How Much Does Replacing a Timing Belt Cost?

Jul 22, 2019

Do I really need to replace my timing belt? Is a question a lot of people ask when they hear their timing belt is coming to an end, and don’t actually realise how important of a feature a timing belt is to keeping their car running, and why you should always get a replacement if you need one.

How does a timing belt work?

To understand why it’s important to have your timing belt replaced and justify the large bill that comes with it; it’s useful to learn what exactly a timing belt is.

A timing belt is a rubber belt that is responsible for synchronizing the engine’s functions.

It controls the rotation of the crankshaft, camshaft, and both valves and cylinder heads to work at the same time as the pistons. This, in turn, causes the fuel to ignite into the combustion chamber. If your timing belt breaks, the valves will start to open at the wrong time and hit the larger pistons and will cause a lot of damage.

So your next question is probably…

How do I know when my timing belt has snapped?

Unfortunately, there are no obvious signs to when a timing belt is near its end; it will just break. That’s why it’s recommended to replace your belt every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or every five years, but then again it really does depend on the car and your driving. If you are unsure on when to get a checkup on your timing belt, a good place to look is your owner’s manual.

If you don’t do this and just leave it to chance then what you can expect to hear is a high-pitched squeaking noise from your engine, then if you haven't immediately stopped your car, you will hear all hell breaking loose; pieces of metal breaking free and causing all kinds of damage under your bonnet. (Which will cost more money!)

So back to our original question…