Why does replacing the timing belt improve power?
2 Answers
After replacing the timing belt, the transmission resistance and inertia are reduced, thereby improving the engine's power and acceleration performance. Here are the relevant details: 1. Disadvantages of timing belts: They are prone to aging, have a high failure rate, and impose relatively higher usage costs on car owners. 2. Replacement cycle: For any engine equipped with a timing belt, manufacturers have strict requirements to replace the timing belt and its accessories regularly within the specified cycle. The replacement cycle varies depending on the engine's structure, generally when the vehicle has traveled 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The specific replacement cycle should be based on the vehicle's maintenance manual.
Replacing the timing belt can improve engine performance because the belt is responsible for synchronizing the engine's critical components, ensuring perfect coordination between the valves and pistons. I remember my car lacked acceleration before the belt replacement, even struggling uphill. An old belt can become loose or deformed, causing inaccurate valve timing. The result is a chaotic combustion process—gasoline doesn't burn completely, with some energy wasted as heat, naturally cutting power in half. With a new belt, the engine runs with clock-like precision, ignition timing is correct, combustion becomes efficient, and torque is instantly restored. When you press the accelerator, it feels like the car has come back to life. This isn't just about power gains—it also saves fuel and extends engine life. The belt should be inspected every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
