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What happens when your timing chain breaks while driving?
My car completely stopped working and I wonder if it’s the timing chain. I’ve heard that if it breaks, your car won’t start. What happens when your timing chain breaks while you’re driving?
Brittni Brinn · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The timing chain can cause major problems if it breaks while you’re driving! In fact, it can seriously damage other parts of your engine if it breaks or comes loose while you’re on the road.
Here are some signs that your car may have a broken timing chain:
- Metal shavings in your engine oil filter or pan
- Your Check Engine Light is on and your car is showing a diagnostic trouble code
- You engine makes a rattling noise when it’s idling
If your car won’t start at all, it may be that the timing chain broke while you were driving, destroying pistons and valves that are essential to your engine’s function. You’ll need to have it towed to an auto shop. And if your car is having trouble starting but still runs, you should definitely bring it in for repairs.
While you’re waiting for the repairs on your car, why not check your car insurance rates with
Jerry
? The Jerry super app compares rates from over 50 insurers, providing you with the best deals on the coverage you need.Sorry to hear that your car is having some problems. Hopefully, a trip to the mechanic will clear them up and get you back on the road!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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