Guide to Replacing Your Timing Belt

When it comes to servicing your car this spring, would you rather pay out $200 today, or $2000 tomorrow?

The answer is simple.

If you own one of the millions of cars that has an interference engine and the timing belt breaks, you may be buying a new engine for upwards of $2000, plus a towing charge.

On an interference engine, a broken timing belt can cause the pistons to slam into the valves, resulting in serious damage and possibly destroying the engine.

To avoid being stranded and having the expense of a new engine, Gates stresses that it's critical to change a timing belt at its suggested replacement interval.

Carmakers suggest changing the belt anywhere from 36,000 to 100,000 miles.

The most published interval by manufacturers is 60,000 miles.Car owners should realize that the cost for not replacing a failed timing belt, especially on an interference engine, could add up to 10 times the cost of replacing the belt.

Your owner’s manual may tell you if your car has a timing belt, and when to replace it.

If not, ask your local auto repair shop.