How many kilometers should the Prado's belt be replaced?
3 Answers
The Prado's belt should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. There are two belts in a vehicle, namely the timing belt and the accessory belt. The timing belt is an important component of the engine's valve system, ensuring accurate intake and exhaust timing by connecting to the crankshaft and maintaining a specific gear ratio. The accessory belt consists of components such as the generator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. The Prado is a mid-to-large-sized 5-door, 7-seat SUV under FAW Toyota, with dimensions of 4840mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1890mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and can reach a top speed of 175 kilometers per hour.
As a veteran Land Cruiser Prado owner with years of driving experience, I've made it a strict practice to replace the drive belt every 100,000 kilometers. Once I delayed the replacement until 120,000 km, and the aged belt started producing shrill noises, nearly damaging the alternator. Since that incident, I've treated it as an ironclad rule – regular replacement prevents roadside breakdowns. The Prado's manual typically recommends inspection and replacement between 80,000 to 100,000 km, but driving conditions affect this; frequent off-road or mountain driving accelerates wear, warranting earlier replacement. I always have mechanics check for belt cracks during routine maintenance and address any wear signs immediately. Don't underestimate this component – it connects to the water pump and AC compressor. A snapped belt can compromise engine cooling and lead to costly repairs. By adhering to this mileage discipline, my Prado runs as smoothly as new at 150,000 km, ensuring both peace of mind and safety.
The new Prado drives like a dream, but I must remind everyone about maintenance: the belt should be replaced every 80,000 kilometers or so. The salesperson emphasized this when I bought the car, and when I first hit 80k mileage, I promptly got it changed. During the process, we noticed some cracks in the belt—fortunately, addressing it early prevented major issues. The key is to watch for warning signs—like squeaking noises when starting the engine or the fan slowing down, which are red flags. Long-distance driving can accelerate belt fatigue and wear, so I always ask the repair shop to inspect all accessory components during maintenance. Overall, timely replacement is far more cost-effective than repairing a damaged engine—it’s a small price for peace of mind.
