If your vehicle is approaching the mileage when the timing belt should be replaced, look no further than the auto repair and maintenance specialists at Car Kings in Wallington, New Jersey.

The timing belt is a vital part for the operation of your vehicle’s engine. It’s responsible for making sure the valves open and close at the proper timing to coincide with the movement of the pistons. If you allow your engine to run until the timing belt breaks, you risk major engine damage. Yes, timing belt replacement is typically one of the higher-priced maintenance items, hence the reason many vehicle owners forego having this work done according to manufacturer guidelines. The cost, however, is much less than what you would have to pay in the event the belt breaks and causes catastrophic engine damage.

When should the timing belt be replaced?

Timing belts wear out over time. Because you risk serious engine damage if it fails, it’s prudent to replace the timing belt before it slips or breaks. The schedule for timing belt replacement is dependent on the make of your vehicle. Recommended replacement intervals vary by manufacturer from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. The technicians at Car Kings, in Wallington, NJ, are also happy to answer any questions when it comes to timing belt replacement.

Why timing belt replacement so expensive?

Most car engines don’t provide easy access to the timing belt making it a job that’s quite labor intensive. Because they are hidden behind dust covers and other engine components, we also can’t “inspect” the timing belt to see if it’s in good condition or not. When replacing the timing belt, you may also want to consider replacing other parts that are equally difficult to access like the water pump, tensioner and idler arm. All this work is typically referred to as “preventive maintenance.” The goal is to replace a specific part or component before it fails. Remember, the cost timing belt replacement is much more cost-effective than having to replace an entire engine that fails because the timing belt breaks.

Is a timing chain the same as a timing belt?

Some vehicles are equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Timing chains are typically more maintenance free and rarely require replacement. If you don’t know which your vehicle has, check your owner’s manual or ask us when you bring your vehicle in for service or repair.

Have additional questions about replacing the timing belt? Ask us. When it comes time to have your timing belt replaced, call Car Kings at 973-473-9300 or click here to schedule on-line now.