FAQs

If your cambelt snaps while driving, it can cause severe engine damage — especially in interference engines where the pistons and valves can collide. This often results in bent valves, damaged pistons, and even a ruined cylinder head. In many cases, the engine will stop suddenly, and repairs can be extremely costly.

Common warning signs include a ticking noise from the engine, rough idling, engine misfires, difficulty starting the car, or oil leaks near the timing belt cover. However, cambelts can also fail without warning, which is why following the manufacturer’s replacement interval is so important.

No, you should never attempt to drive a car with a broken cambelt. Once it snaps, the engine loses synchronisation, and running it even briefly can cause catastrophic damage. The car will likely stop running immediately, and trying to restart it can make the damage worse.