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The Best Time to Replace the Timing Belt in Your Volvo
Volvos have earned a reputation for being built safely and reliably. However, like any other vehicle, Volvos will require maintenance from time to time. Most Volvos still use a timing belt to ensure that valves open and close and pistons rise and fall in the engine at the right moments.
Eventually, the timing belt will have to be replaced. If this process is neglected and the timing system fails, various components in the Volvo’s engine will most likely crash into one another. This can then lead to moderate or even severe engine damage. In this article, we will go over the general guidelines and signs that indicate when your Volvo’s timing belt needs to be replaced.
General Guidelines
For most Volvos, a timing belt can last from anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. The approximate durability of the timing belt varies from model to model, but timing belts in newer Volvo models tend to last longer, closer to 150,000 miles. Older models of Volvos typically need the timing belt replaced at about 120,000 miles, and discontinued models may have to have the timing belt changed near 100,000 miles.
As damage caused by a worn out timing belt can be both catastrophic and costly, it is important to get the timing system inspected by a skilled service technician well before reaching your Volvo’s expected timing belt mileage limit.
If you would like to determine a more exact mileage durability for your Volvo’s timing belt, that information should be readily available in the Volvo’s manual. If you have lost the manual, this information can be downloaded from Volvo’s official website.
Common Warning Signs of a Faulty Timing Belt
Fortunately, the signs of a worn-out or broken timing belt are fairly obvious. All of these signs can be determined by inspecting your Volvo’s engine. Once you have determined that the timing belt needs replaced, contact an expert mechanic to do so and inspect the other parts of the engine for internal damage.
Engine Ticking Noise
Since the timing belt is attached to your Volvo’s crankshaft and camshaft with a series of pulleys, the timing belt may create a ticking sound from inside the engine once it starts to wear out. While this noise could also be an indicator of low oil or engine lubrication, it is important to contact a mechanic to determine whether or not the timing belt is the source of the sound.
Engine Refuses to Turn Over
Your Volvo’s engine will not be able to ignite or turn over if the timing belt is broken. The starter motor might engage when you turn the key, but the engine will not turn over, as the timing belt controls the crankshaft. Sometimes, the timing belt will break while the engine is running, which is very audible and obvious.
Engine Misfires
The firing rate of your Volvo’s engine could also be affected by a timing belt that is worn out. If the timing belt slips off of the crankshaft, cylinders will fire or open before they should. When this happens, it can lead to the engine misfiring.
Engine Leaks Oil
When the cover on the timing belt starts to deteriorate, oil may leak out from it due to loose nuts and bolts or a pinch in the cover. Improper installation of the timing belt cover can also cause oil to leak from the Volvo’s engine.
Autowerks Can Help
All of our mechanics and service technicians at Autowerks are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Autowerks has 40 years of experience providing quality service to Volvos and other European automotive brands, our speciality, including Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche, and Rolls Royce.
We proudly serve our clients in and around the communities of College Station from Brenham, Bryan, Caldwell, Madisonville, Navasota, and other nearby parts of TX to rely on our expertise.
Our company prides itself on service that is not only excellent but also affordable. Scheduling annual routine maintenance with Autowerks enables us to prevent the need for expensive future repairs to your Volvo at a reasonable price.
If you are interested in learning more about our qualifications or getting your timing belt replaced, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to earning your business.