by Louis Albornoz

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 22, 2007

You should replace your timing belt upon reaching the mileage interval specified by your vehicle manufacturer. For most vehicles, this is usually between 60,000 and 75,000 miles.

The exact mileage at which you should replace your vehicle's timing belt is normally listed in the owner's manual. If you cannot find it there, you can ask the service department of any dealership that sells your brand of vehicle. They will know the answer.

A timing belt is a ribbed band of rubber and fiber that controls the timing of your engine's valvetrain. It connects the crankshaft with the camshaft. It is a necessary component for the operation of your engine and if it breaks, you'll be going nowhere fast.

Timing belts have a limited life span. There are usually no indications of their impending failure either. They simply rip or snap while you are driving and leave you stranded. Often at the worst possible time too.

In some engines, serious valvetrain damage can occur when a timing belt fails and this can be very costly to repair. Therefore it's crucial to follow the timing belt replacement schedule recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Changing your functional timing belt may seem foolish but it is preventative maintenance that will save you a lot of headache down the road. We're talking time, money, energy, and unnecessary aggravation.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and this is truly the case when it comes to replacing timing belts.

Happy Motoring!

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