How do you know if your car needs a new timing belt?

Question

My mom has a '98 Ford Escort with 19,000 miles on it. She is not having any problems with it. She called an auto repair shop to set up an appt for a tune-up. Over the phone (without seeing the car), they said she would need a $500 timing belt. How could they know that she might need a new timing belt?

Answer 1

They're probably recommending the timing belt be replaced due to its age, not miles. Belts are made of rubber & they can break down over time. Service based on miles assumes that the vehicle is driven regularly so that time won't be a factor in wear. You won't know it's bad until after it breaks. I would change it if it's still the original 9-year old belt and then go by mileage for the next replacement.

Answer 2

Because it is good practice to simply replace the timing chain after so many miles.---replace it at the specified intervals, usually between 45,000 and 60,000 miles. However a Ford with only 19,000 miles I would be skeptical There’s no replacement interval for the timing chain, but it will let you know when it needs to be replaced. Your vehicle will simply refuse to be tuned properly regardless of what you do. So before you spend a bunch of money on plugs and injectors, be sure to check the timing chain for excess wear. A new timing chain along with new timing gears can make a huge difference in your car or truck’s performance, while a new timing belt can provide the peace of mind you need to trust your vehicle again. Ford Timing Belt & Chain.

Answer 3

Timing belts are built to last over 50,000 miles. So its too early for that.

They should be replaced way before the symptoms of an impending timing belt failure since they just usually snap without warning. But if you are one of the lucky ones where the belt is still holding on by its thread, the car would usually lose power and overheat due to the advanced timing of the longer belt.

Answer 4

That's nonsense. They will screw the car up royally and make her pay royally. A car with 19,000 miles does NOT need a timing belt. Sheez.

Slap your mom for doing such a screwy thing. I doubt the car needs a tune-up. But if it runs a little sluggish, first give it an Italian tune-up. If that doesn't work, change the air and oil filters, oil, and plugs if you want to blow a little money.

Answer 5

Most modern cars don't need a timing belt change til about 100,000 km (62,000 miles). I'd give another mechanic a call to get a second opinion. There are plenty of dodgy auto repairers that will try to charge you for a lot of things you don't need (brakes discs etc.) just to get more money out of you. The best way to find a decent one is to ask around at work etc. Once you find a good one stick with them.

Answer 6

With that many miles you likely do favor one. examine the vendors guide for the mileage they recommend that it get replaced at. in case you wait and ignore about it, it might want to fee you many more beneficial in the destiny. basically if the timing belt breaks it may bend the valves that's a really expensive restore. $four hundred seems slightly steep to change it inspite of the actuality that, that's advisable to purchase round. yet truthfully do not wait until eventually that's too overdue and consider were given a damaged engine.

Answer 7

She needs to find a different garage. They're trying to rip her off. If a timing belt fails, the car stops running. Because of this, it is important they be replaced as they approach their end-of-life. When is that? Look in the owners manual. Search for it on the web, even.

Its going to be closer to 60k miles, not 20k.

Answer 8

1998 Ford Escort L4-122 2.0L SOHC
Vehicle Level Maintenance Service Intervals Severe Service 18000 MI or 28800 KM


18000 MI or 28800 KM

Replace
Engine Oil Notes

Oil Filter, Engine

this is according to ALLDATA severe service at 18000 miles

Answer 9

Stay away from that garage. They reccommend about 50,000 miles before timing belt replacement.

Answer 10

19000 is not enough time ,for that belt to be bad.