Does my car have a timing belt and how often should I change it?

Posted on Johns Auto PartsView all posts by JohnsAutoParts

Most modern engines today are overhead cam engines, which require a long belt or sometimes a chain to drive the camshaft. The belt or chain runs from the crankshaft to the camshaft located above the cylinder head. Many times the belt or chain runs the water pump also to save space and having to run any extra belt. Timing chains require little maintenance and wear very well. Timing belts are used in the place of chains by some manufacturers. If you dont periodically inspect your timing belt, it might break at an inopportune moment.

Many cars have interference engines, or motor wreckers, as many mechanics refer to them. If a timing belt breaks in an interference engine, the valves may open at the wrong time and then be struck by the pistons. The result will be many hundreds of dollars in damage to your engine. If you dont have an interference engine, a broken timing belt will leave you stranded which is inconvenient but wont do any permanent damage.

Not sure if you have an interference engine? You can go here to check Gates.com

Pricing on timing belt maintenance and replacement varies, so please check with the service department at Presleys Auto Service centre to find out how much your timing belt service will cost?