Does My Vehicle Have a Timing Belt and Why Should It Be Replaced?

By Karen Johnston July 18, 2013

Quick facts

Timing belt replacement intervals range from 60,000 to 105,000 miles depending on the vehicle.
A broken timing belt can cause catastrophic cylinder head damage on interference engines.
Coolant or oil leaks that contact the belt accelerate its deterioration.
Timing belt replacement is significantly less expensive than repairing the engine damage from failure.

Timing belt failures can cause severe engine damage. We regularly see vehicles towed in due to this issue, and we want to help you avoid that situation. Check with your vehicle manufacturer or a trusted repair facility to determine if your car has a timing belt and when it needs to be replaced.

Replacement intervals

Timing belt replacement intervals vary significantly by vehicle. These intervals can vary between 60,000 miles up to 105,000 miles or between 5 to 7 years of age, depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Replacing the belt before failure is crucial to avoid expensive repairs.

How timing belts work

The timing belt consists of rubber with reinforced cogs that synchronize the camshaft and crankshaft. Proper synchronization is essential for engine function.

Causes of failure

Age, mileage, and contamination from coolant or oil can weaken the belt's rubber and fiber composition, eventually leading to failure. When a timing belt breaks or slips, it causes significant engine damage requiring expensive cylinder head rebuilds.

Preventative maintenance

Timing belt preventative maintenance is a lot less expensive than the repair after failure. We recommend addressing any coolant or oil leaks that are contaminating the belt and replacing the belt at that time.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

How do I know if my engine has a timing belt or a timing chain?

The easiest way is to check your owner's manual under the maintenance schedule. If a timing belt is listed with a replacement interval, your engine has one. Your repair shop can also tell you when inspecting the vehicle. Timing chains are generally housed inside the engine block and are designed to last the life of the engine with proper oil maintenance, while timing belts are external rubber components with scheduled replacement intervals.

What is an interference engine and why does it matter for timing belt failure?

In an interference engine, the pistons and valves share the same space in the cylinder at different times. The timing belt keeps them from colliding. If the belt breaks on an interference engine, pistons strike open valves, bending them and potentially cracking the cylinder head. Non-interference engines stop running when the belt fails but typically suffer no internal damage. Most modern vehicles use interference engine designs, making timing belt replacement critical.

Should other parts be replaced at the same time as the timing belt?

Yes. Technicians typically recommend replacing the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulleys at the same time as the timing belt. The labor to access these components is largely shared, so replacing them together costs far less than returning for a separate repair later. If the water pump fails shortly after a timing belt job and has to be replaced, the labor cost alone can exceed the part cost.

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All About Automotive — 1850 NW Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR · (503) 465-2926

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