There is no supreme definite way to check that a timing belt has exhausted. Instead, changing it at prescribed intervals will lessen the chance that the timing belt will break before it is replaced. However the vehicle owner's handbook can guide after what intervals the timing belt must be replaced.
These intervals vary from every 60,000 miles to every 105,000 miles. In addition, many mechanics advise changing the water pump at the same time as the timing belt – even if it hasn't failed – as most of the labor related to replacing a water pump has already been accomplished when changing the timing belt. This is your call as a water pump could last as long as your car or it could fail at some future point.
If the latter, you could be faced with a big repair bill in addition to the inconvenience of having your car out of commission for several days. Many weekend mechanics feel comfortable enough to replace their car's timing belt themselves. With a reliable Chilton or Haynes auto maintenance and repair manual by your side you can explode the hood and remove and replace the timing belt in no time.
These intervals vary from every 60,000 miles to every 105,000 miles. In addition, many mechanics advise changing the water pump at the same time as the timing belt – even if it hasn't failed – as most of the labor related to replacing a water pump has already been accomplished when changing the timing belt. This is your call as a water pump could last as long as your car or it could fail at some future point.
If the latter, you could be faced with a big repair bill in addition to the inconvenience of having your car out of commission for several days. Many weekend mechanics feel comfortable enough to replace their car's timing belt themselves. With a reliable Chilton or Haynes auto maintenance and repair manual by your side you can explode the hood and remove and replace the timing belt in no time.
