Understanding an Automobile’s Timing Chain

Most drivers understand what the key components of a car do: the battery powers the electrical in the car, the engine drives the entire thing, and the transmission is the link between the engine and the wheels. Yet, the timing chain and its younger sibling, the timing belt, are often misunderstood. Learning about the timing chain will help a driver better understand its important role in the vehicle’s functioning and possibly problems that could permanently damage the vehicle.

What Does the Timing Chain Do?

Mechanical timing is a very important but frequently overlooked aspect of vehicles. Most cars have four-stroke gas engines that requires the crankshaft to rotate twice and the camshaft to rotate once. Controlling the movement of the valves and pistons to open at precise times is crucial to this. In order to properly coordinate these movements, a timing belt or timing chain is used. Without the proper timing with the belt or chain, the engine simply cannot work at all.

What Is the Difference Between a Timing Belt and a Timing Chain?

Both the belt and chain of a car are hidden behind metal or plastic timing covers. Yet, even though they cannot be seen by simply looking under the hood, it is important to know the differences. Despite the fact that the two items do basically the same thing, they are quite different. The most significant difference is that timing belts are rubber while timing chains are metal and resemble very large and strong bike chains. Most car manufacturers switched to a rubber timing belt over the metallic chain during the 1960s and 1970s. Almost every modern car has a timing belt as opposed to a timing chain.

Why Are Timing Chains No Longer Really Used?

Timing chains were phased out for several reasons. The most obvious one is that they were more expensive than a simple rubber-based band. Shifting to a rubber belt led to a cheaper manufacturing price and an associated cheap purchasing price. Timing chains were also quite noisy, which meant that quieter interiors were only achieved with the newer belts. Timing chains were also heavier, which led to decreased gas mileage.

When Does Timing Chain Failure Normally Occur?

There was a very good aspect to timing chains that many individuals miss: they were normally good for the entire lifetime of the vehicle. It is a very rare occurrence when a timing chain slips or breaks. If this happens at all, it is most often due to racing rather than everyday driving. However, engine failure can cause the chain to break.

What Happens when Mechanical Timing Chain Failure Occurs?

An engine failure that results in a broken or slipped timing chain means that the car is basically dead. When this occurs, a broken chain is the least of the owner’s problems. Yet, the rare times when the chain itself breaks or slips can result in a host of issues. If the car works at all, running it without a properly functioning timing chain will lead to a buildup of heat and friction. Replacement is absolutely necessary despite the high expense.

Even though timing chains have fallen mostly into disuse, it is important to know their function. If a vehicle possesses a timing chain rather than a belt, failure does not happen often. However, if it does occur, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. Trying to run a vehicle without a properly operating timing chain or belt can completely destroy the car.