Belt or chain, how to know what you have
Some engines use a rubber timing belt that needs replacement on a schedule. Some use a metal timing chain that is supposed to last the life of the engine (although chains stretch and tensioners fail too, especially on certain VW, BMW, and Hyundai engines). Your owner's manual will tell you which one you have. If you do not have the manual, we can look it up by VIN in 30 seconds.
Manufacturer intervals (typical)
- Honda timing belt: 100,000 to 105,000 miles or 7 years
- Toyota timing belt (older models): 90,000 miles
- Subaru timing belt: 100,000 miles
- Volkswagen timing belt: 80,000 to 100,000 miles
- Hyundai / Kia: 60,000 to 90,000 miles depending on engine
- Most newer Toyota / Honda / Mazda: timing chain, no scheduled replacement
Always check your specific year, make, and model. Manufacturers update intervals across model years, and the interval listed on a forum from 2010 may not apply to your 2018.
What happens when one snaps
On an interference engine (which most modern engines are), the valves and pistons share space. The timing belt is what keeps them out of each other's way. When it snaps, the pistons hit the valves at full speed. Bent valves, damaged piston tops, sometimes a cracked head. The repair goes from a $700 belt replacement to a $3,500 to $4,500 head rebuild or full engine replacement.
Realistic cost ranges
- Timing belt only, sedan with easy access (Honda, Toyota): $400 to $700
- Timing belt + water pump + tensioners + idlers: $700 to $1,400
- Timing belt + water pump on European or harder-access engine: $1,200 to $2,000
- Post-failure head rebuild on an interference engine: $3,500 to $4,500
- Post-failure engine replacement (used): $3,500 to $6,500
Why we always replace the water pump at the same time
On most engines, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, and reaching it requires removing everything we have already removed to get to the belt. Replacing it with the belt costs an extra hour of labor. Replacing it later costs the same hours of labor we already charged you for once. Doing it together is the smart financial call almost every time, and we recommend it as a matter of policy.
