Jul. 24, 2024
From the above, it should be clear that every car manufacturer has its own prescribed timing belt replacement intervals. Therefore, we highly recommend that you consult with a dealership for your vehicle to determine the correct timing belt replacement intervals that apply to your particular vehicle.
Ignoring prescribed or recommended replacement intervals could cause the timing belt to fail without warning. If this happens, the engine could suffer damage that might not be repairable.
NOTE: Some online sources, and especially discussion forums, often mention things like timing “chainbelts”, or a belt in oil system. However, the fact is that timing belts never run in oil because contact with engine oil damages timing belts.
What these sources are talking about is a type of timing chain that somewhat resembles a timing belt because these chains seem to have “teeth”. The long and short of it is this- if it runs in oil inside the engine, it is a chain, while if it runs outside the engine, it is a belt.
They say timing is everything, this especially holds true to engines as well. This is because your engine relies on a timing belt to make sure everything runs like clockwork. This belt makes sure that your engine components are working in sync with each other and will not hit one another. As a timing belt is a crucial part of your car’s engine, replacing it on time is also a very important step in your vehicle’s maintenance process. With that said, this opens up the question, when should a timing belt be changed?
Before we answer the question we must first understand what a timing belt is. A timing belt is a rubber belt that comes with hard teeth that interlock with the cogwheels of the crankshafts and camshafts of your engine.
As an additional bit of information, some vehicles will have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. A timing chain works in the same manner as a timing belt but is instead made of metal instead of rubber. These are lighter and quieter than timing belts and have since replaced belts in more modern vehicles. Timing chains also bring with them a longer period of use before they need to be replaced compared to their timing belt counterparts, and will often last the life of the car and need minimal maintenance.
A timing belt helps synchronize the movement between the crankshaft and the camshaft to make sure that the engine’s intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons. If an intake valve is held open for too long it could screw up the fuel to air mixture in the engine leading to an inefficient burn. The same can be said if an exhaust valve is left open for too long as well as it could lead to a loss in power. Modern engines have tight tolerances, and if anything goes out of sync, this could lead to catastrophic damage to the internal components. These components could collide with one another and damage each other leading to a costly repair and overhaul.
Knowing the right time to change your vehicle’s timing belt will depend on the specifications laid out by the manufacturer. Typically, a timing belt should be changed around the 100,000 to 150,000-kilometer mark. Because these belts are made out of rubber, over time they will wear down and become brittle. This could lead to loss of rubber teeth or the eventual snapping of the belt itself.
If you don’t replace your timing belt at the recommended times by the manufacturer, this could result in engine failure in the form of broken or bent valves, damaged cylinder heads, and piston damage in general.
Are there any signs that a timing belt should be replaced?
There will be a few signs that your car’s engine will show when it’s time to replace the timing belt. Here are a few indicators that could point to it being time for a replacement belt
Decreased engine power
Overheating
Excessive vibrating and shaking
Trouble starting the vehicle
Squealing or rubbing noises from the belts
Ticking noises
Leaking oil
Check engine light
Odd pops and bangs from the exhaust indicating misfiring
When it comes to replacing your timing belt expect it to be a costly repair. Depending on your vehicle and on the queue at your preferred repair shop your car could be out of commission for anywhere between a couple of days to a week. This is because the repair will entail a lot of work removing the valve covers and other components of the engine so that the belt can be removed. Great care should also be taken by the mechanic so that when the replacement belt is installed the timing of the motor still remains the same. Aside from this also expect a quick break-in period for the engine after the new timing belt has been replaced to see if there was anything wrong with the installation.
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.
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.
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!
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…
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.
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.
Although not included, we recommend you have us drain your water pump and replace it with fresh coolant.
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!
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!
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