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Knowing when your cambelt needs changing on your used van
As one of the most critical components for keeping your used van on the road, the timing belt, or cambelt, plays a vital role in regulating how your engine performs. Understanding its importance, therefore, cannot be overstated, and discovering how to know when to replace a timing belt can save you hundreds of pounds on repairs.
The cambelt on your used van is responsible for opening and closing the valves to the cylinders, thereby ensuring correct engine combustion. As a rubber belt with teeth, one of its main purposes is to synchronise the rotation of both the crankshaft and the camshaft.
If all that means little to non-engineers, the key thing to remember is that, should the belt crack, tear, or break, it can lead to significant engine damage.
Identifying timing belt warning signs is not easy, but those with keen awareness may be able to spot a rattling or slapping sound emanating from the engine. Regardless, cambelts should be monitored regularly to avoid any damage occurring to your vehicle.
Most manufacturers will provide recommendations for replacement after a certain mileage has been reached, or once a certain time period has elapsed. This may vary from vehicle to vehicle, with some suggesting anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.
Changing a cambelt on your used van is not the most expensive of works in which to invest. Depending on the model and the complexity of the work involved, you could be paying somewhere between £200-£1,000. While the higher end of this bracket may seem expensive, remember that it entails many hours of work by professional mechanics.
What’s more, should you fail to replace a faulty cambelt in time, the level of overall damage to your engine could be catastrophic, with potential repairs costing in the thousands. When looked at in isolation, doesn’t it make sense to simply change one component every so often?
For more details on a range of aftersales services such as repairs and maintenance, or to find out more about the range of used vans currently available today, contact the teams at Vanwise in Harlow. Our professional staff will be happy to offer impartial advice to help you stay on the road in the safest manner possible.