At how many kilometers should the timing belt be replaced?
2 Answers
Generally, the timing belt should be replaced every 2 years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. More information about the timing belt is as follows: 1. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine's valve timing system. It connects to the crankshaft and ensures accurate intake and exhaust timing through a specific transmission ratio. 2. The timing belt plays a connecting role: it links the timing pulley on the upper part of the engine cylinder head to the timing pulley on the crankshaft. The timing pulley is connected to the camshaft, which has cams that interact with small rocker arms. The rocker arms use the power transmitted by the timing belt to generate pressure and perform the lifting function.
I've driven various car models, and the replacement mileage for timing belts really depends on the specific vehicle. It's generally recommended to replace them every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers, but there are significant differences between brands. For example, my Toyota's manual specifies replacement at 80,000 km, while my friend's BMW requires it at 100,000 km. Don't just look at the mileage - the car's age and driving conditions are also crucial. If you frequently drive in city traffic or on dusty roads, the belt wears out faster and needs earlier replacement. I once delayed until 120,000 km without changing it, and the belt snapped, damaging the engine valves, costing nearly 20,000 yuan in repairs. So it's best to inspect it every 6 years or when reaching the recommended mileage. When replacing, doing the water pump at the same time saves money. Many new cars now use maintenance-free chains instead, but for belt-driven cars, regular maintenance is essential for worry-free driving.
