When Should I Replace My Timing Belt?
Photo by Parvez AzarQaderi on Unsplash
The timing belt is a very intricate part of your engine. This is something that most automobiles can‘t run without, and why you should at least have an idea to the question, “When should I replace my time belt?”
The timing belt’s duty is to keep the crankshaft and camshaft synchronized. If you don’t know what those things are, no worries: you don’t have to learn them, you just have to know that they are also very important parts of the engine.
Depending on what kind of vehicle you have will determine the manufacturer’s recommended replacement time. Now the keyword here is “recommended.” The timing belt usually doesn’t give many warning signs to when it is about to go bad, so what the manufacturer recommends is usually a good recommendation to follow.
Changing Your Timing Belt When it’s Convenient
When we say this, we don’t mean convenient for you. We mean convenient for the technician. If your vehicle is in the shop and the technician has to work in that area of your vehicle, if it has been a long time since the timing belt has been checked or replaced, you may as well go ahead and have it changed.
It can be a big bummer to have your vehicle back in the shop the next week when the technician was right there not too long ago. Most likely, a good service technician or service writer will let you know about the situation and what they suggest you do.
But our suggestion is to get the timing belt changed. They are not that expensive and if the technician is already there, they may already have the disassembly almost done. This will help with labor costs. If you come in a week later, you will have to pay for the technician to unbolt everything and get there again.
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Change Your Timing Belts with the Rest of Your Belts
If your vehicle is in the shop for a routine tune-up that includes a change of belts, you should have your timing belt changed as well. Although not every shop will do this or ask you if you want your timing belt changed, if your drive belts (or serpentine belt) are dry-rotted or damaged in one way or another, then your timing belt will probably have the same wear and tear.
If you know your timing belt has been changed recently by another shop, make sure to let the service writer or technician know so they don’t do any unnecessary work. Regardless if you need the belt changed or not, if they change the belt, you will end up paying for the parts and labor.
Signs that You’re Timing Belt is Going to Go Bad
As mentioned above, there aren’t very many signs that your timing belt is going to go bad. That’s why you should always know what the manufacture’s recommendation is.
They’re not like your brakes where they will start squealing or making grinding noises when they need to be changed. Nor will you get a warning light on your dashboard like when your oil needs to be changed.
If you choose to ignore this general maintenance issue, you’re more than likely going to be stuck somewhere not close to an auto shop with a broken-down vehicle. And yes, unfortunately, when the timing belt does go bad, you will have to have your vehicle towed somewhere.
Very rarely will an engine run at all when the timing belt is bad. You might be able to get somewhere very slowly, but that’s about it.
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The Water Pump and The Timing Belt
It should be noted that if the timing belt has to be changed, then you should always have the water pump changed and vise versa. There are some rare instances where they don’t have to be replaced at the same time, but in most cases, they should be.
What Else Should be Inspected?
The timing belt always has a cover and will always be behind a lot of parts that have to be removed from the front engine assembly. This is a perfect opportunity for the technician to inspect other components like drive belts, pulleys, tensioners, and front engine seals.
Getting an Estimate for a Timing Belt Replacement
Here is where you have to do your due diligence. Make sure when you get an estimate for your timing belt, you know everything that will be included. The bottom line cost may not include labor or other fees that are included during the job.
Make sure whoever writes up your bill or estimate at the shop tells you everything, writes down everything, and consults you before any extra work is done or parts are replaced. If the estimate seems to be too high, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
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Find Out the Last Time Your Vehicle’s Timing Belt was Changed
If you are looking to buy a used vehicle, you want to ask the seller when was the last time the timing belt was changed. If it was serviced by a professional, the seller should have a receipt or the shop should have a record of the maintenance. If not, CarFax should have every professional maintenance repair that took place on that vehicle.
If the owner isn’t sure, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to walk away from the vehicle, but it does mean if you purchase the vehicle, timing belt maintenance is something that stays on your mind. You might just want to have it changed when you go in for a general maintenance tune-up.
The Most Important Timing Belt Information You Need to Know
Your engine won’t run properly if you have a bad timing belt. So if you have to ask yourself, “when should I replace my timing belt?” It’s time to dig into your owner’s manual or go online and check what the manufacturers recommend.
If you’re still not sure. Head to your local ASE-certified auto technician shop and have them help you decide what the best course of action will be for you and your vehicle.
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