Here’s How Often You Should Replace Your Timing Belt

Unlike getting an oil change or a [tire rotation](https://www.naylorsautorepairidaho.com/blog/everything-you-need-know-about-tire-rotation), a timing belt isn’t normally the first thing we think about when it comes to getting a routine auto repair. However, a timing belt is a critical car component that keeps your engine running smoothly. So what is it? And how often does it need to be replaced? Let’s talk about the importance of timing belts so that you can be certain that your car will get you where you need to go.

What Is a Timing Belt?

You can quickly recognize a timing belt because it looks like it has a set of teeth running along its entire length. A timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft turning at the correct rate. The camshaft helps the engine to function by opening valves in time with the crankshaft. This timing is critical to ensure that the engine functions properly, and the timing belt makes all of this possible.

Depending on driving habits, such as frequent stop-and-go driving and heavy acceleration, a timing belt can wear out sooner than the recommended mileage for replacement. Extreme temperatures can also put additional stress on belts. 

Most timing belts are difficult to see without taking apart the engine cover, so access to the belt will require many engine components. If you don’t have easy access to your belt, it’s best to leave the replacement to a professional mechanic.

What Happens When a Timing Belt Is Damaged?

Like any car parts, timing belts will wear out over time and, if neglected, cause further damage to your vehicle. In a worst-case scenario, the valves and rods can push through the engine cover, ruining the engine. And failing to get the auto repair your timing belt needs will create a much more costly trip to the auto shop. In lighter scenarios, your engine will just stop running. 

The amount of damage to your vehicle will roughly depend on your engine type. Interference engines have more compression and more power, so you risk more damage with this system than a non-interference engine.

Faulty timing belt symptoms include:

    • Engine vibration

    • Loss of power

    • Misfiring

    • Loss of fuel economy

Another symptom comes in the form of a clicking or squealing sound, which can be a signal that your timing belt is missing some of its teeth. If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, a faulty timing belt may be the cause. A quick trip to an independent auto shop will help you get to the root of the problem.

How Often Should You Replace Your Timing Belt?

A timing belt should be routinely changed, just like the engine filter or other similar car parts. Now that technology has improved, timing belts don’t need to be changed as often as in previous decades, but you should still book an appointment to replace the belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. In the past, every 60,000 miles was a hard rule. But now, many vehicles can drive up to 100,000 miles before seeing the significant wear and tear these belts can experience.

It’s best to refer back to your owner’s manual to find out how often you should pay attention to your timing belt, and be sure to stick to what the guide states. Timing belts are fairly inexpensive, but if you neglect the timing belt for too long, you’ll be risking thousands of dollars worth of significant damage to your vehicle.

Conclusion

A timing belt is vital for your vehicle to function. Without a maintained timing belt, the camshaft and crankshaft can become mistimed, causing you to be stranded on the road in the best-case scenario and left with a damaged engine in the worst case. You can check with your owner’s manual to see how often your timing belt should be changed out, and be sure to visit your independent auto shop to have it replaced.

If you haven’t had your timing belt changed in a while, stop by Naylor’s to get the expert service your car deserves!

Is the timing right?

When your watch is ticking, you know that it is working right. When you can hear your engine lightly it’s a sign that your engine is usually running ok, but maybe not for long. It may be time to replace the timing belt on your vehicle.

Knowing about timing belt replacements will save you from unexpected breakdowns and help you to avoid thousands of dollars in repair costs. At Honest Accurate Auto Service, we stick to the golden rule that preemptive replacement of your timing belt is the best policy.

Our expert Auto Techs know that it isn’t a question of if the timing belt will break, but when. We offer vehicle owners in Colorado Springs auto repair services from our East location on Tutt Boulevard and our West location on Nevada Mesa View.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is an essential part of your engine. The function of a timing belt is to synchronize movement between the crankshaft and camshaft – this movement allows valves to open and close at the correct time so that your engine can run optimally.

There are two types of engines. Interference and non-interference. The interference engine occurs when the timing belt fails or jumps a tooth on the sprocket. If this happens, you might hear our technician say that the valves and pistons have collided and have bent the valves.

If the timing belt breaks, the interference will cause major damage to your engine. If the timing belt on an older vehicle needs to be replaced, the repair cost might exceed the value of the car. 

If you have a non-interference engine and the belt breaks or skips a tooth on the sprocket the car will simply stop running or not start. If you want to know whether you have a vehicle with an interference engine, click here.

Advice from Accurate Andy…

“Removing your timing cover will only make the timing belt partially visible to you. That’s why you should check if your timing belt needs to be replaced by using your owner’s manual. Your owner’s manual is a good resource and will recommend the mileage interval recommended for your specific vehicle make and model.”

The recommended replacement according to mileage ranges from 60,000 miles to 150,000 miles. If your vehicle is 6 to 10 years old, it is recommended to replace the timing belt.

How to know when to replace your vehicle’s timing belt?

If you have these questions, it may be a sign that it is time to replace your timing belt.

1. Why is oil leaking from my vehicle’s motor?

If your car won’t start it could be a variety of issues. Or it could be because it’s time to get the timing belt checked. A broken timing belt results in no compression between parts of your engine and getting it started will not be possible.

2. Why is oil leaking from my vehicle’s motor?

Oil can leak from behind the timing belt where the oil pump, various seals, and RTV are supposed to keep the engine from leaking oil. This can be one of the most expensive oil leaks possible when it comes to repair costs.

3. What is the repair history of my vehicle?

The repair history of your vehicle can provide insight into the condition of your timing belt. If your vehicle is 6 to 10 years old and the timing belt has never been serviced, it’s time to come visit Honest Accurate Auto Services!

What other services are included in my timing belt replacement?

Timing belt replacement can be pricey because of labor costs associated with the repair. Honest Accurate Auto Services saves you money by including a variety of other repairs and checks in your timing belt replacement.

Your timing belt service includes…

Water pump replacement

We replace your water pump at the same time as your timing belt. This is because the lifespan of a water pump is unknown. By doing this, you can avoid an expensive labor charge in the future.

Idler Pulleys, Tensioners, Drive Belts, Crankshaft, and Camshaft Services

These parts of your engine will be checked and replaced. We call these components “wear items” – they can be worn out by the time vehicle owners come in for a timing belt replacement.

Fresh coolant

Although not included, we recommend you have us drain your water pump and replace it with fresh coolant.

Is it time for you to stop by Honest Accurate Auto for a timing belt replacement?

When you stop by Honest Accurate Auto Services, our experienced Service Advisors and ASE Certified technicians can advise you as to when your car should have the timing belt replaced. They can also tell you if you have an interference engine.

We have two locations in Colorado Springs. Reach out today to make a service appointment!

• Honest Accurate Auto Service – East: 3905 Tutt Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80922 (719) 638-1800
• Honest Accurate Auto Service – West: 426 Nevada Mesa View, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 598-6306

Protect your investment in your vehicle and take care to follow your recommended service intervals. Maintain the integrity of your manufacturer warranty by caring for your car. It not only saves dollars and cents, but it makes sense!

When it comes to getting your timing belt replaced, most car owners often shy away and try to postpone the task because it’s on the expensive end in terms of repair and maintenance. Avoiding timing belt replacement can be a huge mistake, however, as failure has the potential to cause serious damage to your vehicle’s engine. A broken timing belt can render your vehicle inoperable, or even worse, bend your valves and pistons causing major damage to your engine. If you’re uncertain about the specific details of timing belt functions, how to know if there’s an issue, and how timing belt replacement works, we’ve compiled all of the answers to your questions below!

What is Your Car’s Timing Belt?

Air and gas are let in and out of your engine through valves operated by a camshaft. The crankshaft in your vehicle is what moves the pistons up and down. For your car to function correctly, these systems have to be synchronized exactly or else damage might be caused to the valves, pistons, or engine. The timing belt is there to make sure that the two systems remain synchronized and turning at the correct pace.

Timing Belts vs Timing Chains

In Pre 1970s, vehicles were built with timing chains, however, companies began to use belts instead as a means to reduce car weight and enhance fuel efficiency. In recent decades some companies have begun to switch back to chains given they have longer durability as long as regular maintenance is scheduled. A timing chain is a relatively maintenance-free part and will rarely need to be replaced, and the maintenance process for a chain, as opposed to a belt, is substantially different. Make sure you read up in your vehicle’s manual to ensure you know which part your car has so you can make sure you’re scheduling the proper amount of service.

How Often Should You Replace Your Timing Belt

It is incredibly important to regularly check your vehicle before timing belt issues occur as major malfunctions can result in serious engine damage. The timing of your vehicle’s belt replacement is highly dependent on the specific make and model, however, some generally recommended replacement timelines are after 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Make sure to check your vehicle manual to read up on the exact specifications for your belt’s replacement, and make sure you’re taking your car in for regular service so your timing belt can get checked.

Signs You Need a Timing Belt Replacement

Unfortunately, there aren’t many sure-fire signals that your timing belt needs to be replaced. Normally if there is a serious issue, it will be less of a gradual decline and more of a sudden occurrence. When your belt becomes worn down, there is more of a chance that it will slip completely which will cause misfires. If your timing belt fails, your engine will likely stop immediately or have a significant reduction in power. Alternatively, if your vehicle has a chain rather than a belt, you might hear a significant amount of noise if it becomes loose, and even a loud crack if it breaks. To prevent belt slippage, make sure you’re replacing the part as per the recommended guidelines of your vehicle manual.

What Kind of Damage Can a Break Cause?

The damage a broken timing belt can cause is highly dependent on the type of engine your vehicle has. If your engine is an interference one, one of the functions of the timing belt is that it will keep the valves and pistons from smashing into each other. In the case of a snapped belt, damage can be caused through bending the valves, disrupting the cylinder head or camshaft, or damage might also be caused to the piston or cylinder wall.

If your engine is a non-interference type, then pistons or valves won’t crash into one another if the timing belt breaks because the two aren’t close enough together. Because of this, it’s unlikely there will be extensive damage to the engine, however, you will definitely need to have your vehicle towed into a shop for maintenance and repair services.

How Much Does Timing Belt Replacement Cost?

Replacing a timing belt can often be a challenging and labor-intensive job for most car engines. Additionally, a break likely also means that additional parts like the tensioner, water pump, or idler arm might also need to be replaced. To ensure other parts won’t also need replacing, preventative maintenance and getting regular checks on your vehicle are key. Replacing a timing belt on its own is manageable, but if the break has caused other parts to be damaged then the costs can really add up. Unfortunately, timing belts can’t be regularly inspected by the average vehicle owner as most belts are covered and hidden behind other engine parts which obstruct the view. The best way to maintain your car’s belt is through regular and professional maintenance.

Finding a Good Auto-Repair Service

In order to make sure you’re getting your car serviced by top-quality technicians, we have a few tips for you when it comes to finding a great service. Make sure you call ahead of time to ensure that they can service your brand of car as many locations specialize in certain makes and models. Don’t forget to ask family and friends for recommendations, and make sure you’re checking out reviews and Consumer Reports online before making any firm commitments.

If you’re searching for top-quality timing belt replacement in your area, make sure to check out Fred’s Auto Repair. Our highly trained and professional technicians will support you in any vehicle repair needs you might have, and we even have partnerships with local businesses to ensure you’re well taken care of during any waiting times there might be. From air conditioner maintenance to car battery replacement to break changes, we are here to help you through any issues you might be having with your vehicle. Schedule your appointment today and let us take care of all your auto repair needs!