Car engines are an incredible piece of engineering. We can think of it as the heart of our cars. While it beats, it gets us where we want to go, whenever we want to get there. And if it dies, so do our vehicles. But beyond that, drivers typically don’t think about their engines too much, which is why it feels troubling when something related to the engine goes out. What does it mean? How bad is it? Do I need to see a mechanic? Let’s talk about everything you need to know about engine repair.

Engine Repair vs. Engine Replacement

Engines are made up of many moving parts, which is why it’s essential to get these parts repaired as soon as you know they need to be fixed. Engines can be some of the more costly repairs, and the timing of when they get fixed plays a pivotal role. It can mean the difference between a simple engine repair or needing an engine replaced.

While most people know the importance of getting routine oil changes, it’s not as commonly known how vital it is to give your belts and hoses a check-up too. These parts play an important role in the function of everything from your alternator to your air conditioning. And when driving, a vehicle’s belts and hoses are constantly exposed to high levels of heat, vibration, and chemicals that will lead to cracking, leaking, fraying, and peeling. 

When it comes to proactive maintenance, it’s very important to take care of these areas. Belts and hoses tend to have a shorter lifespan than other vehicle parts, and can have a dangerous impact on other areas in your vehicle as they deteriorate over time, or worse, break altogether.

Here’s how you can keep an eye (and ear) out for any faulty belts or hoses, and what to do if you notice any of these signs.

Unlike getting an oil change or a [tire rotation](https://www.naylorsautorepairidaho.com/blog/everything-you-need-know-about-tire-rotation), a timing belt isn’t normally the first thing we think about when it comes to getting a routine auto repair. However, a timing belt is a critical car component that keeps your engine running smoothly. So what is it? And how often does it need to be replaced? Let’s talk about the importance of timing belts so that you can be certain that your car will get you where you need to go.

What Is a Timing Belt?

You can quickly recognize a timing belt because it looks like it has a set of teeth running along its entire length. A timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft turning at the correct rate. The camshaft helps the engine to function by opening valves in time with the crankshaft. This timing is critical to ensure that the engine functions properly, and the timing belt makes all of this possible.