Is it really imperative to change the timing belt at 60,000 miles?

Question

Now, I had this done on one of my vehicles and it cost me about 700 bucks. I really can't believe that everyone driving around changes their timing belts at 60k. Of course, I realize that if it breaks, trouble will follow. Still, it seems to me that this recommendation is playing on people's fears.

Answer 1

First thing,you need to look in your owners manual and see what the manufacturer recommends. Most hondas are good for 100K miles. Go with what the recommendation is>

Answer 2

If you want to play it safe, change the timing belt at 60,000 miles. If it breaks, it will not damage your engine. I repeat, it will not. Your engine will stop and you will need to have it towed. The only way to tell if your car needs a new timing belt is by a visual inspection your mechanic can do. Our 1994 ES 300 had about 150,000 miles on the original timing belt. It didn't break, but we felt we were pushing our luck, so we had it changed with the water pump. Our car was totalled in an accident with 236,000 miles and was on the second timing belt. You need to decide how important it is for preventative measures. If you cannot lose time with a breakdown, then spend the money and do it now. I use the same rationale for brake work. Some people want their brakes changed if there is only 10,000 miles left, while other want to run them down to the wear indicators. It all depends on you. Good luck! Greg

Answer 3

After reading the answers already on here I'm wondering what an interference engine is. I've never changed a timing belt until it broke and I've always changed them myself but I guess you better make sure yours isn't the type that is going to do damage. It is a lot of work but $700 seems a bit much. I would shop around unless you would void the warranty in which case you have no choice but to replace it at 60,000 miles.

Answer 4

well its the best preventative maintenance its like driving the car until the vehicle cant brake anymore since you drove past the loud screeching sound which is the sign you should have them checked out just like that the belt should be change at about 60k .... yes some cars can go longer without it breaking but on some cars if it breaks you usually need a motor.... so whats less expensive new motor or preventative maintenance?

Answer 5

It is as you have said. You only have to change it, if it breaks. I agree that a lot of people don't change them at 60K and they wind up trading the car before it does break. Changing it is more like an insurance policy, trying to fix something before it breaks and leaves you stuck on the road.

You can push it, but if you ever get to 100K, I think it would be time to take that insurance policy and get it changed.

I have had them break on me, and the car was under 40K miles, but that was due to a water pump that was driven off of the belt. So you never know.

good luck.

Answer 6

You didn't say what type of car you have, but if you have an interference type engine and the belt fails at highway speeds , the $700 will seem like a drop in a bucket.

Answer 7

timing belts require to be changed either at 60000 or 90000 depending on the car. you would be so screwed if the timing belt were to break because they would cause so much damage to the car.

so it's best to change the timing belt at the recommended interval. plus it's much cheaper to spend a few hundred dollars to have the timing belt changed instead of several thousand dollars worth of damage to the engine, or even having to get a new car because of the timing belt had caused to the engine.

Answer 8

my car just hit the 70,000 mile mark
and you got me thinking about my car too.

i should look at your owners manual
and check it out also.

i always just turned the page and never payed much
mind to the owners manual.

i guess with this busy life as an American we really never care enough until we dish out the big bucks when all we really needed to do is pay more mind to the overall car and not just changing the oil every 3,000 mile and buying new tire ect
and rims for some of us.

good luck.

Answer 9

It depends on the vehicle and how hard you drive it.If it is an interference type motor,then yes it is imperative.Doing the job yourself is a lot cheaper.An interference motor is when the valves will come in contact with the piston if timing is out of phase.When the pistons hit the valves you will bend the valves, pushrods or hole a piston.

Answer 10

why take the chance of ur car messing up in the 1st place? sht 700 dollars though thas too much for a timing belt change, its not a easy thing to change but then it should be around 300- 400 700 too much!