When Should You Replace a Volvo’s Timing Belt?

A Volvo is considered one of the most reliable vehicles today. To maintain that reliability, Volvos requires regular maintenance. One area that should be inspected and replaced as needed is the timing belt.

At Andres Auto Service, we work with a variety of European-made vehicles, including Volvo. Our shop has more than 30 years of experience dealing with the nuances of specialty vehicles like Volvos.

In this blog, we’ll share general information on timing belts, signs that your belt is failing, and when to replace it.

Volvo Timing Belt Overview

A timing belt, or cambelt, on a Volvo, helps keep your engine running by maintaining the opening and closing of valves and the rising and falling of pistons as crankshaft and camshaft rotation is harmonized. When the timing belt fails, it could lead to bigger issues for your engine.

A timing belt should be replaced before it begins to fail. With that said, there are some ways to determine if your timing belt is on the way out.

Symptoms of a Failing Volvo Timing Belt

As with any other element of your Volvo, if a repair is needed, there are bound to be signs. Some of the symptoms to look for as you near the time to replace a timing belt or if the belt has incurred damage include:

• Engine Won’t Turn Over: A common sign that your timing belt is wearing down or broken is that the engine won’t turn over. Since the timing belt impacts the crankshaft, if it’s broken, the engine won’t move, even if the starter engages.
• Clicking Engine Sounds: If your engine clicks or ticks, be on high alert for an issue. It could mean the oil is low, or several other issues are afoot, but it could also be an indicator that the timing belt is going.
• Oil Leak: An oil leak is never a good sign. This is more of an issue with the timing belt cover than the belt itself, but it still indicates the need for maintenance. Take the Volvo into a shop as soon as you notice leaking fluids.

Along with these symptoms, you may also notice your engine misfiring. This is a sign that the belt has begun to slide off the crankshaft, and cylinders are firing early.

Replacing Your Timing Belt

Whether your timing belt is showing symptoms of failure or not, your Volvo should have a new timing belt put in between every 100,000 to 150,000 miles. The exact time between replacements depends on factors including:

• Vehicle age
• Model
• Usage
• Maintenance/service schedule

As a rule, it helps to have the timing belt inspected once every 100,000 miles to ensure it is running smoothly. The inspection will either put your mind at ease, offer an estimate for the best time of replacement, or save you the trouble of coming back later when the belt is replaced that day.

Contact Andres Auto Service Today

If you live in Chicago, IL and have concerns with your Volvo’s timing belt, we can help. Ready to hit the road with confidence? Trust Andres Auto Service in Chicago to keep your car in optimal condition. Schedule your service appointment now and enjoy worry-free driving!