Grand Prix Performance - Costa Mesa, CA

The timing belt is one of your engines most critical components. Waiting for it to wear out or break can result in serious engine damage. What exactly does it do? How will you know when it’s time to replace it? Read on…

WHAT DO TIMING BELTS DO?

The timing belt connects the crankshaft (which controls the engine pistons) to the camshaft (which opens and closes valves). This precision component has teeth that, when in rotation, are perfectly “mated” with matching sprockets. The uniformity of the teeth and their spacing is what keeps valve operation and piston position perfectly synchronized. On some engines, the belt also drives other components, including the oil and water pumps, and balance shafts.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE A TIMING BELT?

Belt replacement varies by vehicle make and mileage. Check your owner’s manual for suggested maintenance. Here are some warning signs that your timing belt might need to be replaced:

• ▪  Rough idling

• ▪  Chattering and other strange engine noises

• ▪  Difficulty starting the engine

  Even if your car is “symptom free,” it’s still a good idea to check the timing belt regularly. This is especially vital for your higher-mileage vehicle.

  OTHER CONSIDERATIONS DURING TIMING BELT CHANGES

  Changing the timing belt is an involved process. It requires a number of parts to be removed, including: the radiator hose, water pump, and alternator. When you change your belt, you should also consider replacing any other worn-out parts such as other belts, hoses, and clamps.

  Remember, when it comes to maintaining your car’s engine, timing plays a key role when it comes to sustaining high-mileage and high-performance. 

Oil serves several crucial functions in your car’s engine…and clean oil performs those functions better than dirty oil. That’s why you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Why is oil so important? What’s the best type to use? We’re happy to tell you…

Motor oil’s prime function is to lubricate every moving part of your engine with a protective film that reduces friction. It also:

• Cleans your engine. Oil collects soot, ash, acids and other moisture that eventually forms sludge. Sludge, if accumulated on critical engine parts, accelerates wear. Oil helps prevent this by keeping particulates suspended until they’re drained away when you change your oil.

• Creates a seal around piston rings and cylinder walls. Without proper sealing action, you lose power and waste fuel.

• Protects your engine against rust and corrosion.

• Cools vital engine parts your radiator coolant can’t reach. In fact, as

• Much as 40% of the cooling job in your engine is performed by oil. 

If the engine is the heart of your car, think of the fuel injection system as its main artery: It is your car’s source for delivering fuel, or pumping the blood, to the engine. This used to be the carburetor’s job. But today, most cars use fuel injectors making service on the injection system a required part of your vehicle’s maintenance. But how do you know when it needs resuscitating?

First, it is good to know that fuel injection maintenance is not something you need to consider as frequently as say, oil changes. Generally, your vehicle’s injection system is good for the first 50,000 miles. At that point, you might want to consider a cleaning especially if you notice your car is:

• Hesitating

• Having trouble starting

• Getting poor gas mileage

• Overall sluggish

  These are all signs of deposit buildup, which can occur naturally over time. And it is no wonder, considering the fuel injection process:

• First, gas is pumped from the tank when you start the engine

• Next, it goes through filters, rails, and the injectors

  ▪ The injectors pump fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber, where it mixes with air and is ignited by the spark plugs creating combustion

  The heat generated by this process is intense, and the burning fuel can leave hardened carbon deposits on pistons, valves and fuel injector nozzle heads. The result can be restricted fuel flow and the need for occasional maintenance.