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The timing belt is one of those items in your car's engine that you may have never heard of. If you have, you might not even know what it does. Nevertheless, it is an important part of your car's health and over time, it should be replaced.
What does the timing belt do?
The timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and the crankshaft. In turn, this controls the engine's valves which allow gas and air in and out of the engine. The valves have to open and close at the correct time and the belt helps them to do that.
If the belt breaks, the valves will open and close at the wrong time. This could cause the pistons in the engine to collide and damage each other and if that happens, you will have a huge repair bill on your hands.
When should I replace the timing belt?
In general, most auto mechanics recommend changing the timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. You can also check your car's owner's manual for the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation.
However, don't think that all is well until you start approaching the 100,000-mile mark. It's always a good idea to have your belt checked by an auto mechanic before that to make sure it is in good working condition.
How much does it cost to replace the timing belt?
Replacing your timing belt can cost between $300 and $700 dollars depending on the make and model of your vehicle. This may seem a little steep at first, but if the belt breaks, you risk damage to the engine's valves and pistons.
With that kind of damage, you may have to replace the entire engine and wind up with a repair bill in the thousands of dollars. Add to that the rental car you will need and the stress it will cause and it becomes clear that it's not worth it to wait.
The timing belt is a simple part of your car's engine, but it is incredibly important to your engine's health. If you think you need a timing belt replacement, bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today.