Your car is a piece of precision engineering with hundreds of individual components working in unison to keep you moving safely. While most of us understand the function and importance of major car parts, such as the brakes, clutch, and exhaust, there are other car components that are equally important but with which we are less familiar.
One of those components is the cambelt. In this article, we’re going to explain what a cambelt is and what it does, as well as why and when you should consider replacing it.
A Guide to Cambelts
The cambelt is part of your vehicle’s engine. Typically made up of robust composite materials such as polyurethane and Kevlar, it plays a key role in the smooth running of your car and is built to last. It connects the crankshaft and the camshaft, utilising a row of teeth to keep the two synchronised. For this reason, it is sometimes called a timing belt.
What Does a Cambelt do?
Your camshaft is responsible for controlling valves that allow air and fuel in and out of the engine. Your crankshaft moves pistons within the engine up and down. These two operations need to occur at the same time; otherwise, the valves or the pistons can end up misaligned or damaged, causing serious harm to the engine. By connecting the two parts, your cambelt ensures that they work in time with one another.
How Often Do You Replace a Cambelt?
There is no hard-and-fast rule for replacing your cambelt. Like many engine parts, it is worn down by day-to-day use, so a frequent long-distance driver will need to replace theirs more often than someone making short trips every now and then. Different makes and models of cars may also require more or less frequent replacement of the cambelt. Some manufacturers recommend changing it after a certain period of time, while others advise changing it after a certain number of miles. Check your car’s handbook for your particular manufacturer’s recommendations.
Signs Your Cambelt Needs Replacing
There are several key signs that your cambelt may be nearing the end of its useful service life. If the engine is not running smoothly or starts to misfire when you’re driving or simply idling, that is a tell-tale sign of a cambelt issue. Likewise, if you notice a lack of power from the engine when you accelerate or higher than normal fuel consumption, you may want to have someone inspect your engine.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Cambelt?
Like all car work, the cost of a cambelt replacement is made up of parts and labour. Prices vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the make and model. A replacement cambelt for a low-end car can cost as little as £250, while a luxury model cambelt replacement could set you back more than £1000.
How to Tell if Your Cambelt Needs Replacing: Final Thoughts
If you’re a driver in Stratford-upon-Avon or the broader Warwickshire area and think that your cambelt needs replacing, Stewarts MOT and Repair Centre is here to help. Not only will our trained and experienced mechanics perform a full inspection to confirm the condition of your cambelt, but we will also be able to replace it with proprietary parts to get your car running at optimal performance. Call today on 01789 730 920 to see what we can do for you.
