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TAB Motors Arlington

Service

Timing Belt & Ignition Service

A snapped timing belt can wreck an engine. We replace belts on schedule and handle ignition tune-ups, spark plugs, coils and wires, to keep it starting and running strong.

What you get

  • Timing belt on schedule
  • Spark plugs, coils & wires
  • Prevent major engine damage

Come in if you have

  • You are at or near the timing belt interval for your engine
  • You bought the car used and have no record of the belt being done
  • A misfire, rough idle or flashing check engine light
  • Hard starting, or the engine cranking longer than it used to
  • Loss of power or fuel economy since the last tune-up

Two systems, one goal: keeping your engine turning smoothly. The timing belt keeps the engine's internals in sync, and on many engines a broken belt means bent valves and a repair bill several times the cost of the belt. The ignition system, spark plugs, coils and wires, is what lights the fire; when it's tired you get misfires, rough running and wasted fuel. TAB Motors handles both.

Timing belt replacement

If your vehicle uses a timing belt (many four-cylinders and some V6s do), the manufacturer sets a replacement interval, often around 60,000–100,000 miles. Replacing it on time is non-negotiable on an "interference" engine, where a snapped belt lets the pistons hit the valves. While the belt is off, it's the smart time to replace the water pump and tensioner too, since the labor overlaps.

Ignition & tune-up

  • Spark plug replacement
  • Ignition coil and coil-pack service
  • Spark plug wires and connectors
  • Misfire diagnosis
  • Rough idle and hard-start repair

Timing chain vs. belt

Not sure which you have? Many newer engines use a timing chain that's designed to last much longer but still isn't maintenance-free. We'll tell you what your engine uses and what it actually needs, no upselling a belt job on a car that doesn't have one. A fresh oil change and a fuel system service round out a proper tune-up.

What happens next

  1. 1

    Tell us what it is doing

    Call (703) 243-3080, start a quote online, or stop in. What you hear or feel, and when, narrows things down before anything comes apart.

  2. 2

    We look at the car

    We check the actual parts rather than guessing from the symptom, and we tell you if the cause turns out to be something other than what you came in for.

  3. 3

    You get the price first

    We show you what we found, explain what is urgent and what can wait, and quote the work before we start. You are free to think it over or take the quote elsewhere.

  4. 4

    We do the work

    Once you approve it, the job goes ahead, backed by our 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Payment plans available for larger repairs.

  5. 5

    You get the car back

    Road tested where it matters, with a plain explanation of what was done and anything worth keeping an eye on.

What it costs

We don't publish a flat price for this, because an honest number depends on your specific vehicle and what we find. What we will do is tell you the price before we start, and not change it without talking to you first.

If we need to see the car before we can quote accurately, we'll say so rather than throw out a number we can't stand behind.

AAA members save

AAA members get 10% off labor, up to $75. Bring your card.

Backed for a year

1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Payment plans available

Spread the cost of a bigger job. Ask us in the shop.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my car has a timing belt or chain?
Tell us your year, make and model and we'll tell you exactly. Belts need scheduled replacement; chains last longer but aren't forever.
What happens if my timing belt breaks?
On an interference engine, a broken belt can bend valves and cause major internal damage. That's why replacing it on schedule is so important.
When should I replace my timing belt?
Follow your manufacturer's interval, commonly 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you're near it or don't know its history, have it checked.
Why is my engine misfiring or running rough?
Often worn spark plugs or a failing ignition coil. We diagnose the misfire and replace only what's needed.
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?
Usually yes, it's driven by the same belt, so doing both at once saves a lot of labor down the road.

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More on timing belt & ignition

Need timing belt & ignition?

Tell us what's going on and we'll come back with a quote. Takes about two minutes, and there's no obligation.

Get a free quote(703) 243-3080

AAA members get 10% off labor, up to $75 · 1-year warranty on parts and labor · Payment plans available

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