What happens when a timing belt or chain breaks on an "interference" engine?

When a timing belt or chain breaks on an "interference" engine, the timing of the engine's internal components becomes misaligned. In these types of engines, the design allows the pistons and valves to occupy the same space within the cylinders at certain points in the engine's cycle. Therefore, if the timing belt or chain fails, it can lead to the pistons colliding with the valves. This collision can bend, break, or damage one or more valves, resulting in significant engine damage.

The consequence of such an event can lead to costly repairs, as it requires disassembling the engine to replace the damaged components. This knowledge is crucial for anyone involved in automotive repair or maintenance, as it emphasizes the importance of timely maintenance of timing belts and chains to prevent such failures.