Got it Covered! (Timing Cover Maintenance)
October 8, 2023
You may have heard at one time or another about something called a timing belt or timing chain in your engine. And you may know that if they fail… well, let's just say that there can be some major engine damage. So obviously, we want our timing belts and chains to be in tip-top shape.
One part that helps keep them running the way they should is the timing cover. As you can probably guess, it's something that covers the belt or chain. The timing cover protects both belts and chains from dirt and road debris. Timing belts also need to be lubricated so their covers allow them to be lubricated as well. They have a gasket that insures a good seal for the engine. If that gasket breaks or develops a leak, then engine oil can escape, and loss of lubrication is never good for an engine component.
Other symptoms of a failed timing cover are leaking coolant, a metallic sound coming from the front of your engine or your Check Engine light coming on. You might also notice a drop in power when you're going uphill.
It's important that your timing cover be in good condition and functioning properly. Your repair facility will check out that part of your engine to make sure gaskets are in good shape and the cover is doing the job it's meant to do. Catch that leaking or broken timing cover in time and your engine will thank you for avoiding some serious damage and an expensive repair.
Kwik Kar Saginaw
1216 S. Blue Mound Rd.
Saginaw, TX 76131
817-231-1700
http://www.kwikkarsaginaw.com
Need Service?
More articles from Kwik Kar Saginaw

Keeping Your Saginaw Air Fresh When Driving With a Clean Cabin Air Filter
October 11, 2026
Pop quiz: What is a cabin air filter? A. A filter for your Saginaw house?B. A fresh, piney scent?C. A filter for the passenger compartment of your car? Clever you, it's C.A cabin air filter cleans the outside air before it comes into the passenger compartment of your vehicle. It filters out c... More

Saginaw Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules
October 4, 2026
Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Saginaw drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Saginaw drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:Are most of your ... More

Them's the Brakes (Brake Rotor Resurfacing)
September 27, 2026
Your vehicle's brakes wear out. It's inevitable. You'll notice it when you step on the brake pedal and feel it harder to stop, or there's vibration when you are braking. Most modern vehicles have disc brakes that each use a brake pad that press on a disc (disc brakes!) called a rotor. The fri... More
