What Happens if the Timing Belt Breaks When Driving

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What is a Timing Belt

Life Span of a Cambelt

Cost to Change

What is a Timing Belt

The timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt with teeth on one side. It connects the engine’s crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring the valves open and close perfectly with the pistons. In simple terms, the timing belt ensures that all engine parts work together seamlessly without collision.

If the timing belt breaks while driving, it can cause significant engine damage. The valves and pistons collide, leading to bends and breaks. Often, the car is written off as the repair costs outweigh the car’s value. For modern cars, this is less likely if the mileage is low.

Life Span of a Cambelt

Generally, timing belts last between 60,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on the vehicle make and model. Check your servcie record for the last replacement, especially if you bought the car second-hand. If there is no record you should seriouly consider getting your wet timing belt, cambelt changed immediately.

Signs the Timing Belt Needs to Be Replaced

Look out for these indicators of a failing timing belt:

High-pitched noise: A piercing sound from the engine could be the timing belt.
Engine misfires: A faulty timing belt can cause misfires.
Oil leaks near the timing belt: This can indicate a weakening belt.
Visible wear and tear: Inspect for cracks or fraying.
Engine won’t start: This could be due to a broken timing belt, though other issues could be the cause.

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Cost to Change

The cost of replacing a timing belt varies depending on the car’s make and model, typically ranging from £400 to £1600, including parts and labour. The work carried out can take up to 2 days, so be prepared to be without your vehicle for this period. Ask us about our courtesy car and van availability.

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The whole team has a great work ethic

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1 Month Ago

I’m not normally speechless but today I succumbed ! I just could not believe the sparkling motorhome standing in front of me was the same tired one I left in the hands of these guys a week earlier ! Quick, efficient and professional throughout. They kept me updated with photos and emails of work done, being done and teaser shots of the then and now ! Completely stunning, I really can’t recommend these guys enough The whole team has a great work ethic and I found out that there is “No Can’t “in their vocabulary only “ of course we can “ A workforce to be proud of, very rarely found these days and YES it’s a 100% recommendation from me and Yes I will be returning to have the MOT and service done here, plus more interior work Lyn P - Read more about this project

Lyn & Bo P - Wolfie Restoration

The customer service was 1st class.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 weeks ago

A month has now passed since we drove into Tradervan for a full service, mot & bodywork on our motorhome. It is time to review. This was our first visit. We were welcomed and put at ease immediately. Nothing was a trouble. We had previously booked so work began that day. The customer service was 1st. class. The rig shone on our pick up day and I write this review from the heart of Spain with a new cam belt, brakes & a vehicle to be proud of. Thanks to the team & see you in the future.

John & Sharon King - Dethleff A Class Motorhome

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1 Day Ago

This was the 2nd time I have used this company and can honestly say very happy with the service I recieved, after completing a major service on my motorhome they highlighted some welding which was required, I was already aware it needed doing but asked if they could do it whilst my vehicle was with them. They agreed to do the work and provided a quote to complete the work whilst this wasn't a small sum to do the work I agreed for them to carry the work out for me. Yesterday I received a call to say the work was completed and my vehicle was ready for collection, expecting to pay the price of the quote I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated. In my mind that shows honesty and integrity as they could have charged me as per the quote and I wouldn't have known any different. So all in all very happy and would have no issues using them again.

John

John Barnes - Thurton resident

Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Drove down for the weekend from london and had something go wrong with my car. They managed to fit me in at really short notice and they didnt try to rip me off. I was able to drive back to london safely and without having to be inconvenienced by being stuck there until i found a way of fixing my car or getting it back. Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could

Ben - Visitor to Norfolk

I would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating...

I’m not someone who normally writes reviews, but because the customer service was so good I wanted to let others be aware of this company. I needed to replace the cam belt for the Motorhome as well as giving it a major service prior to putting it up for sale. The very knowledgeable staff took my details and then provided me the quote. Works came in on price and on time, and I asked for help in selling the van. They arranged the whole deal including valeting the van, and had my money in the bank within a few weeks after a successful sale. I
would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone who are feeling let down by their own garage. They are an independently owned garage who genuinly wants to look after its customers hoping they will return, I certainly will.

Ian Logan - Local resident

Huge Thank You...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A huge thank you to Terry and the team for the amazing job they did on our 11 year-old Motorhome - absolutely delighted with the results - looks like new!

Teresa Linstead