How often do you change a timing belt?

A timing belt is a major component of the car which turns camshaft and crankshaft at accurate rate. Then, how often do you change a timing belt? Big number of car owners wonder how often you need to replace the timing belt. Old rule was used at every 60,000 miles. When the technology has improved, now many manufacturers recommended the intervals upto 100,000 miles. For a safer side, you need to check what the manufacturer of the vehicle recommends and then stay within the mileage. 

The symptoms of faulty timing belt include the power loss, loss of the fuel economy, engine vibration and misfiring. The noise of the timing belt is no longer the most noticeable indicators for the potential belt failure. If the vehicles had the timing chains, they could become so noisy because they will loosen and start to chatter. Given that the vehicle manufacturers use belts you not hear for long, it becomes cracks and loose. On how often you need to change the timing belt, you will be required to consider some factors.

Depending on a car usage

The reason for which you’re use the vehicle plays the important part when figuring out period after which one need to change a timing belt. If you’re having the cab business, probability for changing a belt can vary to 6 months, as the car is not used for a long time. For the private users, a timing belt can last upto one year. This all depends on how often you drive. Therefore pay the attention to how frequent you drive and then change a timing belt accordingly.

Depending on a driver

The driving style has all things to do with performance of the timing belt. Handling the downshift very carefully is vital if you need the timing belt for it to last long and for efficient. If one is not handling the downshift correctly or opting for the unnecessary shifting, a constant strain will result to the timing belt to wear out. This is why you may have heard people saying you need to choose the downshifts if required. Therefore, how often do you change a timing belt? With the proper driving, a timing belt can last for about six to seven months. With the lousy driving, it can last hardly two months or less. Therefore, you need to drive carefully for the durable timing belt.

Some Other Factors

The engine performance can also affect a timing belt. If the engine is running smoothly, the belt is working the best, and a situation can be worst as performance of an engine go down. Another factor which you need to consider is the lifespan of a timing belt for which the miles you have traveled upto now. As per the basic rule of the thumb, if you cover more than 6000 miles, change a timing belt as fast as possible. You may also use effective maintenance tips for the DIY replacement too. Therefore, you need to consider these factors whenever you’re worried on changing a timing belt.

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