During the operation of the car, it is extremely important for the owner to know at what mileage the timing belt or chain is changed. The performance of the power plant depends on compliance with maintenance intervals for the gas distribution mechanism drive.
This is due to the fact that a worn belt or chain can break, which on many machines leads to serious damage to the engine. In this case, it will not be possible to get by with replacing consumables, since the consequences can only be eliminated through a major overhaul of the engine. Therefore, it is important to follow the rules for replacing a belt or chain and purchase only high-quality products for maintenance.
Timing belt service life
How often the timing belt is changed directly depends on the model of the power unit and the car on which it is installed. Among budget class cars, replacement according to regulations is required when reaching 60-80 thousand km. In more expensive cars, the belt lasts longer. It will need to be changed when it reaches 100-120 thousand kilometers. In premium cars, the belt drive does not require attention up to 150 thousand km.
In domestic operating conditions, the power plant often experiences overload. This also affects the service life of the timing belt. Experienced car owners recommend shortening the replacement interval for consumables relative to that recommended by the manufacturer. More detailed information about the need to replace the belt is presented in the table below.
Table - Timing belt service life in domestic realities
| Belt service life according to manufacturer's regulations, thousand km | Recommended mileage at which the timing belt should be changed if the car is used in domestic conditions, thousand km |
| 60-80 | 40-50 |
| 100-120 | 50-60 |
| 150 | 100-110 |
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The timing belt of any modern engine is usually designed for a short service life. On average, it operates for 50-100 thousand kilometers, after which it requires replacement along with the tension rollers, and often also the water pump and pulleys. The timing of replacement of this important part is strictly regulated and specified in the operating instructions for each specific vehicle. However, by blindly following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you may not notice the impending disaster and run into serious and expensive engine repairs. There are several signs that the timing belt urgently needs to be replaced with a new one.
Why do you need to change the timing belt?
First, let's figure out what a timing belt is and why it needs to be changed. This inexpensive and uncomplicated, at first glance, part is needed in order to synchronize the operation of the ignition system with the stroke of the pistons and valves. The timing belt rotates on the crankshaft and camshaft (or camshaft) pulleys, simultaneously driving the water pump. It has a multi-layer reinforced structure and consists of rubber and nylon base. The correct belt tension is set by a special roller. When the timing belt breaks on most modern cars, the intake and exhaust valves meet the pistons. A serious breakdown occurs that is incompatible with further movement and requires complex, expensive repairs.
The timing of replacement of rubber products and related components depends not only on the make and model of a particular car, but also on operating conditions, which in our country are very harsh. However, this does not prevent some brands from installing prohibitive timing belt service life on their products. For example, on domestic Ladas this operation should be carried out once every 180 thousand km. This figure looks, to put it mildly, too high. For comparison, on Renault cars, even the highest quality belts from the world’s best manufacturers last 60 thousand km in Russia and 120 thousand km in Europe. Experiments with non-compliance with this regulation are fraught with big troubles.
Signs of timing belt wear
The main problem that prevents you from noticing impending trouble in a timely manner and preventing the timing drive from breaking is difficult access to the part: unlike the belt of mounted units, this belt is carefully covered with all kinds of casings. To perform an inspection, partial disassembly of the engine is often required, which most car owners are not able to perform. However, in addition to tears and cracks that are visible visually, there are other symptoms of impending disaster. We will try to list the most common ones.
1. Belt is old
Basically, the service life of a timing belt is determined by the mileage of the vehicle. After several tens of thousands of kilometers, it must be replaced. However, there is one “but”: age is also critical for this part - on average, the belt retains its properties for no more than five years, after which it begins to lose elasticity and crack, regardless of mileage. Drivers who drive a car relatively rarely should pay close attention to this point. The belt consists of materials that are subject to rapid aging, which means you shouldn’t joke with its age. For the same reason, we recommend that you change the timing belt on purchased used cars without fail - no one guarantees that the previous owner complied with the regulations and used high-quality components.
2. Uncertain engine start and loss of power
Mileage at which timing chain replacement is required
The chain has a longer service life compared to the belt. The interval from replacement to replacement depends on the design of the consumable, the engine model and the class of the car. Thus, in the budget segment there are single-row chains with a service life comparable to a belt. The need to replace them occurs after a mileage of 60-100 thousand km.
In the middle segment of cars, both single-row and double-row chains are used. The former have a resource of 150-250 thousand km. Double-row chains have an even longer life. Their replacement is required after a mileage of 200-350 thousand km.
The timing chain drive has proven itself well in Japanese cars. Replacing consumables is usually required after a mileage of 350-400 thousand km. In German cars, attention to the timing drive is not required until 400-450 thousand km.
The timing chains of premium cars have the longest lifespan. Some cars often have chains that last 500-750 thousand km without problems.
At what mileage should you think about replacing your car?
Home Tips for motorists
11 Apr 2020 anna 223 845
It is different for each brand of car... The mileage of the vehicle can be close to 80 thousand km... and car mechanics can already advise the car owner to think about replacing the car.
For a long time, Russian legislation has blocked the import of used vehicles into the state, but there is still an opinion among people that a real “Japanese” will travel 250 thousand km without any difficulties, a BMW - all 350 thousand km. Even if most of his mileage is in a taxi somewhere in Cyprus.
When selecting a used car, you need to find out the timeliness of the maintenance. This matters not only from the technical side of the issue, but also regarding future costs.
In addition, an important point is the place where the maintenance was carried out. Most motorists have their new cars serviced by an official, but only as long as the factory warranty is in effect. In the future, they entrust the care of the car to private car services, and sometimes they may completely stop doing its maintenance. Until the first breakdown.
If the vehicle has been serviced by officials all the time, then they will store data on all the work performed. There, if desired, you can find the entire list of defects and work according to the regulations that could be carried out for this machine.
If we take the VW Tiguan crossover for example. This car requires 8 maintenance services depending on the distance traveled by the car. According to the regulations, the first maintenance is carried out at a mileage of 15 thousand km. This only includes changing the engine oil, as well as the air and oil filters. And, for example, during the 6th maintenance, which is carried out after 90 thousand km, the owner of the car needs to change all the technical fluids and the timing belt. This is a very expensive procedure. It’s good if 5 maintenance was done by the previous owner of the car, and not by a new buyer of a VW Tiguan with a mileage of 90 thousand km. In addition, as a rule, before a mileage of 100 thousand km. many wash the injector, replace consumables, brake pads and discs, bleed the braking system, etc. Therefore, it makes sense to purchase a car of this class with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, of course, if the old owner replaced everything that was described above. And, accordingly, it is more profitable to sell before carrying out such an expensive maintenance. If we are talking about cars of a lower class, then it makes sense to sell the car before the mileage reaches 100 thousand km, since after “hundreds”, as a rule, “sores” of the car begin to appear, which will result in expensive repairs.
Comments (76)
- Just Pavlik June 27, 2020 at 0:42 am
What about people? Some people have a stroke at 25, and others at 100, like a cucumber. There is no recipe, only a style of life and driving.
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- Vasya Today at 14:11
Tank T-80 1990. Mileage 500km. Only the crew and ammunition in the stowage were changed.
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- Ivan June 24, 2020 at 05:26 pm
Well here we go!! I bought four from scratch. Traveled 1567800000000 miles. Not a single breakdown!!! I haven't even changed the oil yet! It hasn't even turned black yet!! I only use Benz 76 oh!! That's it, there's no time! I'm off!!
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- Mikhail June 24, 2020 at 01:55 pm
When purchasing any car, it must be checked both technically and legally. If there is no service book, the mileage may be twisted and trust only a compression gauge and listening to an experienced person. As for maintenance, it’s better to find a good technician, but I don’t see much difference between official and garage repairs.
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- Alex June 23, 2020 at 08:19 pm
Peugeot 4008, made in Japan, CVT, 2012, bought in 2013 from scratch, mileage 146,000 km, consumables, changed front shock absorbers and brake discs all around 2 times and EVERYTHING. And also gasoline 92!
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- Evgeniy June 23, 2020 at 8:15 am
MITSUBISHI Outlander III 2012, in. I took the mileage 189 thousand from scratch - only consumables were changed. The boots on the front shock absorbers broke 60-70 thousand ago, I don’t change them until the shock absorbers are bent. I would like to exchange it for the same new one, but with a variator radiator.
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- Oleg55 June 22, 2020 at 07:36 pm
Lada Priora 2009, mileage 300,000, replacement of genes, timing belt and rollers + oil and consumables according to the passport. At the same time I owned a BMW X5 stsuko, after 100 thousand km, I almost went around the world due to expenses.
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- Ivan June 21, 2020 at 10:20 am
The author writes nonsense, after 80 thousand km the only one who can think about replacing the car is the one who originally had a shitty car. Next about the officials, stop doing advertising, they don’t do anything supernatural with the car for the money they are paid, it seems that the author has more experience riding a bicycle than driving a car
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- Andrey June 20, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Sang eng Kairon mileage 467,000, normal flight
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- Gennady June 20, 2020 at 03:35 pm
Renault Traffic is a 12 year old car. I took it in the salon. Mileage 570 tons no problems only consumables. Periodic maintenance in a reliable service. Oil from change to change. How do you take care of your car? That's how she answers you.
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- Sergey K June 20, 2020 at 9:40 am
Renault Sandero RS 1.6 K4M, 2010, 230,000 km, consumables only. Price-quality ratio is 5.
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- Vladimir June 18, 2020 at 04:08 pm
Damn specialist... He writes some nonsense (ML 280 CDI 2008. Mileage 350t.km, perfect condition. Mostly just replacement of consumables. Prices are not bad. Prices for the suspension are also tolerable. Everything works as normal.
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- Alexey June 18, 2020 at 1:23 am
Nonsense about the officials has been written. Now absolutely any service stores a database and knows when any work was carried out. Officials only know how to do computer diagnostics and offer to replace entire units: engine, gearbox, etc. Their task is that they don’t know how to repair and try not to do this in order to trick the owner into buying a new unit. For these reasons, they do not warn about breakdowns if the warranty has expired.
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- Vladimir June 18, 2020 at 04:11 pm
Agree. I work at a small service center. They keep a client log. There are all the data on mileage and replacements. I also take salary from them.
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- Pavel June 20, 2020 at 05:03 pm
Respect to Alexey, nothing to add, I bought a new car three years ago, I haven’t gone to the authorities even once, it’s been verified that I won’t trust my car to the officials
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- Vlad June 17, 2020 at 5:09 pm
about BMW and after 350,000 km of mileage I smiled without any problems. It's hard to imagine a more unreliable car. and repairs at a cost like Boeing. I own a 2012 Golf, mileage is 130,000 km. The flight is normal. The clutch and timing chain have been replaced. The rest is consumables. There were no problems.
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- serge June 21, 2020 at 04:29 pm
did you have an illness?
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Mitsubishi Galant 8 America mileage is 225 thousand miles. There are no complaints about the engine and gearbox, the chassis was repaired, otherwise only consumables. Engine 2.4 liters, automatic.
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VAZ 21113 475000 all original. He did routine repairs and maintenance himself. I still use it as a backup car. So replacing a car is not a problem with the car, but a problem with the car owner and our ministries, who want to shake as much money as possible out of motorists.
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Mondeo 4 2011.. took 50,000 now 140,000. The suspension is weak, problems started at 120,000. I've changed a lot of things. Spare parts don’t really bite if you choose them correctly, not the original ones, some are even better than the original ones, at the same price or a little cheaper. Engine 2.3 aspirated automatic transmission. For the engine, only replacing the valve cover gasket, and only consumables. In short, I like the car even for 70,000 thousand. (after purchase) mileage more than one breakdown is GUD. And she always drove me home, knocking on the suspension.
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VAZ 2109 2001 320000km. Only the pump and belts were changed in the engine... and it clearly outlived the body.
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Ford Connect 1.8 tdci 2010, mileage 206,000. Consumables only. The first timing belt replacement will be at 250,000 km.
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Mazda 323, 2002 Mileage 280,000, not a single hint of problems with the engine and/or gearbox. By the way - consumables. And yes, the shock absorbers are original, and not the slightest hint of fatigue. Body, yes. You have to shamanize periodically.
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It looks like things are really bad; dealers don’t take new cars! and in the next 3-5l they won’t
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Outlander 2020 Mileage 108 thousand. Replacement of two boots and alternator belt. Passed all maintenance. Easy on the wallet.
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Pradik 120 2003 I took it with mileage of 230,000, now it’s 435,000. I didn’t do anything to the engine
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Priora 2009 98hp drove 527,000, owned it for 11 years, oil in the box was filled with shell synthetics and never changed, engine oil also poured shell 5v-30 every 10,000 km and all the filters with it (motor, air, oil, air conditioner), gasoline only 95. every 60,000 km, I changed the pump with the timing belt at around 400 t. km I installed new rings, I think I’ll get to 800t. km.
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Hyundai mattress 150000 2007 automatic. At 100,000, replace the camshaft and crankshaft sensors. The rest of the maintenance is based on mileage. Oil, spark plugs, belts, filters. Now the engine mounts came up, I praised a couple of cops from the asphalt, I didn’t see the markings come off. All.
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damn ff2 2010 125 with a chip for 145 run 354000 clutch replacement for 200000 pads almost clicked out of ignorance the oil in the gearbox the oil seals are weak I’ll drive
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E39 about 750,000 to 73,000 rebuilt the engine. 2000 release 3 liter diesel. E70 13 years old 3l diesel 110000 consumables only.
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I bought an Opel Antara 2020 on November 20, 2015, I refused service, I did everything myself, now the mileage is 109,000, the minimum investment is only consumables, manual transmission 2.4 gasoline for comfort, I don’t see an alternative to everything offered by the city, almost 2 cartoons, I will use this car in the future... I recommend the car to everyone, I look at new cars but the price surprises me,
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You need to change it when the ashtray is full.
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Granta liftback produced and purchased in 2020, gearbox - Jatko automatic. It fell apart literally in the first kilometers of the run - the cap of the bolt securing the windshield wiper arm was lost. And the wheel cap broke stupidly. The odometer shows 15k. in a year and a half.
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Kalina Cross mileage 100 km every day, no one is driving, then there are foreign cars running behind
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Suzuki CX4, 2007. 200 thousand versts. And everything is in order!
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Corolla 2014 mileage 198000, cvt. Everything is great. I change everything. In the box -60000, brake service every 2 years, only the compressor dried out last year...
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Prado 120, diesel. 400 t.km is at stake. mileage condition - alles gut, 2004 The Japanese are gathering, I still think I’ll last up to 200 thousand capital. Are you weak?
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I bought a Nissan Sunny, 1998, when I was 7 years old, last year I sold it with 220,000 mileage, I don’t mind moving it, I changed the carabas last year, due to the fact that every winter you can dig around on it 2-3 times. Sold in perfect condition.
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Mercedes C class 2008. 184 hp a station wagon, 8 years ago I bought it in Germany at a Mercedes dealership with a mileage of 60,000 km. The mileage is now 141,000 km, I drive about 10,000 km a year. There were electronic failures, but not critical. I maintain and change the oil once a year, every 10,000 km (according to the regulations, 15,000 are provided). I’m not going to change, given the current price of wood and extortionate extortions. Although several friends asked me to sell.
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Mazda CX5 2.0 Mileage 200,000 km only consumables and drive belt. The chassis is all original. Change the engine oil after 15,000 km. In the Box partially at 130,000 km. Like new.
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Passat b6 engine 1.6 aspirated. 192 horses. 241000. Only consumables for the chassis, the motor on the stove. Damn, it turned out to be expensive. Oh, and high-voltage wires and spark plugs! The shock absorber needs to be changed. Still relatives are standing, the right one leaked recently ((
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You can think about it immediately after purchasing
