While you’re on the road, the timing belt keeps various parts of your car’s engine working in smooth synchronization. By connecting the crankshaft and camshaft, the timing belt ensures that the intake and exhaust valves work in perfect unison with the pistons. If your timing belt ever wears out, the engine won’t be able to continue functioning at all. Here are a few common indicators that your Kia timing belt might need prompt attention at your local Kia dealer.
Engine Sputters and Shakes
When a timing belt starts to wear down or slip loose, the engine’s cylinders might start to open and close at the wrong moment. This can lead to misfiring spark plugs, which causes the engine to sputter and vibrate. If not fixed quickly, misfiring can rapidly worsen and cause problems in other parts of the car.
Strange Ticking Sounds
Timing belts have hard teeth that grip the pulleys. If the teeth of a timing belt begin to wear away, you can often hear the clacking or ticking as the gaps run rapidly over the pulleys.
Weakened Acceleration
A faulty timing belt can sometimes cause acceleration to diminish when the car reaches over 2,000 RPMs. Under the pressure of this acceleration, a belt with missing teeth can slip, causing odd rattling sounds, excessive vibrations, and a loss of power.
Thickening Exhaust Fumes
When a timing belt begins to wear out, the engine becomes overworked. This additional strain generates excessive exhaust fumes, which you might notice thickening the air like smoke behind your car. The aforementioned misfiring can also cause exhaust fumes to thicken with smoke.
Engine Refuses To Start
If a timing belt breaks and stops working altogether, the engine will also fail to function. This means you won’t even be able to start your car in the morning. When they can’t start their car, most drivers check the battery first. You might need to look at the timing belt too.
Engine Suddenly Stops Working
In the worst-case scenario, a worn-out timing belt could break while the car’s on the road. This would bring the vehicle to an abrupt halt. Needless to say, this is extremely hazardous; you’ll hopefully notice the early warning signs of timing belt trouble long before it breaks.
Have Your Kia Timing Belt Checked at Your Local Kia Dealer
If you suspect timing belt issues, it’s worth having a professional take a look. A trusted technician at your local dealership can quickly ascertain the condition of your belt. They can also promptly replace it with a new one if required.
Visit Superior Kia in Orangeburg, SC, today to have your timing belt inspected or replaced. We’re a full-service dealership offering the region’s drivers a wide range of excellent new and pre-owned vehicles plus award-winning customer service.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.