difficult process. We recommend a Las Cruces timing belt replacement or an El Paso timing belt replacement. If you decide to take on the difficult task, here’s what you need to do.

Check the Condition of the Timing Belt

• Read your owners manual to check to see when you should replace your timing belt. Most timing belts start needing to be replaced after 60,000 miles.
• Locate your timing belt and check to see if it’s worn. Look for cracks and damaged teeth.

Once you have done this, you are ready to replace the timing belt.

Replacing the Timing Belt

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove parts that are in the way of getting to the timing belt.
3. Detach the timing belt cover.
4. Examine the timing belt tensioner bearings. Replace them if they are loose.
5. Be sure to check the seals on the camshaft and the crankshaft. If there is a leak, they should be replaced.
6. Loosen the timing belt tensioner and remove the timing belt.
7. Put on new timing belt.
8. Install a new gasket on the timing belt cover.
9. Make sure all timing marks are aligned.
10. Install all parts removed earlier in Step 2.
11. Connect the battery.

Once you have done this, you should be good to drive your car. This posting is meant to be a general overview on how to change your timing belt. We recommend talking with an experienced mechanic before you choose to replace your timing belt on your own.