How often should a timing belt be replaced?

Since the timing belt has such an important job, it's crucial to have it replaced regularly. In most cases, there is no indication that a timing belt is becoming worn. Often times, it just breaks. That's why most manufacturers recommend you have your vehicle's timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

What is the average life of a timing belt?

Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.

How much does it usually cost to replace a timing belt?

Depending on your vehicle, a timing belt service could turn into a big deal and it's going to be costly. Having a timing belt replaced before it breaks will cost between $500 and $1,000 on average while waiting for it to break before replacing can cost upward of $2,000 or more.

How do you know if timing belt needs changing?

How long can you go before replacing timing belt?

We recommend you replace your timing belt every four years, or at around the 60,000 mile mark. However, you might have noticed some symptoms of a worn timing belt. Here are the main red flags that indicate it's time to change it up: Your engine won't turn over.

Your Timing Belt And When To Replace It - AutoZone Car Care

What happens if the timing belt breaks while driving?

When the timing belt breaks, the crankshaft will continue to spin at 1000 rotations per minute, while the camshaft will stop turning. As a result, the pistons will continue to rise and fall in their cylinders and can in some instances strike the valves.

Will a broken timing belt destroy my engine?

As your vehicle gets older and accumulates miles, its timing belt wears out and becomes compromised. While timing belt replacement is a simple service to perform, if a worn out timing belt snaps, it can seriously damage your engine and cost you thousands.

Can I replace timing belt myself?

But if you are and you enjoy doing your own repairs or restorations then it's something you can do yourself, and save on some big repair bills in the process. We'll walk you through the process of replacing a timing belt and water pump step by step, starting with the tools you'll need.

What causes timing belt failure?

Misalignment is one of the main causes of timing belt drive failure. Excessive or uneven tooth wear, belt tracking and tensile failure can all be attributed to misalignment. By checking and aligning your shafts and timing pulleys you can increase the life of your timing belts and save yourself lots of downtime.

Why is timing belt so expensive?

The timing belt itself isn't an expensive part. The time and labor are what make it so expensive. To get to the timing belt, the engine needs to be disassembled. Doing so takes significant time and effort.

Which is better timing belt or chain?

A: Timing chains are stronger than timing belts. Timing chains also last longer. Timing belts are quieter than timing chains and are cheaper and easier to replace.

What happens if you dont change timing belt?

If the timing belt were to slip away from the gears and fall onto the camshaft, one of the cylinders will open and close too soon. If that happens, an engine misfire could occur which means the belt needs to be replaced right away. If you don't replace the belt soon, the engine could be permanently damaged.

Will a timing belt last 200000 miles?

But now you've got a 100,000 mile timing belt on your car and you've got these things that are designed for maybe 120,000 miles or so. There's no way that these various components are going to last through two timing belts - they're not going to last for 200,000 miles in most cases.

How long does it take a mechanic to change a timing belt?

Replacing the timing belt is an expensive service. It is an intricate, labor-intensive process that can take 4–8 hours, depending on the vehicle. But replacing the timing belt before it breaks will prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run.

Should I change water pump with timing belt?

Generally, the idler pulleys, tensioner and water pump should always be replaced when the timing belt is replaced. In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, so it is the right time to replace the water pump. It is also recommended by the manufacturer.

How often do timing belts break?

Often times, it just breaks. That's why most manufacturers recommend you have your vehicle's timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Is it worth fixing a timing belt?

Although timing belts are critical, there's no need to replace them regularly –unless explicitly recommended in your owner's manual. Some automakers recommend changing a timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000, others don't. Many of today's timing belts can go 100,000 miles or more without needing to be replaced.

Can a timing belt just snap?

The inside of the belt could be dry, making it more likely to snap unexpectedly. Not only will a snapped belt leave you stranded, but it can bend valves, cause piston damage, and ruin cylinder heads. The level of damage that a timing belt snapping can cause depends on the type of engine that your vehicle has.

Will check engine light come on for timing belt?

A loose or worn belt will cause ticking or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating, usually triggering the check engine light. If the timing belt breaks, the engine can't run — and on some engines that break can cause internal damage.

What does it sound like when timing belt breaks?

If you hear a strange ticking sound coming from inside the engine, then stop the car immediately. After stopping, open the bonnet safely and, paying attention to the hot parts of the engine, visually check the condition of the belt.

How much does it cost to change a timing belt UK?

How Much Does a Timing Belt Replacement Cost? The average UK timing belt replacement cost is £350. However, the price can range between £200 and £1,200!

What's the longest a timing belt can last?

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.

Do timing chains last longer than timing belts?

Timing chains generally have a longer lifespan than timing belts. The reason for this is quite simple: chains are made from metal, whilst timing belts are made from rubber, which simply isn't as strong.

How much does a timing chain cost?

Timing chain replacement can cost between $600 and $800 for a DIY repair, or between $1,600 and $1,800 with a mechanic. The cost is high due to the complicated nature of replacing this part. If you want to DIY a timing chain replacement, the parts will cost around $650.