"What do you mean I need to replace my timing belt? I didn't know my belt timed anything!"
"Ma'am, your timing belt is the device that controls when your valves open and close according to the position of the crank shaft. We generally recommend replacement at around 75,000 miles. Your car is running fine now, but if your timing belt were to slip or break, your engine will run very poorly at best"
I didn't even know if I wanted to ask the next question.
"And what is the worst case scenario?"
"Worse case A piston can slap a valve that is open at the wrong time and cause catastrophic engine damage. The real trouble is that you can't see your timing belt going bad as there are no visual indications of its condition. They generally just run until they break."
Yep, didn't really want to hear that answer. $500 for something I can't see. Worse yet, something that won't make my car run any better! This is why cars drive me crazy and I secretly believe that all mechanics are out to get me. This "timing belt" thing is a good one, next thing you know; my vacuum inverter will need new ball bearings

RINGRING

Not that darn cell phone at a time like this.
"Excuse me sir, I'll be back in just a moment."
"Hello"
"Ann, what are you doing today?"
"Actually, I was just having moment' with my mechanic."
"Oh, how romantic, is he cute?"
"Shelly! Give me a break Actually he is kind of ruggedly handsome in a garage mechanic sort of way. Hey, can you log onto Helium and let me know what it says about timing belt replacement'."
"Sure. Lets see, it says here you should replace it at about 50,000 75,000 miles and will probably run you about $500. Oh, and you wont be able to see if it's going bad until it's too late."
"Wow, thanks Shelly; that is exactly what this guy is telling me. Maybe he is more honest than I thought"
"An honest and handsome mechanic huh? I better let you get back to your moment'!"
"Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know how my timing belt' procedure comes out"

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