Timing Belt Failure – What Causes Timing Belts to Fail?

Wondering What causes your car’s timing belt to fail prematurely?

Yes, timing belts can fail prematurely. Why do timing belts fail early?

Wondering about timing belt failure? There are a few different things that can cause your car’s timing belt to fail early. In some cases, the hardware like timing belt tensioners or idlers can cause your timing belt to fail prematurely. Likewise a faulty or leaking water pump can do the same.

Also understand that improper tension or your timing belt or and when the timing belt is soaked in engine oil, the belt can fail prematurely.

How can I tell if my timing belt needs replacement? Can a timing belt condition be inspected?

The short answer is YES. However, understand that it’s normal that a timing belt be covered by plastic or metal covers.

Your mechanic can remove one of the covers and visually assess the condition of the timing belt. The engine will still run fine, but close inspection may show that the timing belt is in poor condition. You can see the many cracks in the one pictured here. The car owner rightfully decided to have the timing belt replaced – as opposed to risk major engine damage and huge repair bills!

Timing Belt Replacement – How Often Should My Timing Belt Be Replaced?

Timing Belt Replacement

Wondering when you should consider changing your car’s timing belt?

Timing belt recommended replacement intervals vary from 60,000 to 106,000 miles. But it really depends on the specific vehicle, manufacturer and engine in your car. This is just an estimate for most cars.

To be more specific about the service interval on your timing belt, you can find the recommended interval in your car’s maintenance schedule. It’s important that you don’t ignore those service intervals. When a timing belt fails, pistons and valves will collide with each other – and it all happens in a split second.

When the belt fails – you cannot shut the engine off quick enough – the damage is going to happen and it’s going to be costly.

Can a timing belt last past the recommended interval?

Yes, in some cases it can. We’ve come across a number of high-mileage cars with a timing belt that has never been changed. On the other hand, there are many cases when a timing belt breaks at a lower mileage than the recommended interval.

Typically, when a timing belt fails earlier than expected, it’s caused by faulty hardware – not the belt itself. The problem is – those failures are impossible to predict!

 

 How do I know if my car has a timing chain or belt?

To start, check your owner’s manual and the maintenance schedule. Additionally, some car manufacturers publish the list of models that have a timing belt. If you still are not sure, feel free to contact us or ask when you’re in for your next oil change.