···
Log in / Register

How often should the timing belt be replaced on a 2011 Buick Excelle?

4 Answers
JeremiahFitz
09/03/25 4:29am

The timing belt should generally be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. It is recommended to refer to the vehicle's maintenance manual for the exact replacement interval. Below is more information about timing belts: 1. The timing belt is crucial for the proper operation of the engine. If the timing belt fails, the valves and ignition system will stop working, and in severe cases, the cylinder head may also be damaged. 2. During use, it is important to regularly inspect the condition of the timing belt. If cracks are visible on the surface of the timing belt, it may indicate aging. If unusual noises are heard while driving, check whether the timing belt is installed correctly.

Was this review help?
17
1
Share
BenjaminFitz
09/15/25 6:06am

With over 20 years of experience in auto repair, I've encountered numerous Buick Excelle owners neglecting timing belt replacements. For the 2011 model, the manufacturer recommends changing the belt every 60,000 km or 6 years. However, by this age, the belt is definitely aging. I've seen many cases where belt failure caused internal engine collisions, with repair costs easily exceeding 10,000 RMB, or even rendering the engine irreparable. Just recently, a customer whose belt hadn't been changed in ten years had it snap on the road, resulting in nearly 20,000 RMB in towing and repair costs. Therefore, I strongly advise owners to check their maintenance records. If overdue or uncertain, have a professional shop conduct a thorough inspection immediately. It's also wise to inspect the water pump and tensioner pulley, as they often fail simultaneously, making a complete replacement more cost-effective. Regular maintenance can extend your car's lifespan and prevent the hassle and safety risks of sudden breakdowns. Remember, a car is like an old friend—treat it well, and it won't let you down.

Was this review help?
15
3
Share
Expand All
LeAubrey
10/29/25 6:45am

My 2011 Buick Excelle has been running till now, and I've long remembered the timing belt issue. I replace the belt every 70,000 kilometers because the manufacturer's guideline suggests changing it every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers or every 6 years. With an older car, you can't afford to be careless. Last time when the belt was replaced, the technician said there were small cracks on the belt's surface. Luckily, I replaced it in advance; otherwise, the risk of breakage would have increased significantly. If the timing belt snaps, it can cause internal engine parts to collide, leading to exorbitant repair costs, often running into tens of thousands. As a daily driver, my biggest fear is breaking down while transporting my family—safety comes first. I advise car owners to check their manuals; if there's no record, go to a maintenance shop for an evaluation immediately. Don't skimp on small expenses and suffer big losses. Always pay attention to engine noises; if there's any abnormal squeaking, get it checked early for peace of mind.

Was this review help?
14
1
Share
Expand All
AubreyLee
12/12/25 6:57am

Worked in the repair shop for several years, specializing in issues with older vehicles. The timing belt replacement interval for an 11-year-old Buick Excelle is approximately 60,000 kilometers or 6 years. However, as the car ages, the belt tends to become brittle and crack. If not replaced on time, the risk of breakage is very high. A broken belt can cause misalignment between the crankshaft and camshaft, leading to piston-valve collision, and engine repair costs can easily run into thousands or even tens of thousands. I've seen customers stranded on the road due to delayed replacement. It's recommended that owners immediately check the belt for wear, cracks, or signs of detachment. Professional technicians will use equipment to test the tension. Don't forget to replace the tensioner and water pump along with the belt to prevent secondary failures. With proper maintenance, the car runs smoother, saving both money and hassle.

Was this review help?
10
4
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What kind of engine oil should be used for the LaCrosse?

The suitable engine oil models for the LaCrosse include 5W30, 5W40, and 0W30. Tips for selecting engine oil: 1. Hand-rubbing method: Rub the lubricant between your thumb and index finger repeatedly. The lubricant should feel smooth, produce minimal residue, and cause no friction. 2. Light inspection method: Clearly observe that there is no residue in the lubricant. 3. Oil drop trace method: Use a clean white filter paper, drop a few drops of oil on it, and if black powder appears on the surface, the quality of the oil can be determined. Taking the 2021 LaCrosse as an example: It is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 169 and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. The vehicle's dimensions are 5026mm in length, 1866mm in width, and 1459mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2905mm. The top speed is 205 kilometers per hour.
20
4
Share

What Type of Fuel Does the Volkswagen Beetle Use?

Imported German Volkswagen Beetle sedans use 97-octane (95-octane in the capital) gasoline. There are three engine options available for users: 1.2T, 1.4L, and 2.0T, with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty policy. Gasoline Octane Rating: It represents the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. The higher the octane rating, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Standard gasoline is composed of isooctane and n-heptane. A higher octane rating is not necessarily better; the appropriate gasoline grade should be selected based on the engine's compression ratio. Introduction to the Volkswagen Beetle: The Volkswagen Beetle (officially named Volkswagen Type 1) is a compact car produced by Volkswagen (translated as Fuk's Motor Factory in Hong Kong) from 1938 to 2003.
11
3
Share

Does a noisy outer CV joint always need replacement?

Outer CV joint noise always requires replacement. If a CV joint produces abnormal noises, it indicates the joint is already damaged and needs repair or replacement. In the early stages of outer CV joint damage, the noise typically occurs only during turns but not when driving straight. Initially, the damaged CV joint only produces noise without affecting driving performance. However, if not repaired or replaced promptly, the condition will progressively worsen until the CV joint fails completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Therefore, timely replacement is recommended. Relevant information about CV joints is as follows: 1. Introduction: CV joint generally refers to a constant-velocity joint. A constant-velocity joint connects two shafts that have an angle between them or changing relative positions, allowing them to transmit power at the same angular velocity. It overcomes the unequal velocity problem inherent in ordinary cross-type universal joints. 2. Classification: The most widely used constant-velocity joints currently are mainly the ball-and-trunnion type and the Rzeppa (ball-and-cage) type.
17
5
Share

What level of car is the DS6?

A+ level. The following is an introduction to the DS6: 1. DS6 model: The DS6 is a compact SUV, which means it belongs to the A+ level of cars; 2. DS6 body: The body dimensions of the DS6 are 4553 1858 1610mm, which also meets the standards for cars of this level; the DS6 ensures vehicle passability and flexibility while meeting the requirements for interior space, making it more suitable for urban use. The following is additional information about the DS6: 1. DS6: The DS6 is a compact SUV produced by Changan Peugeot Citroen; 2. DS6 powertrain: The DS6 is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine across the entire lineup, with a maximum horsepower of 167; 3. DS6 transmission: The DS6 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission across the entire lineup.
18
1
Share

What are the reasons for the low beam not working in the Lavida?

Details of the reasons why the low beam of the Volkswagen Lavida does not work are as follows: Severely depleted battery: After the headlights are turned on, the battery needs to work in conjunction with the generator to supply power. Therefore, the brightness of the headlights is normal for about 2 hours after the car starts driving at night. After that, since the battery can no longer continue to supply power, the brightness of the headlights decreases and varies with the engine speed. Additionally, the engine cannot be started with the starter after the engine is turned off. Overheated wires: This leads to an increase in circuit resistance, resulting in a decrease in the luminous intensity of the headlights. In severe cases, the headlight circuit may short-circuit due to the melting of the wire insulation layer, and even cause the circuit to burn out or lead to a car fire accident.
16
0
Share

How to Repair Vehicle Scratches?

It is necessary to judge based on the depth of the scratch. Below are the methods for dealing with scratched car paint: 1. Minor scratches. These scratches are usually caused by trees, flowers, and other plants. Wash the car thoroughly, apply coarse wax in a circular motion first, then apply fine wax, wiping in the same direction from the inside out. Leave it on for a longer time, then wipe off the wax with a clean cloth. 2. Deeper scratches that have not reached the primer. You can use a touch-up pen. First, wash and dry the car. Shake the touch-up pen before use to mix the paint inside evenly. To prevent the touch-up pen from applying paint to other parts of the car body, it is best to use adhesive tape to cover the sides of the scratch before applying the paint. 3. Scratches that expose the primer. It is recommended to have these handled at a repair shop. Scratches that expose the primer can easily cause the metal body to rust, so rust removal and prevention work must be done first. After washing and drying the car, apply rust remover to the scratched area.
8
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.