Engine components can be a bit of a mystery for many drivers, with most choosing to simply get on with their daily driving and leave the technical details to the professionals at their local garage when MOT or service time comes around.
That’s completely understandable – modern engines are pretty complex!
Two commonly referred to engine components are timing belts (also known as cambelts) and timing chains, which many seem to get mixed up, or don’t know which one belongs on their vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between timing belts and chains, how to tell which one your car uses, and when it might be time for a replacement.
What is a Timing Belt/Cambelt?
A timing belt – also known as a cambelt – is a key part of your car’s engine.
It’s essentially a rubber belt with teeth that keeps everything running in sync behind the scenes.
Its main job is to link the crankshaft and the camshaft, making sure that the engine’s valves open and close at exactly the right time during each cylinder’s cycle.
In simple terms, the timing belt keeps the engine’s rhythm steady so your car can run smoothly and efficiently.
If it slips or breaks, things can go very wrong – and very quickly – which is why it's important to keep on top of knowing when it may need replacing.
