Is Your Car In Jeopardy Of A Major Breakdown?

Saturday, March 1, 2003

(NAPSA)—The last thing a motorist wants to hear is the sound of an engine grinding to a halt. Yet, more than 20 percent of all consumers neglect key parts like belts and hoses, placing their cars in danger for major repairs. Whenit comes to keeping your car in fine running shape, preven- tion is key. The parts that cause your car to die suddenly and strand you are thingslikebelts, hoses, fuel pumps, water pumps and alternators, among other things. A timingbelt failure, for example, can be a serious problem, not only because it strands the motorist, but also because of the engine damage it can cause. Tim- ing belts synchronize the critical rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. On some engines, the belt also drives other components such as the oil pump, water pump, and balance shafts. If the timing belt breaks, everything in your engine stops dead. On many engines, timing belt failures may result in bent valves, damaged pistons and a very expensive repairbill. As a general rule, most car manufacturers recommendreplacing timing belts every 60,000 miles. Independent technicians agree, but to be safe, they also recommend replacing timing system idlers and pulleys, which may have a shorter operational life than the belt. Because some water pumps are driven by the timing Preventative maintenance on your car’s timing belt can help you avoid a major breakdown. belt, these two items should be replaced at the same time. Does your car have a timing belt and could your engine suffer major damageif it breaks? Your local ASE certified technician in the NAPA AutoCare Network can answer that question quickly. The nation’s largest independent automotive service and repair net- work, the NAPA AutoCare program has some 12,000 service dealers around the country. For 75 years, NAPA has been the recognized quality leader in the auto parts and repair business. To find the NAPA AutoCare Center near you, call 1-800-LETNAPAor log on to www.NAPA online.com.

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