Hi Eddie,

The deterioration of a chain or its tensioners is a gradual thing so an owner may not notice that it has progressively become louder and louder over time - especially on a cold start-up. If you have any worries about it you should ask a good mechanic to have a listen.

Sometimes the engine warning light will come on due to errors caused by a stretched or damaged chain, but to rely on that alone would be foolish as by that stage, damage could already have been done elsewhere in the engine.