QA

How Often Should Timing Belt Be Replaced

That’s why highly rated auto mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 105,000 miles based on the vehicle’s factory recommended maintenance schedule, your individual driving habits and conditions as well as time before the belt breaks or has a catastrophic failure.

How long do timing belts really last?

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.

Can a timing belt last 200 000 miles?

Of course the timing belt itself has to be replaced at, whichever comes first, the time or the mileage in the owner’s manual. 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 much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The average cost to replace a timing belt will be anywhere from $300 to $500 in total (more for larger cars, trucks, and SUVs). The timing belt itself will usually only cost less than $50 but the majority of a timing belt job is spent on labor. The cost of the labor will be anywhere from $250 to $450 or more.

How can you tell if timing belt needs changing?

The most common signs that your timing belt needs to be replaced include: Ticking noise from under the hood when the engine is running. The engine doesn’t start. The engine misfiring while driving. Oil leaking from the front-side of where the motor is under the hood. Hydroplaning while driving in wet weather conditions.

Do timing belts break often?

The belt runs on a pulley from the crankshaft to the camshaft. Although timing belts are critical, it is not true that they should be regularly replaced unless explicitly recommended in the owner’s manual. Many timing belts can go more than 100,000 miles without failing.

What happens if you don’t replace timing belt?

Because the timing belt is made of rubber, it will wear down over time and eventually break. If you don’t replace the timing belt at the recommended time, you could end up with total engine failure, broken or bent valves, cylinder head or camshaft damage, and piston and cylinder wall damage.

Which is better timing belt or chain?

Most automakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. Timing chains are heavier and more complex than timing belts, but they also last much longer. Really, unless there’s a problem, timing chains don’t have a replacement interval.

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.

What happens if your timing belt breaks while driving?

If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.

What does a worn timing belt sound like?

A failing bad timing belt sounds like a ticking noise in front of your car when it starts wearing out. If the belt eventually breaks, it will give a whining noise when trying to start the engine. A whining noise sounds like no compression in the engine.

Can a timing belt destroy an 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.

How do you check timing belt?

Look for any contaminants that could eat away at the belt or cause it to slip. Also, look for cracks in the belt. If the belt has many cracks in it, this can indicate that the belt is old or has dried out. Next, inspect the underside of the belt and verify that all the teeth are in good condition.

What causes timing belt to go out?

The tensioner that keeps the belt taut is pressurized by the engine oil. If the tensioner has no oil pressure, the belt will become loose and possibly disengage from the pulleys and/or break. If the camshafts don’t have enough oil pressure to operate properly, they will also lock up, causing the timing belt to break.

Can a car start without timing belt?

It’s quite simple, really|: your car cannot run at all without a timing belt. If the belt breaks while you are on the road, the car will break down immediately – and your engine will experience very serious damage.

What cars dont have timing belts?

What cars have timing chains instead of belts? Most BMWs. Most Mercedes. All Cadillacs. Alfa Romeo 159. Chevrolet Corvette. Dacia Duster, Sandero, Sandero Stepway. Honda Jazz. Mazda with Skyactiv-G engine.

How many miles does timing chain last?

The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.

Do timing chains last forever?

A: As a general rule, if an engine has a timing chain and the oil was changed on a regular basis, the timing chain should last the lifetime of the engine.

How much does a timing change cost?

For most cars, a timing chain replacement costs between $413 and $1040, or you can order the parts themselves for $88 and $245. It is a tricky repair though, so unless you’re particularly skilled it’s usually best left to a mechanic.