Channel Button

There are 5 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #1 by Helium's members.

Autos   >

Engine Repair

When to replace your timing belt

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!

Learn more about this author, Louis Albornoz.
Contact this writer Click here to send author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

When to replace your timing belt

  • 1 of 5

    by Louis Albornoz

    You should replace your timing belt upon reaching the mileage interval specified by your vehicle manufacturer. For mo... read more

  • 2 of 5

    by Joe Symmes

    "What do you mean I need to replace my timing belt? I didn't know my belt timed anything!" "Ma'am, your timing... read more

  • 3 of 5

    by Sket Devins

    From my own personal experience, the timing belt is probably the single most overlooked maintenance item in the moder... read more

  • 4 of 5

    by Krystle Hernandez

    Timing belts are usually flat, rubber belts with teeth. If a timing belt fails, the cause is usually attributed to ... read more

  • 5 of 5

    by John O'Grady

    That's right approx 60,000 to 75,000 miles is recommended in most cases for timing belt replacement.Replace the timin... read more

Add your voice

Know something about When to replace your timing belt?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

What is Helium? | User Guide | Community | Link to Helium | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA