Do timing belts need to be replaced every 100k kms?

[b0rk]

I remember back in the day (1990s) it was common practice to anticipate the timing belt breaking (I think of it like the belt in the vacuum cleaner) and would need to be replaced with a new one. However, speaking with a mechanic, he says that cars nowadays are built with "metal chains" which *never* break?

[mr_raider]

Timing belts need to be replaced. The interval depends on the car, consult your manual. The amount of damage caused by a breaking timing belt depends on engine design.

Timing chains are usually good for the lifetime of the car. Other than Honda who stubbornly cling to belts, most manfacturers have moved to using chains.

[Roadrunnr]

Not true. Honda's have been using Timing Chains since 2003, not sure if it's for all models, but I know that the 2008 Honda Accord 4 cylinder has a Timing Chain.

[corrupt123]

I was always under the impression that timing belts were swapped out every 50,000km, though if the manual (or you) want to push 100, be my guest.

Chains - as mentioned - are pretty much good for the life of the car/engine. The can wear out and have parts break, but that usually doesn't lead to destroying the engine. Chains work the same way as the pully, they're just chains.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Most current Hondas use timing chains other than the J-series V6.

VW/Audi are the ones with the awesome timing belt engines, that need new belts every 50,000km, although they really mean 35,000km and if your belt snaps before 50,000km then they all laugh at you.

[gordholio]

From what I've heard, about 100,000 km (62,000 miles) is about right.
I have 71,000 km on my 2000 Accent now and I'm going to get my timing belt changed at around 90,000 or 95,000 km (another 2 years), hopefully so there's no chance of any problems.

[Roadrunnr]

Rule of thumb is to change the timing belt at around 100,000km.... it depends on the climate you live in as well - colder climates requires that you change the timing belt sooner than those who live in warmer climates.

[kleptodathief]

my 01 honduh has around 114k kms so i prolly need one soon , just to cheap/lazy to get it done, parts and labour is around 600bux!

[zydus]

well my dad just didn't know about this stuff and we bought a used mazda from a family friend. we bought it with just over 100,000 km on it and never bothered to check about the timing belt.

Anyways, 2 weeks ago I asked my mechanic, since I am slightly more knowledgeable now and he took a look and told me the belt is still stock. This is at 235,000km. So I did have the belt and the water pump replaced but I don't know if I just got lucky or maybe timing belts can last pretty long.

[Trooper8111]

Replaced twice on my 90 corolla. Almost a third time but got rid of it at about 300k kms.

Chains, as mentioned, seems to be the norm nowadays.

[seftonm]

VW/Audi are the ones with the awesome timing belt engines, that need new belts every 50,000km, although they really mean 35,000km and if your belt snaps before 50,000km then they all laugh at you.

The VW engines that I know of that need a belt have 160k km intervals.

[Mattones]

I had my Mazda ones changed 4 months ago because it was time the book said..The guy who did it showed me the new ones and the old ones and you couldnt tell the diff.

[cwb27]

I had my Mazda ones changed 4 months ago because it was time the book said..The guy who did it showed me the new ones and the old ones and you couldnt tell the diff.

Did he bend it inside out and show you each of the teeth? This is where you'll see the cracking and stretching, if you simply just look at them side by side you'll be hard pressed to see the difference.

[camber]

Rule of thumb is to change the timing belt at around 100,000km.... it depends on the climate you live in as well - colder climates requires that you change the timing belt sooner than those who live in warmer climates.

It's the other way around. Heat wears(warmer climates) wear out rubber faster then northern climates.

Depends on the car, belt and driving style. At a 100k(if that's what recommended for your car) you can inspect the belt for cracking and wear. If it looks good you can problem put some more miles on it. Just make sure to keep an eye on wear once you get past the recommended mileage.

[M-e-X-x]

my 01 honduh has around 114k kms so i prolly need one soon , just to cheap/lazy to get it done, parts and labour is around 600bux!

usually includes replacing the water pump too.. ie: change the belt, change the pump..