TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT-6 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW -

In this article, we’ll be talking about the timing belt and the most common questions about it.

Since the timing belt and its replacement is one the most important parts of your car’s maintenance, this is very important to know.

The lifespan of your car’s engine may depend on it.

Besides our article, you can watch videos on our YouTube channel where you can find more car repair and driving tips.

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WHAT IS A TIMING BELT?

For those who don’t know: the timing belt is a belt that connects the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys on the engine.

Its main function is to synchronize the motion between the crankshaft and camshaft so the valves can open and close on time so they don’t get damaged by the piston.

Hence the name timing belt.

It came as an alternative to the timing chain as it is more quiet and simple to produce.

This is a very simplified definition of the timing belt, there is more to this, for a much better explanation perhaps visit Wikipedia and see the whole explanation.

WHEN SHOULD A TIMING BELT BE REPLACED?

When do you know that you should change the timing belt?

There are two ways to find out: visual inspection and checking the maintenance interval.

This knowledge especially comes in handy if you just bought a used car or one without a maintenance history.

The visual inspection is good because you can immediately see by looking at the belt, how worn it is. Is it cracked or not, are some teeth on the belt missing, is it frayed or else?

The downside of this method is that you have to remove the protective cover which can be a demanding task on some cars.

Check the maintenance interval

Read the kilometers or miles in the maintenance book or some sort of computer log for when the belt was last replaced.

Compare them to the present mileage and you’ll know if it’s time to change it.

This is of course provided that you can trust the maintenance history.

All in all, using both methods together gives the best results.

WHAT DOES A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT MEAN?

In modern engines replacing the timing belt does not mean just replacing the belt itself.

It also involves changing the tensioner, water pump, and various other gaskets, seals, screws, or else.

All of these components are sold in replacement sets.

So it is custom to say that the timing belt is changed but in fact many other components are changed also.

HOW MANY MILES CAN A TIMING BELT LAST?

The usual interval on average is between 50 000 to 80 000 miles, it can be much more but also less.

In terms of years, a rough estimate would be to change the belt every five to seven years regardless of the mileage in that period.

Car and belt manufacturers give this service interval precisely so they are the primary source of this information and are to be trusted.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TIMING BELT IS NOT REPLACED?

If you ignore the timing belt service interval, the engine is in danger of suffering major damage.

Mainly from the belt snapping while the engine is running.

In most cars, the engine is constructed in such a way that if the belt snaps suddenly, the pistons will hit the valves. This then leaves the pistons, valves, and else damaged.

In that case, you’re looking at a partial or complete engine overhaul which is a huge, costly, and time-consuming repair.

To simplify, a snapped belt will kill the engine so to speak.

HOW MUCH DOES A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT COST?

The cost of a timing belt replacement is pretty big.

It of course depends on the market in your country, the prices of parts and labour.

In any case, it starts from the hundreds of dollars or euros and on some cars goes in the thousands.

On lots of modern cars, the replacement set is not as expensive as the labor.

The replacement may easily involve taking off the complete front of the car, the bumper, for instance, radiator, headlights, AC condenser, or else).

CONCLUSION

One more tip for the end to notice that the timing belt needs replacement.

You might hear a whizzing or crunching sound from the engine bay. This may be the tensioner going bad.

In lots of cases, the tensioner goes bad before the belt so it’s sort of a warning that the belt is in for replacement also.

Another sign is missing coolant and traces of coolant around the belt cover.

This is a sign of a leaking water pump. Besides the tensioner, the water pump may also malfunction before the timing belt is replaced.

If you notice this, take action immediately and best replace the complete belt set.

In the end, pay attention to the timing belt replacement interval.

Change this belt on time or you may face some astronomical repair bills. Not to mention the fact that the car will be undrivable for days if not weeks.