What Happens When a Timing Belt Breaks While Driving?

What happens when a timing belt breaks while driving? It’s a serious issue that can lead to sudden engine failure and costly repairs. Your timing belt is a main component of your vehicle's engine, ensuring that the crankshaft and camshaft operate in perfect synchronization. If your timing belt breaks while driving, you have a serious problem that requires immediate attention. At Scotts Valley Transmission and Auto Care, we emphasize the importance of preventative maintenance to avoid costly engine damage. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when a timing belt breaks and how you can prevent it. 

How Do You Know If Your Timing Belt Broke While Driving?

If your timing belt snaps while driving, your engine will stop running immediately. Without a functioning timing belt, the camshaft stops turning while the crankshaft continues to rotate, which can cause severe internal damage. To avoid this, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs of a failing timing belt and address them before a breakdown occurs.

Here are three common symptoms of a worn or failing timing belt:

1. Ticking Noise

A worn-out timing belt can produce a noticeable ticking noise from the engine. This sound may indicate that the belt is losing tension or has developed cracks. Ignoring this noise could lead to a complete failure, so it’s essential to get it checked by an experienced technician as soon as possible. 

2. Engine Fails to Start 

When you turn the key in the ignition and the timing belt has broken, you will hear the starter, but with no belt to drive the crankshaft, the engine won’t be able to start. You may hear the starter motor engage, but without the belt turning the camshaft, the engine won’t fire up. If this happens, your vehicle will need to be towed to an auto repair shop for diagnosis and repair.

3. Engine Misfiring

A worn timing belt can slip a tooth on the camshaft, causing the engine’s timing to be off. This can result in misfires, rough idling, or poor performance. If your check engine light comes on and your engine is misfiring, it’s best to have it inspected immediately to avoid further damage. 

Can You Drive with a Broken Timing Belt? 

No, your car cannot run with a broken timing belt. By the time it snaps, the damage is already done, and you will need to have your vehicle towed to a repair facility. Even if your belt is worn but not yet broken, driving with it is a gamble—waiting too long could result in severe engine damage. If you suspect an issue, it’s best to schedule a timing belt inspection and replacement at Scotts Valley Auto Repair before it fails. 

Will a Broken Timing Belt Destroy My Engine?

In many engines, particularly interference engines, a broken timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage. When the timing belt breaks, the crankshaft will continue to spin, while the camshaft will stop turning. As a result, the pistons will continue to rise and fall in their cylinders and can, in some instances strike the valves. When this happens, the pistons and valves as well as cylinder heads will be damaged, and because it happens so quickly, the damage will be virtually instantaneous. Regular timing belt maintenance can prevent this from happening. 

Timing Belt Replacement Service in Scotts Valley, CA

Your vehicle’s timing belt should be replaced at the manufacturer’s recommended interval, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. If you notice any signs of wear or experience performance issues, don’t wait for the belt to fail—bring your vehicle to Scotts Valley Transmission and Auto Care for a professional inspection. 

Now that you know what happens when a timing belt breaks, schedule an appointment today to avoid costly engine damage and keep your car on the road.