We’ve been getting a lot of questions about this lately. Simply put timing belts require replacement at manufacture specified intervals; timing chains do not require replacement unless a problem develops. In general, vehicles equipped with timing chains require less costly and frequent maintenance unless the chain, guides or tensioner develop a problem. When this happens the engine must be disassembled and the costs can be many times more than a similar timing belt replacement, in fact many engines require removal to fix.
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During our pre-purchase inspections we always check the accessory belt(s) and do what all that we can to determine whether the timing belt was replaced. On most vehicles the timing belt is not easily accessible to inspect without disassembly. You’re not going to find any independent shop or dealership tearing down an engine to inspect the timing belt in any used car inspection. If you do remove the timing cover to inspect, a visual inspection is usually worthless as an old belt and a new belt are typically virtually indistinguishable if not coated in oil. A 100K belt may look new when it comes to signs of wear and break a week later. If the cam/crank seals, water pump or sometimes even the valve cover are leaking it will saturate the belt in oil, this will quickly break down the belt and/or cause it to slip, stretch or break without warning. Our standard practice is to do our best to look for obvious signs of previous timing belt replacements: stickers/stamping stating replacement, service records, signs such as scratches on the timing belt cover(s) from removal, missing/stripped bolts, signs of motor mount removal, accessory belt condition (belts which sit in front of the timing belt that must be removed to get access to the timing belt and they’re usually replaced during the timing belt service).
Sometimes there will be records in the history report(s)/ service records in which we typically provide when the VIN is included with your booking/payment prior to actually performing the inspection. If records of previous replacement are not available within the specified time/interval (dependent on the vehicle) we always recommend replacing the timing belt for peace of mind. This is a very crucial component, which is often overlooked. A timing belt that slips or breaks can destroy the engine if it is an interference type of engine. Remember it’s not uncommon for people to sell/trade their vehicles in when the timing intervals approach because of the higher service costs involved so be alert to the manufactures recommended interval which can be every 60,80,90,100,105,110, or 120K miles or based on time 5-7 years. Remember, all belts are made out of rubber and rubber deteriorates with time so a 10 year old Honda Civic with only 40K miles should really have the timing belt replaced even if the interval may be every 105K miles. There are some vehicles such as Kia’s, Hyundai’s, older Volkswagen’s and Audi’s that are known for timing belt issues. These cars absolutely must have the timing belt replaced as often as every 60K miles. This service can cost upwards of $800+ so plan accordingly.
While maybe not literally (hopefully you know exactly where your vehicle is at the moment), some mechanical components have such long service intervals, that routine maintenance could fall to the next owner of your car.
And, these parts have a tendency to lurk under your bonnet, waiting for an inopportune moment to inevitably go wrong. Enter: your vehicle’s timing belt.
And, we replace hundreds (if not, thousands) of timing belts for Volkswagen Group vehicles every year. With this in mind – we’re answering some of our most frequently asked questions about timing belts:
We’re kicking things off with our most commonly-asked question about timing belts.
You might know your timing belt better as a cambelt. Whatever you call it, it’s still an essential part of your car, and definitely something that needs to be kept in good working order. Timing belts are durable and flexible enough to keep the engine running. In time, they do degrade and fail.
Within your car’s engine, timing is everything. The timing belt is made of tough material that keeps the crankshaft (moves the engine’s pistons up and down) and camshaft (opens and closes your engine’s valves) turning in time.
If the valves and pistons aren’t opening or closing simultaneously, it’ll throw your whole engine out of sync. If these actions aren’t synchronised, it could be disastrous for your engine (and your wallet) – and even write off your car in the process.
Unfortunately, timing belts don’t usually give a lot of notice before they fail. Sometimes, you’ll be able to tell when your timing belt needs changing, as your car’s performance may change:
Any new, strange, or unusual noises from your vehicle’s engine need investigating immediately. If your car starts to make a ‘ticking’ noise, or a rubbing sound starts coming from the belt cover area, then it’s a sign that the belt is about to snap.
If the timing belt is starting to wear, it will look glazed or flossy on the underside. This means the rubber is beginning to harden (and won’t be as flexible). Plus, cracks may start to appear on the belt, or it could start to fray. Again, these are critical signs that it’s about to fail, and therefore needs replacing.
Ultimately, the main contributing factors to a new timing belt are the age and mileage of the vehicle. If your timing belt starts showing any signs of failure when you’re driving, pull over in a safe place, and call a mechanic immediately.
As we’ve already mentioned, there aren’t many signs that your timing belt could be about to snap. And, if the belt snaps, your car will suffer catastrophic internal damage, as the valves and pistons crash into each other. The vehicle will immediately become immobile – which could also be dangerous (depending on where you’re driving at the time).
Not to mention, you won’t be able to move your car either. So, not only will you have to pay to fix the engine damage, but you’ll also have to have your vehicle recovered to the nearest garage, too!
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Nowadays, some cars have different engines. Some vehicles have interference engines, while others have non-interference engines. The main difference between the two is the gap between the valve when it’s fully open, and the position at the top of the piston.
If there isn’t a gap between the valve and piston, it’s an interference engine. If there is a gap, then it’s a non-interference engine. Simple!
The bad news is, if your vehicle has an interference engine, then the damage sustained by a snapped timing belt will be far worse than the harm caused by a snapped belt in a non-interference engine.
If the belt snaps in an interference engine, it can wreak havoc on the components. Once the pistons and valves are bent out of shape, it’s pretty much the end of the line for your vehicle. Whereas the likelihood of a belt snapping in a non-interference engine is rare. And, if it does happen, the gap between the valves and pistons reduces the chances of any severe damage occurring.
So, if you’re thinking, “is changing the timing belt in my vehicle really necessary?”. Unless you want to incur the costs of a new engine, or send your car to the scrapyard in the sky a few years earlier than planned, the simple answer is: absolutely.
The interval for changing a timing belt is every five years or 80,000 miles. Even if you haven’t covered 80,000 miles, you should still replace the belt every five years, as the rubber can become brittle and start degrading.
It’s also worth noting that the timing belt is not checked as part of your vehicle’s annual MOT – so it’s your responsibility to ensure that the belt stays in good working order.
So far, we’ve talked a lot about timing belts. While you’re having the belt changed, there are some other components that we would recommend asking your mechanic to have a look at while they’re replacing the belt:
The drive belt will need to be removed so that the timing belt can be changed. Having the drive belt replaced at the same time would be really beneficial for your vehicle; it’s likely to be getting old and worn, too.
As the oil seals around the camshaft and the crankshaft age, they can begin to leak oil. This oil can leak onto the timing belt, thus making it degrade quicker than it should. If you suspect that the seals are leaking, having them replaced at the same time as the timing belt will help prolong the longevity of the new belt.
Like the drive belt and oil seals, the timing belt tensioner can become worn over time. However, the phrase “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” is particularly applicable to the tensioner. If it doesn’t need replacing, there’s no point in incurring the extra cost – but, if it does need to be swapped, then speak to your mechanic – they’ll be able to advise you best.
Generally, we would recommend changing your vehicle’s water pump at the same time as the timing belt. You have to remove the belt to get to the water pump. If the pump has started showing signs of wear and time, it makes sense to replace them simultaneously – saving our time and your money.
Besides, if the water pump fails, it can be just as catastrophic for your engine as the belt snapping. And, like all parts of the engine, it can be susceptible to wear and tear. Keeping the belt and water pump in good condition can prevent your engine from overheating – helping you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.
Regularly checking the general condition of your vehicle – like your brake fluid level, oil level, bulbs and wipers – can help give you peace of mind when out on the road.
So, if your car has clocked up nearly 80,000 miles, or is around five years old, then you should plan on having your timing belt replaced. If you’re unsure of how old the belt is, or you’re not its first owner, then we would highly recommend having it changed anyway. After all, you’ll be saving time, money, and your engine in the long run!
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