Auto Repair | Timing Belt Service, Are You Due Yet?

Lots of cars these days have timing belts that need to be replaced around 90k to 105k miles. This is something that should not be put off. If the timing belt breaks for some reason, it can cause major damage to the engine. If your car has an interference engine, valves will hit the pistons if things get out of whack. The cost to repair something like that could be up to several thousand dollars. If your car has a freewheeling engine, then it’s not as bad. The engine will stop running and will not re-start. No major damage will occur, but you’ll be looking at a tow bill to get it to an auto repair shop, not to mention the unplanned expense of doing the timing belt service. Better to plan ahead and have it replaced on your terms.

When we perform a Timing Belt Service, there are a number of parts that get replaced. First of all, the timing belt, of course. Next up is the water pump. We include this because it is very often driven off the timing belt. Best to get it done now, as coolant leaking from an old pump can ruin a new belt.  We also replace the anti-freeze. The timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys get renewed, too. The oil seals for the camshaft and the crankshaft should also be replaced. Oil leaking from these will damage the belt, as well. We also include the drive belts for the air conditioning, alternator and power steering. Replace all these parts and you’ll have no problems from these for another 100,000 miles. Sounds good, huh?