When do I change timing belt?

Question

I have a 1998 Volvo, manual says change timing
belt when u reach 70000 miles or 8yrs whichever
comes first. I have had the car 9yrs and mileage
is62500 do I need to change the belt now or can
I wait until I am closer to 70000 miles, and what
material is the timing belt made of metal or
rubber as in older cars it used to be metal. TKS

Answer 1

A timing belt is made of rubber and may be reinforced with braided steel. A timing chain is made of metal.

On most vehicles (not all) if the timing belt (or chain) breaks while the engine is running, it can cause internal damage to the valves (and of course your engine will no longer run) It is best to replace the belt as per instructions, either by age or mileage whichever comes first.

Rubber (even synthetic rubber) breaks down with age, which is why it is recommended to be changed at 8 years.

Good luck

Answer 2

To me, it is better follow the maker advise which is 70,000 miles or 8 years which ever earlier. Better safe than sorry, once the rubber (Common to nowadays car) timing belt broken, your engine needs to be overhaul completely. If it is in America may be not the issue, repairing and changing a car is the same thing may be, but not the same at the other side of the world, another thing to be considered is the safety of the driver and passengers.

Answer 3

its better to change now , since..it will hit 70000 miles in a couple of days ride..

Answer 4

you need to do it now ,why wait till 70000 miles ,you will sleep better knowing its done

Answer 5

60,000 miles is what I have always been told