Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)
November 24, 2024
There’s an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. It’s called the timing cover. It’s important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshafts and crankshaft. When they’re in sync, all runs smoothly. When they’re not, it can cause some serious engine problems.
If your vehicle has a timing belt, without the protection of the timing cover, that belt can come loose from the timing gears or break. If your vehicle has a timing chain, the cover keeps engine oil circulating around it which lubricates it. When that starts to leak because of a bad gasket, the chain may not be getting adequate lubrication.
If your vehicle has a timing cover problem, you may notice engine oil leaking if a gasket is not sealing tightly. You may hear a strange metallic sound coming from the engine. Another sign that timing is off is that you notice you’re losing power when you’re going up a hill.
Usually, the timing cover will not wear out. But if you drive on roads where you’re getting a lot of debris and dirt kicked up into your engine compartment, the timing cover can get damaged and affect your vehicle’s operation. It eventually could lead to engine problems, so if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, have one of our technicians inspect your timing cover and gasket.
Spartan Tire Brighton
4880 Old U.S. 23
Brighton, Michigan 48114
810-355-4388
Need Service?
More articles from Spartan Tire Brighton

Out of Joint (CV Joint and Boot Replacement)
February 16, 2025
If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it has components called CV joints which enable you to turn your wheels smoothly. The CV stands for constant velocity. In essence, its a set of gears that connect a shaft that allows power from the transmission to be sent to the wheels. When you turn the ... More

Always on Guard (TMPS)
February 9, 2025
One of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running safely is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If one or more is vastly over- or underinflated, that has the potential to cause major handling problems and may result in a dangerous accident. All vehicles in recen... More

Keeping Your Cool (Coolant leak repair)
February 2, 2025
If theres one thing you should pay attention to with your vehicle, its the temperature gauge. Its the one that may say C---H (that means cold---hot). Or maybe yours has a picture of a thermometer on it and a blue and red zone. If you see the needle heading farther to the H or red area, that mea... More