When is the timing belt changed?

When is the timing belt changed? Breakage of the timing belt is one of the most frequent and expensive failures a vehicle can suffer.

When is the timing belt changed? Surely this question has crossed the minds of most drivers at least once a year. Unless you have the advantage of owning a car with a timing chain, although there are now few models on the market with this type of drive.

The timing belt is responsible for keeping the engine in rhythm so that small misalignments do not occur. Its main function is to “synchronise the movement of the crankshaft and the camshaft. In this way, the valves can open and close without being struck by the pistons”. A broken timing belt is one of the most frequent and expensive failures a vehicle can suffer, and it can end up shortening the useful life of the car.

It is advisable to carry out good engine maintenance, but there are occasions when the timing belt gives no sign of its poor condition and suddenly breaks. In most cases, a deteriorated timing belt produces some kind of noise or the car starts to behave differently.

What symptoms indicate that the timing belt needs to be changed?

When is the timing belt changed? The answer to this question can easily be found in the vehicle’s service book, but if you have lost it, it is important to know that most manufacturers recommend changing it once a mileage limit is reached. This limit can be between 100,000 and 200,000 kilometres.

It is important to remember that these figures are indicative and will depend on the driving style, conditions, etc. Some professionals recommend that if the car is used mainly in the city, the mileage figure should be reduced by up to 20%.

If the vehicle does not cover many kilometres a year, it is recommended to change the timing belt every five years. This will reveal possible notches or cracks that could endanger the engine’s life. Common belts are usually made of components that can degrade over time. We are talking about nylon, rubber or even caoutchouc.

In addition, if you live in areas with extreme temperatures or excessive humidity, it is recommended to check the timing belt every four years.

Signs that indicate the timing belt should be changed

Some of the signs that indicate the timing belt should be changed are possible cracks in the belt, noise from the transmission, vibrations in the car, difficulty starting and even an unusual shine on the belt.

If any of these signs has been detected, the essential thing is to take the vehicle to a workshop so that the timing belt can be replaced. The price of a timing belt replacement kit usually ranges between 300 and 1,000 euros. The price will depend on the type of engine and the type of car.

If it was not caught in time and the belt has broken, the damage can rise to 1,500 or 2,000 euros, provided that no internal engine parts have been damaged. It is worth stressing that the change should be carried out at a trusted workshop, since if it is not installed correctly the engine will not run properly and will not be in time.