Big bill now, or even bigger bill later...
... You decide!
Internal combustion engines, are normally run by either a timing belt or a timing chain.
If it's a timing chain, fear not, this will hardly need changing. However, if your vehicle is equipped with a belt, then thats a different kettle of fish.
The timing belt is designed to control the timing sequence of when the valves open and close in the cylinders. It ensures that both camshaft and crankshaft run in sync.
The timing is very important to the operation of your vehicle.
Without this piece of kit, the timing would be all over the place and things would go, pop, bang and boom. Leaving you with a big hole in your finances.
Now, we know that when this comes round in the service schedule, its teeth grittingly expensive. Well, when we say expensive, its far less a cost than having to have a complete engine rebuild, or worst case scenario, a new engine.
As part of your vehicles service interval, the belt will at some point require changing.
Each manufacturer is different, but recommended changes can be between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles.
But don't just concentrate on the mileage, as time is a benificial factor as well.
Recommendations will normally be mileage against a period of time. In this scenario we'd say 5 years. Again, each manaufacturer has there own guideline, but it is worth checking with your local garage to determine the schedule your vehicle has.
At the time it will require changing, will normally coincide with a major service, so be prepared and budget in advance, because most customers aren't fully aware of this extra cost.
And a manufacturers price guideline will determine the cost of a replacement belt only, may we advise that you request a kit and at most, a replacement water pump. This may mean additional costs to your service bill in parts, but while the belt is off, its advisable to replace these additional components that are also prone to wear, before a new belt is fitted.
A timing belt will wear due to continuous use and will also deteriorate over time due to lack of use. Hence the mileage against a period of time.
Think Smart - Box Clever!
The cost of this service with belt change will be far cheaper than having the engine stripped and new parts replaced, or as mentioned above, a complete replacement engine.
- Will B ;)
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