You probably already know how important the timing belt is to the performance of your vehicle. Since you never want one to break on you while the car is in motion, you might be wondering when you should go ahead and replace it in order to keep that from happening. While there is no hard and fast rule to determine at what intervals the timing belt should be replaced, there are certain guidelines you can use to make that decision for yourself. Continue reading to learn how often you should replace the timing belt in your car.
How Old Is Your Car?
Much of the determination surrounding when to replace your timing belt revolves around the age of the vehicle itself. Older models may need to have the belt replaced every 60,000 miles or so, while more recent models can go for over 100,000 miles. Much of it has to do with how hard the engine works. You will also want to take into account the size of the engine, as this will impact the life of the timing belt as well. In the end, you can consult the owner's manual for your particular vehicle to determine how often the manufacturer recommends that the timing belt be replaced.
This is Why the Timing Belt Needs To Be Replaced
Since the timing belt is so seldom talked about, you might be wondering why it needs to be replaced in the first place. It is one of those parts that are often out of sight and out of mind. Simply put, timing belts will wear out over time. You will not see it happening, nor will you feel it taking place. However, the more you drive, the more likely it is that the belt will eventually stop functioning and then break.
You do not want to wait until it is too late to replace a timing belt, as this could damage your engine in the long run. Contact Jesse's Garage European Auto Repair if you are in need of a timing belt replacement.