We all do the best we can to protect our vehicles. For instance, making sure to perform the required maintenance services such as changing the oil, checking the brakes periodically, and checking the tires as well. These are items we can easily see, but what about those other maintenance items we can’t see or detect when they need to be serviced?

One of  the least known and understood maintenance services is the timing belt service. What is the timing belt and what does it do?  To understand what makes the timing belt maintenance so important, and how we can prevent it from failing, we first need to know what it does and what we should expect as it relates to its life expectancy.

The timing belt serves a very important role when it comes to making your engine run synchronization. For instance, the timing belt controls all the internal parts of your engine and keeps the entire operation running smoothly. The timing belt must be properly calibrated in order to move everything in sync with the motion of the pistons, piston rods and innate and exhaust valves. A slip or break in the timing belt could cause a great deal of damage to your engine, and be very costly to repair, including possibly needing a new engine. Timing belt failure is easy to prevent. Refer to your owner’s manual as it will indicate when a timing belt should be changed, either by mileage or time.

If you need assistance, your Rick Case Kia in Sunrise Service Advisor will be glad to research the information for you and let you know if you should consider a timing belt service.  It’s all based on time and mileage of your vehicle.

A good general rule of thumb is that a timing belt should be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, although some timing belts are designed to last up to 120,000 miles before requiring a change. Regardless, it is best not to let a timing belt go more than 80,000 miles or so, even if the recommended change point is a lot higher. Changing your timing belt early is definitely a lot safer for your engine, and a little money out of pocket can save you a lot of money if your timing belt breaks.

Even though you may get your oil changed every 3,000 miles, and you do all your scheduled maintenance services, nothing can save you from a timing belt failure. Make sure to get your timing belt replaced as described in your owner’s manual.

Timing belt fatigue cannot be detected.

Need to get your timing belt checked?

You can get your car serviced here Rick Case Kia located at 14500 West Sunrise Blvd Sunrise, FL 33323, by setting up an appointment online here or call (954) 715-7581. Keep your vehicle driving smooth the entire year. 

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