How often should the timing belt in a car engine be replaced?
2 Answers
The timing belt in a car engine should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Once a vehicle exceeds 50,000 kilometers, the timing belt should be inspected to promptly identify any abnormal conditions. Function of the engine belt: Transmit the force from the crankshaft to drive components such as the water pump and alternator. Steps to replace the car engine belt: 1. Lift the car with a jack; 2. Remove the engine undercover; 3. After removing the undercover, locate the alternator belt; 4. Remove the exposed old alternator belt; 5. Install the new engine belt; 6. Complete the engine belt replacement.
Speaking of timing belts, as a long-time Toyota Prius owner who's replaced them several times, I can share some insights. Generally, the manual recommends replacement every 80,000 km or 6 years, though this varies by model - some Hondas might start showing risks after 100,000 km. From my experience, delayed replacement can lead to belt aging and cracking. A snapped belt can damage internal engine components, with repair costs easily exceeding tens of thousands. I once tried saving money by postponing replacement, which resulted in complete engine failure - the subsequent repairs were costly and nearly caused an accident. My advice: get it inspected every 50,000 km at a repair shop to check for cracks or unusual noises. When replacing, it's wise to do the tensioner and water pump simultaneously to avoid duplicate labor costs. Remember, regular maintenance is far more economical than major overhauls.
