Timing belt

Timely replacement prevents engine damage costing thousands of euros

Replacing a timing belt is experienced as expensive by many motorists. And yes, depending on the brand and type of engine, it can be a significant investment. But not replacing is not an option. A broken timing belt can lead to serious engine damage – in the worst case, your engine is a total loss. And that costs many times more than timely replacement. At Autobest, we replace your timing belt professionally and according to factory specifications, so your engine keeps running as it should.

What does a timing belt do?

The timing belt is a toothed belt that runs over various toothed wheels on the engine block and is kept under tension by tensioners. The belt ensures that all moving parts of the engine rotate in perfect synchronization. That sounds technical, but it comes down to the following:

The timing belt drives the camshaft, which in turn opens and closes the valves in the cylinders. This must happen at exactly the right moment, coordinated with the movement of the pistons, the fuel injection and (for petrol cars) the spark from the spark plugs. If this timing isn't perfect? Then pistons and valves collide with each other, with disastrous consequences for the engine.

When installing a new timing belt, all rotating parts of the engine must be in exactly the right position – 'on time' in technical terms. This requires craftsmanship, the right tools and knowledge of factory specifications. A mistake can lead to engine damage.

Timing belt or timing chain?

Not every car has a timing belt. Some engines are equipped with a timing chain. The difference:

Timing belt
A rubber, toothed belt that runs on the outside of the engine block. Usually mounted dry, but in some systems the belt runs through the engine oil. Must be replaced periodically.

Timing chain
A metal chain that sits inside the engine block and is lubricated by the engine oil. Generally lasts the entire lifetime of the engine, but the chain tensioners can wear and need to be replaced.

Not sure whether your car has a belt or chain? We can look that up for you and advise you on maintenance.

When should a timing belt be replaced?

The replacement intervals differ greatly per car brand and engine type. On average, a timing belt should be replaced between 80,000 and 150,000 kilometers, or after 5 to 10 years – whichever comes first.

Always check your car's service book or ask us. Some brands have shorter intervals, others longer. It's crucial to stick to these intervals, because:

• A timing belt wears from the inside – you can't see from the outside that it's about to break
• A broken belt often gives no warning beforehand
• The damage that occurs with a broken belt is enormous

So don't wait until it's too late. Plan replacement in time, so you don't end up stranded with a broken engine.

What happens if the timing belt breaks?

If the timing belt breaks or slips while driving, the camshaft and valves immediately stop rotating. However, the pistons continue moving due to the still-rotating crankshaft. The result: the pistons collide with full force against the open valves.

This leads to:

• Bent valves
• Damaged pistons
• Damage to the cylinder head
• In the worst case: total engine damage

The costs of such a repair quickly run into several thousand euros – often more than the car is still worth. Timely replacement of the timing belt is therefore always cheaper than repairing afterwards.

Why are the costs relatively high?

The costs for replacing a timing belt differ enormously per brand and engine type. What causes this?

Complexity of the engine
In some cars, the timing belt is relatively accessible and replacement is a matter of a few hours' work. In other models, half the engine must first be dismantled – think of removing the bumper, radiator, or even tilting the engine block.

Number of cylinders
The more cylinders, the more complex the system and the more parts must be replaced.

Additional parts
When replacing the timing belt, we always recommend also replacing the tensioners, the water pump (if driven by the belt) and any idler pulleys. These parts are subject to the same wear and replacing later costs a lot of labor again.

In short: the costs depend on the brand, model and type of engine. But whatever it costs – it's always cheaper than a broken engine.

Timing belt versus V-belt

Many people confuse the timing belt with the V-belt (or fan belt). However, these are two completely different things:

V-belt
A simple, smooth belt on the outside of the engine that drives the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor and sometimes the water pump. Relatively cheap and easy to replace.

Timing belt
A toothed belt that drives the camshaft and valves. Much more complex, crucial function for the operation of the engine, and more expensive to replace.

A broken V-belt is annoying (your alternator no longer charges, your power steering doesn't work), but doesn't lead to engine damage. A broken timing belt does.

Professional replacement at Autobest

Our mechanics are at home with all car brands and models. We have the right tools, such as timing tools, and always follow factory specifications. This way we know for sure that the new timing belt is mounted perfectly 'on time'.

During replacement, we also always check:

• The condition of the tensioners and idler pulleys
• The water pump (if driven by the belt)
• Any oil leaks at the seals
• The V-belt and other auxiliary belts

This prevents you from breaking down shortly after replacing the timing belt due to a broken tensioner or water pump.

When should your timing belt be replaced?

Don't know exactly when your car's timing belt should be replaced? Or do you doubt whether it's already been done by the previous owner? Then contact us. We check in our system when the belt was last replaced (if this information is available) and advise you on the best time for replacement. Call us at 0499 - 390 475 or schedule an appointment online.