Timing Belt Replacement in Willow Glen, San Jose
Timing belt replacement is only one among hundreds of auto services we offer at Alvin’s Auto Center in San Jose. We are a family owned and operated San Jose auto repair shop, and timing belt replacement is probably one of the most important automotive services we offer. Even though car manufacturers have mostly switched to timing chains, there are still millions of car that are equipped with timing belts, and timely replacement of a timing belt is crucial to the well-being of your vehicle.
The primary function of the timing belt is to synchronize camshaft and crankshaft rotation, thus controlling the correct timing of valve opening and closing. If valves are not closed at the right time, pistons can strike the valves and causing valve damage and very expensive repairs. In case of interference engines, damage may be so severe that engine replacement will be necessary.
So if the timing belt fails, engine damage is to be expected, the only question is how severe it will be. BTW: the belt rarely physically brakes, usually when mechanics talk about timing belt breaking, they mean that one or more of the “teeth” on the belt sheared off – this will throw off the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft and will result in engine damage.
How often should the timing belt be replaced?
If you look at the manufacturer recommendations, most car makers suggest timing belt replacement around 90,000 to 110,000 miles. But this is only a suggestion – your mechanic should inspect the timing belt every time you bring your vehicle for service. Timing belt life can be shortened by contact with petroleum products, heat, and the type of driving you do every day. That’s why at Alvin’s Auto Center in Willow Glen, San Jose, we recommend regular timing belt inspections.
When the time comes to replace the timing belt, we also recommend replacing the water pump, belt tensioners and the serpentine belt at the same time – because large part of the replacement cost of these parts is the labor involved in disassembly and reassembly – since we are already working in this area, additional labor necessary to replace the water pump or serpentine belt is minimal.
At Alvin’s Auto Center in Willow Glen, San Jose we employ highly skilled technicians, certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Our technicians can diagnose and repair a wide range of engine problems, including replacing the timing belt.
So if your vehicle is due for timing belt replacement, or if you don’t remember last time the timing belt was inspected, bring your car to our San Jose auto repair shop, and you will find a clean and modern facility, friendly customer service, and high quality maintenance and repairs, as well as:
- 24 months / 24,000 miles warranty
- Free towing within 10 miles of the shop
- Clear explanation of what needs to be done
- Clean and child-friendly office
So if it is time for a timing belt replacement, or if you have reasons to be concerned about the condition of your vehicle’s timing belt, bring your vehicle to Alvin’s Auto Center in Willow Glen, San Jose. You can make an appointment on our website, or call us at the shop to schedule the service.