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car maintenance

What Is a Timing Belt and When Should You Replace It?

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Replacing a car’s timing belt is one of the car maintenance issues most car owners dread. The process can be labor-intensive, depending on the model of the vehicle. However, timing belt failure can leave you or a family member stranded at the side of the road. Here’s what you need to know about timing belts and when to replace them.

What Is a Timing Belt?

The timing belt is a crucial part of every car’s engine. It helps synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft, which turn combustion into motion. Since the intake valve and pistons can’t exist in the same space at the same time, the timing belt ensures that they each take turns without colliding.

If your timing belt breaks, you could end up with serious engine damage that will make routine timing belt maintenance look like a piece of cake.

When To Replace Your Timing Belt

Many manufacturers recommend having your car’s timing belt changed at a certain mileage, but this number is only an estimate. You should replace your timing belt when it gets old or worn, and offering a mileage estimate is the best guess that manufacturers can make.

Here are all the reasons it could be time to replace your timing belt:

  • The car has been sitting unused for a long time.
  • You haven’t replaced the timing belt in seven or more years.
  • You’ve reached the manufacturer’s mileage recommendation.
  • You notice oil seals from the timing belt cover leaking onto the belt.
  • The exterior drive belts have started to crack.

Since rubber dries out when it’s not in use, it’s critical not to leave your car sitting for long periods. When you see that your other drive belts start to crack, you can often assume that your timing belt might be cracking too.

Managing Family Vehicles

If you have multiple vehicles in your family, it’s a good idea to make everyone aware of the dangers of timing belt failure. Have everyone record the maintenance for their vehicles so that you can make sure that people aren’t losing track of the more long-term maintenance repairs.

Hopefully, this guide to timing belts and when to replace them will help you and your family members stay safe. Routine maintenance may be a hassle, but emergency repairs are much worse.

5 Ways To Improve Your Engine’s Performance

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Improving the overall performance engine doesn’t always require a professional. Maybe you want to improve the quality of your engine, give it more horsepower, or want it to sound better. At the end of the day, making changes and adjustments to your vehicle requires patience. So here are five ways to improve your engine’s performance to get back out on the road with style. Before you know it, taking your kids on joyrides will be even better.

Install a Performance Chip

If you have a newer model, it’s more likely to rely on a computer system to help with essential functions. Your car’s computer system makes calculations for various features, such as anti-lock brakes and fuel-to-air ratios.

By installing a performance chip, you can override the factory settings, allowing you to adjust the engine’s power and horsepower however you like. Installation is easy; after you familiarize yourself with your car’s electronics, you can remove the factory chip and replace it with a performance chip.

Add a Turbocharger

Adding turbochargers is a fun and exciting way to improve your engine’s performance. Turbochargers function through forced induction; they compress the airflow into the engine, pushing more air into the engine cylinder. This results in more fuel combustion and power.

Whether you want to use a twin-scroll turbo or a single turbo depends on your engine size and makeup. Turbochargers increase torque, horsepower, and fuel efficiency, making them a fun add-on to your engine.

Apply Synthetic Lubricants

If you want your engine to last beyond its life expectancy, applying synthetic lubricants will help. Not only does it aid with engine durability and all-temperature use, but it also allows for better performance and high mileage.

You can improve your engine even more by using an additive in your lubricant. You can use a formula that cuts engine friction down, reducing heat and allowing your engine to run harder and longer.

Perform Engine Maintenance

To keep your engine in optimal shape, you must maintain and clean it every so often. Replacing the oil and checking parts will keep your engine running longer and improve its quality. Keep your engine filters clean, replace old oil, and flip through your owner’s manual for the specific liquids and parts it needs to function correctly.

Reduce Car Weight

An essential tip for optimizing your engine is to know that the more weight your car carries, the harder your engine works to perform. You can remove excess gear and parts from your vehicle so that your engine can function optimally. Replacing your glass windows with acrylic or plastic windows, removing equipment from the trunk, and so on can help your car run better.

The Benefits of Using Car Parts From Salvage Yards

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The fantasy of reviving that classy car stuck in the garage doesn’t have to be the heavy investment you may think it is. If the only reason you’re not cruising down the street in your auto-dream is a matter of parts, then it may be time to consider more cost-effective options. Prep the man cave, get your little helper, and have your tools ready: these are the benefits of using car parts from salvage yards.

Lower Cost

One of the most prevalent things to keep in mind when choosing a salvage yard for your car repairing needs is the lower cost of parts. Whether you’re repairing a prebuilt vehicle or getting started on restoring a salvage car, price will always be a factor. This will differ based on the rarity and condition of the part needed. However, many will find a flexible and cheap alternative to factory dealers for the more common models. Using these parts as placeholders for future ideal fits is also a valid strategy if the price bracket isn’t too steep. After all, the process never truly ends when fixing up an old beauty.

Environmentally Friendly

If you’re the type who takes the extra precaution of protecting the environment while pursuing your interests, then have no fear of moving forward. You’re straying from the supply chain and positively influencing things. Usually recovered from accidents or random catastrophes, parts from reputable salvage yards are still reliable and sometimes untouched. No one wants their door falling off on the highway, and luckily, good salvage yards will make it a point to meet OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standards, providing you with the comfort of quality in the parts you purchase.

A Moment for Education

If you have a younger one to bring along, this is the time for a bit of a field trip. Being versed in the inner workings of your vehicle is an important life skill that some lack. Take this time to explore a new avenue of curiosity with them, and get the gears rolling for what could be a future passion. It’s always better to experience the highlights of life together, and an adventure makes a million memories.

Sure, you’re turning into one of those “always working on the car” dads, but it all comes to an end the moment that engine roars. Putting together that dream car doesn’t have to be another delayed mark on the checklist. By considering the benefits of using car parts from salvage yards, you ensure a finished product of quality and safety. The journey will be long, but you won’t travel alone.