The purpose of a timing belt, timing chain or timing gears is to keep the valves synchronized with the pistons. The intake valves open to let the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder, the valves are closed during the compression and power strokes and the exhaust valves are open during the exhaust stroke. If the system loses its synchronization the valves are likely to hit the pistons and bend. A broken chain or belt is one thing that causes loss of synchronization. Another is the premature failure of a tensioner or pulley. When this happens, major engine damage usually occurs.
Replace Your Timing Belt On Time:
- Know what your vehicle’s timing belt replacement interval is. It’s in your owner’s manual.
- If you bought the vehicle used and it was past the replacement mileage, determine if the belt was replaced by getting information from the previous owner or having your auto shop physically inspect it.
- Ask your auto shop if there has been any change in the replacement interval due to a failure of pulleys or tensioners.
With some vehicles, it’s a good idea to replace the pulleys and tensioner along with the belt
The interval for replacing a timing belt in around 100,000 miles. If only the belt is replaced, all of the other components will need to perform another 100,000 miles. We recommend replacing pulley, tensioner and water pump (if driven by the belt) so the job doesn't have to be unnecessarily repeated before the next interval.
