The Michael and Company team of professional mechanics provide car timing belt service and replacement in San Jose, California.

We provide timing belt replacements for many makers, call us at 408-286-2988 to set up an appointment!


Car timing belt maintenance services

One of the most important things to maintain in your car is its timing belt.

If any part of your car’s timing belt system fails, it could lead to engine damage, which, as you guessed is very expensive and requires extensive repair.

When it’s time to replace your timing belt, it’s highly recommended that you replace the following as well:

  • tensioner
  • cam seal
  • crankshaft seal
  • alternator belt
  • drive belt
  • p/s belt
  • timing roller
  • water pump
  • coolant

Oftentimes, it’s not your car’s timing belt that fails but one of the bearing driven accessories.

Michael and Company recommend regular servicing and maintenance of your car’s timing system to ensure safety and to avoid more expensive repairs.

The importance of changing your car’s timing belt

When a timing belt breaks, it leads to engine damage, as it damages the internal parts of your car. A damaged timing belt can bend valves and even drive the valves through the piston.

To access the valve and piston requires removal of the engine, you need a professional doing this to prevent further damaging the engine.

Do not delay servicing on your car’s timing belt. You are essentially putting your safety at risk.

Call Michael and Company at 408-286-2988 for car timing belt servicing and repair!

What is your car’s timing belt?

Your car has an internal combustion engine, which means it is equipped with a timing belt. The purpose of which is to time the engine so that internal parts such as the valves and pistons move in unison.

It synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts and ensures that your engine’s valves open and close at the right time during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust.

Your car’s timing belt is made of high-quality rubber and is located under a timing cover in front of the engine. Inside the rubber are nylon-reinforced cords to extend its life.

But no matter how high-quality the material, you will need to replace it eventually.

Your engine will not run efficiently without a properly functioning timing belt. 

Signs of a damaged timing belt


1. Engine making ticking noises

The timing belt is attached to the engine’s crank and camshaft via pulleys. The crankshaft powers the engine’s connecting rods while the camshaft operates the head valves.

If the timing belt is worn out, it will produce ticking sounds. However, this might also be a sign of low pressure or an engine in need of lubrication, which is why you should have a mechanic at Michael and Company take a look at it.

2. Engine refuses to turn over

A broken timing belt will make it impossible for the engine to work efficiently.

You might hear the starter motor when you turn the ignition key, but the timing belt, which operates the crank and camshaft will make turning over impossible.

There are times when the timing belt breaks while the engine is running. In this case, you have to call a professional to take a look at it!

Our experienced mechanics at Michael and Company will know how to accurately diagnose the issue and let you know if the car timing belt needs to be replaced.

3. A misfiring engine

If your timing belt is worn out, it will affect the fire rate of your engine. It can slip on the camshaft and result in the untimely opening and closing of the cylinder. If not replaced soon, it can lead to a misfire, which leads to extensive engine damage.

4. Leaking oil

A damaged timing belt cover will leak motor oil. This can lead to overheating and can definitely wear out the car’s timing belt.

The Michael and Company Recommendation:

We recommend that you follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

We will replace your car’s timing belt according to your manufacturer’s recommendation and of course if issues start to show.

Neglect to replace the timing belt and you could be looking at major engine failure. Don’t wait for your car’s timing belt to break, have it serviced regularly. This really saves you a lot of money!

Suspect that your car timing belt is in trouble? Give us a call at 408-286-2988 or drop by at 380 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126. It’s just one block south of San Carlos Avenue!