Both timing belt and chain can wear out. A loose timing chain can result in poor running, valve clatter, and loss of power, while a broken timing belt can cause your engine to stop running or, on an interference application, cause your valves to crash into your pistons.
Timing belts fail without warning and on some vehicles, are almost as hard to check as they are to change. In most cases, your only protection is to change the belt at the recommended intervals. The timing belt should also be inspected at every oil change for evidence of abnormal wear and tear. Your vehicle owner's manual will recommend at what mileage the timing belt must be replaced. These intervals range from every 60,000 miles to every 105,000 miles. Timing belt replacement is not cheap, but it is extremely important nonetheless.
Timing belts fail without warning and on some vehicles, are almost as hard to check as they are to change. In most cases, your only protection is to change the belt at the recommended intervals. The timing belt should also be inspected at every oil change for evidence of abnormal wear and tear. Your vehicle owner's manual will recommend at what mileage the timing belt must be replaced. These intervals range from every 60,000 miles to every 105,000 miles. Timing belt replacement is not cheap, but it is extremely important nonetheless.
