1001 Sam Bass Rd, Round Rock, TX, 78681
(512) 255-2022
Every car needs all its parts to work together as one in a bid to run efficiently. Once a car part fails to work, its failure can affect other car parts, leading to a huge problem that can affect the overall function of the car.
The timing chain in a car’s engine is a perfect example. This chain functions by regulating the opening and closing of engine valves in coordination with firing pistons; thus, synchronizing movement between two engine parts. Any fault in this chain can disrupt the engine’s system and lead to severe complications.
Common Reasons Why a Car’s Timing Chain Fails
The timing chain in a car can get faulty for various reasons. Some of these reasons are below.
Engine Wear & Tear
The engine, where the timing chain of a vehicle is located, is usually subjected to both thermal and physical stress. This stress is due to the energy-intensive work that the engine does and it exposes the engine and other close parts (including the timing chain) to damage from wear and tear. Hence, the chain may break from consistent pressure or stress.
Poor Maintenance
Your car deserves adequate maintenance services to keep it in great shape at all times. However, when parts like the timing chain are not well looked after, they can get faulty and cause serious damage to other engine parts.
Engine maintenance involves routinely changing the engine oil and ensuring oil quality. If this is not done, the timing chain can get affected as engine oil is needed to keep the chains lubricated so they do not get damaged.
Rough Driving
While timing chains are a better and more effective replacement to timing belts, which break much more easily, they are still susceptible to damage. One of the ways in which a car’s timing belt can get damaged and then fail is when a driver moves the car roughly, causing the chains to stretch extensively to keep up with the increased force and then break.
How to Know if Your Car’s Timing Chain is Faulty
You should be able to recognize signs of failure in your car’s timing chain as it helps you take immediate action before things get worse. Here are some signs to look out for;
1. Rattling Sounds
The most common sign of a damaged timing chain is a rattling sound from the engine. If your car makes such sounds, it indicates that the timing chain could have broken off and the loose ends are rattling while your car moves.
2. Engine Oil with Metal Contaminants
If you regularly inspect your engine and its fluid levels, then you can easily recognize when there is an issue. Contaminated engine oil is a sign of a faulty timing chain especially when the contaminants are metal scraps.
If a faulty timing chain breaks off after damage, it can fall into the engine oil, contaminating it. This could lead to serious engine faults if not properly addressed.
3. Engine Misfiring
The timing chain is necessary to help keep the engine running smoothly. If this chain is damaged or broken, then engine efficiency drops and the car starts to face some problems. Hence, a problem with the engine’s function such as an engine misfiring or rough running can indicate that there is a faulty timing chain.
4. Check Engine Light
If you notice that your car’s check engine light has always been on, it shows that the engine is faulty and it could be due to a faulty timing chain. However, you need a professional to help ascertain the condition.
Repair & Auto Service Shop in Round Rock to Fix Faulty Timing Chain
To save your car from further damage, you 
should find an immediate solution to any fault in your car’s timing chain. The best way to do this is to take your car down to a trusted mechanic’s shop so they can effectively diagnose the cause of the problem and find a lasting solution.
Adair and Sons is one of the best automobile maintenance and repair shops in Round Rock. We offer exceptional services by paying attention to detail and fixing any issue that comes up with your car. If your car’s timing chain is faulty, we can look into it and find a better replacement. We also offer preventive maintenance services to help ensure that problems like this do not catch you unaware on the road.