Timing Belt Repair in Fairbanks, AK
Our team of local Fairbanks mechanics knows both the symptoms of worn belts and pulleys and which replacement belts perform best in sub-arctic environments.
Alaska is Special and So Are Our Timing Belt Maintenance Intervals
METRO Garage understands the unique challenges of maintaining a vehicle in Fairbanks. Over 23 years of inspecting and replacing vehicle wear parts have allowed us to determine the most effective scope and range between service visits, especially when working with timing belts. Our team of local Fairbanks mechanics knows both the symptoms of worn belts and pulleys and which replacement belts perform best in sub-arctic environments. If appropriate, we always include overlapping repairs like water pumps and pulley replacement at no extra labor charge.
Timing Belt Specialists
Alaska is special. Maintenance intervals are different here than most places in the driving world, and at METRO we pay attention and catalogue these details. A timing belt coordinates the movement of pistons and valves in an engine. It is the most important belt on an engine and wear or failure will leave you stranded.
Our mechanics know the specific “harsh duty” intervals for timing belt replacement on vehicles and we know which belts perform well in the sub-arctic. We also combine water-pump and pulley replacement during this repair in order to save our customers time and money.
What is a Timing Belt?
Your timing belt is a crucial part of your engine’s internal combustion system. It is responsible for synchronizing the engine’s functions, controlling the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft, as well as the opening and closing of your engine’s valves. Failure to replace your timing belt can cause a desynchronization of your pistons, throw off the engine’s timing, and result in catastrophic damage to the engine system.
Does your car even have a timing belt? Is your engine a “super-collider”? This means that the valves will strike the pistons in the event that the rubber belt inside deteriorates and breaks. Hondas (a METRO specialty) are generally super-colliders, so don’t wait on that interval!
Is it Time to Replace Your Timing Belt?
The recommended service interval for a timing belt is shorter for cars in Alaska. Many factors contribute to the longevity of a timing belt. They generally stretch and crack before breaking. The best way to care for this significant engine component is regular inspections by a conscientious mechanic. Our team is trained to catch these intervals so you don’t have to think about it. Ever.
Just call or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment with our Fairbanks Timing Belt Replacement Experts!
Timing Belt Failure Symptoms
Here is a list of timing belt failure symptoms:
- Deep cracking of the timing belt
- Engine timing off
- Engine backfires
- Engine misfires or stutters
- Loss of power
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace my timing belt before it breaks?
Absolutely! Why? A few different reasons, depending on what vehicle you drive. First, you will always be stranded, no matter what car you drive, if you let your timing belt break. Second, if you drive a car with the type of engine in which the top of the motor's moving parts collides with the bottom part, you will do damage that costs 3-8 thousand dollars. One option is a tow truck and few hundred dollars to fix. The other is a tow truck and new engine. But whatever happens you will get to meet a tow truck operator!
What are the symptoms of timing belt issues?
There are not usually performance issues that can warn drivers that their timing belt needs to be changed out. A visual inspection and keeping track of mileage are the ways to predict the maintenance cycle on timing belts. Very occasionally, a timing belt will stretch to the point that it can skip a tooth and the timing be off. This creates noticeable driver/performance issues that most thoughtful mechanics can easily diagnose.
I need to know the cost of diagnosing and repairing the timing belt.
These repairs range from $900 to $1,800 depending on what vehicle you drive and the extent to which related parts need attention in order to complete the job. Have the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of your vehicle ready and call an automotive repair shop. A VIN number will help you get an accurate price by connecting the vendor to your exact vehicle when sourcing parts.
How do I know it's time to change my timing belt?
Most people ask Google about the "maintenance interval" for their specific engine's timing belt. However, manufacturer-specified maintenance intervals don't usually take into account "harsh duty environments" like Interior Alaska. Consider the maintenance interval for a Subaru timing belt. The recommendation is for this repair to happen between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Because of the harsh climate here in Fairbanks, however, we recommend they be done between 60-75K. The best way to answer this question is to take your car to a mechanic who cares and get them to inspect your timing belt.
Certified Mechanics
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Timing Belt Experts
We specialize in timing belt repair and maintenance services. Our team has the expertise to quickly identify timing belt issues and tailor solutions to fit the specific needs of our customers and their vehicles. With our attention to detail and thoroughness, it's easy to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.