Variable Valve Timing and Stretched Timing Chains

You may have heard of variable valve timing as one of the features listed in your vehicle when you were doing vehicle research or making a purchase. This feature helps a vehicle’s engine to operate better. However, your vehicle can have some issues with variable valve timing through general wear and tear or some larger issue. If your vehicle is having issues, it is important to get those checked out by a professional.

Below, we are going to take a closer look at what variable valve timing is. Then we are going to share some potential issues that may occur, including a stretched timing chain. If you have any questions or you are starting to see some of the signs of a potential issue, you can reach out to us at Seacoast Mazda. Our expert service staff would be happy to help you.

What is Variable Valve Timing?

There are many parts to a well-tuned engine. To tell you what variable valve timing is, we are going to have to tell you a little bit about some parts of the engine. In your engine, there is a timing belt or timing chain that connects the crankshaft to your camshaft. The camshaft rotates to move your intake and exhaust valves. These valves are what allow air and exhaust to move in and out of your engine. This release of exhaust through the valves is where variable valve timing comes in.

Before variable valve timing existed, engines took in and released air and exhaust at the same intervals. However, with variable valve timing, the engine is able to change the timing of the valve opening, how long the valve is open, and how much the valve opens. These three factors allow for an engine to operate better. Instead of trying to perform the exact same all the time, the variation helps to make the engine performance more optimized.

Benefits of Variable Valve Timing

There are several advantages to having variable valve timing. Check them out here:

• Raise MPG – Proper variable valve timing can increase your vehicle’s efficiency and give you more miles to the gallon, which can save you money. It does this by optimizing the engine performance so that the engine requires less fuel to perform.
• Increase Horsepower – When an engine is operating better for you, it has improved power in different situations. The ability to control the intake and exhaust means that the engine can perform better for you in many different situations.
• Lower Emissions – This valve timing also allows for lower emissions because of the way the vehicle is using fuel better and releasing exhaust more efficiently.

These benefits show why variable valve timing is an important part of your vehicle, so it is important for it to be working correctly.

Potential Signs of Variable Valve Timing Issues

Now that you understand a little bit about variable valve timing and why it is important, you need to know some signs that your variable valve timing isn’t working properly. If you see these signs, your vehicle may need a repair to keep it operating the way it should be.

• Increased Emissions – Increased emissions or reduced fuel efficiency can be another sign of issues with your variable valve timing system. Because this system works to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, if the opposite suddenly starts to occur, it could be a key sign you are having an issue with your system and it should be checked out by a professional.
• Check Engine Light and Poor Performance – If your check engine light is on, that is a clear sign to get your vehicle looked at and serviced. A check engine light could be referring to a problem with your variable valve timing. Also, if you just feel that your engine isn’t performing well, it could be an issue with this system. Poor engine performance could be lack of power or just a rough engine performance.
• Tapping or Rattling Noises – If you are hearing tapping or rattling noises coming from your engine, it could be a sign of a variable valve timing issue. Specifically, it could be a sign of a stretched timing chain. A timing chain is what connects the crankshaft to the camshaft and helps this to rotate. If a timing chain is stretched, it means the chain has experienced wear and stretching or elongation of the chain. This can occur from normal wear and tear, or it can occur from lack of oil changes or using the wrong oil. Oil is what helps to lubricate the chain and help it to perform optimally, so if there is a lack of oil, the chain can wear out on you.

There are many different parts of your engine and of your variable valve timing system, which means there are several things that could go wrong or be causing issues for you. It is a complex system, so it is best to let a professional handle it if you think you are having an issue with your system.

In terms of any preventative maintenance to help avoid these issues, you will want to consult your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance information. Each vehicle and each manufacturer can be slightly different, so you will want to go with what is recommended for your specific vehicle. However, staying up to date on oil changes and getting your car checked out when your check engine light goes on should allow you to keep your vehicle’s engine running well.

Service at Seacoast Mazda

Whether you need routine maintenance or a larger repair, you can count on us at Seacoast Mazda. We are constantly staying up to date on the latest information and technology to keep your vehicles finely tuned and operating well for you. We are dedicated to fixing your vehicle quickly and effectively so that you can get back on the road and get back to enjoying the drive.

You can schedule a service appointment online or give us a call today to get started with your vehicle service. We look forward to helping you!