Knowledge base
Timing belt replacement — when, cost and risk
The timing belt is a part you almost never see and that rarely gives a warning. It lasts a long time, but not forever. Miss the interval and you risk one of the most expensive engine failures there is. Below you read when the belt is due and what to look out for.
What the timing belt does
The timing belt links the crankshaft to the camshaft or camshafts. That way the valves open and close at exactly the right moment relative to the pistons. On many engines the same belt also drives the water pump.
Not every engine has a belt. Many engines have a timing chain. A chain is meant to last a long time, but after high mileage it can stretch and then needs replacing too. Whether your engine has a belt or a chain is in the owner's manual, or ask us with your number plate.
When to replace it: kilometres and years
The manufacturer sets an interval in kilometres and in years — whichever comes first. It varies a lot between engines. So always check the service schedule for your own car rather than a rule of thumb.
The time limit matters as much as the mileage. Rubber ages even if the car is driven little. A belt with low mileage but many years can be due for replacement too.
Buying a used car without proof that the belt was replaced? Assume it hasn't been done. An invoice or a sticker under the bonnet with date and mileage is the proof.
What happens when the belt breaks
On most modern engines the valves and pistons can touch if the timing is lost. If the belt breaks while driving, the pistons hit the open valves. The result is often bent valves and sometimes damage to pistons and cylinder head. On an engine where valves and pistons can't touch, the engine simply stops.
A belt rarely gives a clear warning in advance. Sometimes you hear a tensioner or the water pump leaks. That is why replacing it on schedule is the only real protection.
Wet belt: a belt running in oil
On some engines the timing belt runs in the engine oil. This is called a wet belt. Examples are some of the PureTech engines from Peugeot, Citroën and Opel and some of the Ford EcoBoost engines. On these engines the belt's life depends heavily on the oil: the right specification and changing it on time.
If such a belt wears too fast, rubber particles can end up in the oil and block the oil pump pickup screen. Manufacturers have adjusted the interval or the inspection for several of these engines. So follow the latest service schedule for your engine and use exactly the oil it specifies.
What's included and what it costs
The tensioner and idler pulleys are usually replaced with the belt, and the water pump where the schedule calls for it. The cost depends heavily on the engine: on one engine the belt is easy to reach, on another a lot has to come off. That is why we don't give an amount here.
Send us your number plate via WhatsApp and we will find out what your engine needs. The rest of your service, such as oil, filters and spark plugs, is shown with an indicative price including VAT in the service calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether the belt has been replaced before?
Look at invoices, the service history or a sticker under the bonnet. If there is no proof, assume the belt has not been replaced.
Can't the belt simply be inspected?
A visual check says little about how the rubber on the inside has aged. That is why the interval is set in kilometres and years.
Does the water pump always have to be replaced too?
Not always. If the belt drives the water pump, the service schedule often says to replace it at the same time.
What does a timing belt replacement cost?
It depends heavily on the engine. Send us your number plate via WhatsApp and you will hear what your engine needs before we start.
Timing belt due? Read more about engine repair in Tilburg or work out the rest of your service in the service calculator.