When do you know your timebelt in your car is bad, how much does it cost for SUV?

Answer 1

It's tricky, because on some cars, you can't really tell unless you are mechanically inclined. With a belt, it just snaps, usually when you are starting, but can happen in drive. When that happens, the motor needs time to slow down, so with each rotation, more damage is being done, and can cost alot of money. If it's a chain, you will hear noises coming from the motor. With my car, I got it replaced at 100,000 because the manuel stated a good time to change, and I didn't want to get stuck on the freeway again, when the chain/belt broke. That first break taught me a valuable lesson, prevent things from happening to your car, take care of the maintenance issues. I was stuck off a main freeway, behind a bar at 11:00 at night, with two small children, and didn't know anybody in the area. Closest help was an hour away, it was a very long wait, dark, rainy. You'll need to contact a mechanic to get a good estimate, it depends on the type of car/truck/make/model/etc.

Answer 2

you will not know its bad until it breaks and the car stops. That can also cause some major damage if it breaks.
Each manufactor has a mileage for suggested changing.
Also have them change the water pump, should be parts only and very little labor charge because they are right there, when changing the belt.

Answer 3

every 60000 miles change them. depends on vehicle make usually around 300-500 bucks low end to 500-800 for high end cars.

Answer 4

Do you walk to work or take a lunch?

Answer 5

when your steeringwheel shakes really bad.....it might cost no more then a $100 dollars...for a truck.....look around first before buying thou...