Everything You Need to Know About Timing Belts

If engines had a heartbeat, the timing belt would be the pacemaker. Small, hidden, and often overlooked — yet without it, your engine simply can’t function. In this post, we’ll break down what a timing belt is, why it matters, how to know when it needs replacing, and what can happen if you ignore it.

What Is a Timing Belt?

A timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt with teeth that keeps your engine’s crankshaft and camshaft(s) turning in perfect sync. This synchronization ensures that the engine’s valves open and close at exactly the right time during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes.

Without proper timing, the delicate dance of air, fuel, and spark turns into a mechanical disaster.

Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain

• Timing Belt: Made of rubber (with internal fibers for strength), lighter, quieter, and typically requires replacement every 60,000–100,000 miles.

• Timing Chain: Made of metal, generally lasts longer but can stretch or wear over time; more common in modern engines.

  
  

Why Timing Belts Matter

If the timing belt slips, stretches, or breaks, your engine’s internal components fall out of sync. In many engines (known as interference engines), a broken belt can cause the pistons to hit open valves — bending them, damaging the pistons, and sometimes destroying the engine entirely.

Signs Your Timing Belt May Need Replacing

• Ticking noise from the engine

• Engine misfires or runs rough

• Visible wear (cracks, fraying, missing teeth) if accessible

• Oil leaks near the front of the engine (can degrade the belt)

• Engine won’t start — but cranks unusually fast

  
  

When to Replace a Timing Belt

Always follow your manufacturer’s recommended mileage or time interval — usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles or every 5–7 years, whichever comes first.

Pro tip: If you’re replacing your timing belt, also replace the water pump, idler pulleys, the cam and crank oil seals, and tensioner. These parts are often driven by the same belt and are easy to access only when the timing belt is off.

What Happens if You Ignore It

Ignoring timing belt replacement is like gambling with your engine’s life. The belt will eventually fail — and when it does, it’s usually sudden, expensive, and inconvenient. You could end up stranded with a repair bill that’s several times higher than preventive maintenance would have cost.

Final Thoughts

A timing belt isn’t glamorous. It’s not shiny, flashy, or something you brag about at car meets. But it’s one of the most important maintenance items on your vehicle. Staying ahead of replacement intervals will keep your car running smoothly, prevent catastrophic damage, and save you from a massive repair bill.

If you’re unsure when your timing belt was last replaced, don’t guess — check your records or have a professional inspect it. Your engine will thank you.

Need help figuring out if it’s time for your timing belt service? At Yeargan’s Automotive, we can inspect your belt, advise on replacement, and handle the job start-to-finish so you can drive with confidence.