when should a timing belt be changed?

Ruby-J

Hi all,

just looking for some advice. i recently had my car in for a service and they told me afterwards that i should get the timing belt done as my car is at 64000 miles. I got the car 34000 miles so im not sure if it has been changed before or not. i had a look at the timing belt and there appears to be no cracks or weaknening of the band. At approximately what mileage should i get it done? Am i ok for another week or two? I believe its expensive to get done and at the moment i dont have the funds for it.

Thanks for any help or advice.

whippet

If your mechanic suggests doing a T-Belt I would seriously consider it !!

It depends on the make and model of your car as to when it should be replaced. I would seriously doubt it would have been changed before 34k miles.

I wouldn't trust just a visual inspection of the belt as to putting the change on the long finger, a snapped belt could spell terminal damage to your motor !!!

Guy:Incognito

How old is the car?

Ruby-J

It is a 01 Hyundai Accent.

Muckie

Better safe than sorry, check what the manufactor for your particular

car reckomends. Also some makes need to have the water pump changed

at the same time. Ring around a few places for a good price for this job

too.

CiniO

First of all - what kind of car is it, and with what engine?

Second - how did you manage to take a look at timing belt?
It's usually not so easy, you would have to take plastic cover off....

Guy:Incognito

Ruby-J wrote: »

It is a 01 Hyundai Accent.

It should have been changed by now regardless of mileage.

it will say in the book but mileage limit or 5 years is generally recommeneded, whichever comes first.

Run_to_da_hills

CiniO wrote: »

First of all - what kind of car is it, and with what engine?

Second - how did you manage to take a look at timing belt?
It's usually not so easy, you would have to take plastic cover off....

You don't need to physically look at a timing belt to know whether it needs doing, its down to the mileage or time (Usually 5 years) specified by the manufacturer which ever comes first. Any competent mechanic should know.

Ruby-J

ok so best to not drive on it then anymore.

Thanks

biko

Check service book to see if it's mentioned there as replaced, if not replace it.
That way it's one thing less to worry about later.
Sometimes the water (coolant) pump is changed too at the same time, ask the mechanic about your model and/or google it.