How Often Should I Replace My Timing Belt?

Most vehicles with a timing belt require replacement every 60,000–100,000 miles (96,000–160,000 km) or about 5–7 years, whichever comes first; some newer designs stretch to 100,000–150,000 miles or up to 10 years. The exact interval varies by engine, so always follow your owner’s manual and any updated service bulletins for your specific VIN.

Why timing-belt intervals matter

The timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft(s). On many “interference” engines, a failed belt can allow pistons to hit valves, causing severe engine damage. Belts degrade with both mileage and time due to heat, oil contamination, and age, so low-mileage cars still need replacement by years.

What determines your replacement schedule

Mileage and age

Manufacturers specify both a mileage and a time limit, and the first one reached triggers replacement. Rubber compounds harden and crack over time even if the car isn’t driven much, especially in hot or cold climates.

Engine design and usage

Intervals vary widely by engine. Some modern belts are wider, fiberglass-reinforced, or run in oil (“wet belts”), changing service life. Severe service—lots of short trips, high heat, dusty conditions, towing—can shorten intervals. Oil leaks that reach the belt also accelerate deterioration.

Typical intervals and brand trends

The following examples illustrate common patterns by brand and era, but always confirm with your exact model year and engine code. Automakers revise guidance over time, and many newer engines use timing chains instead of belts.

• Honda/Acura: Many belt-driven V6 and older I4 engines: roughly 7 years/105,000 miles; earlier models often 60,000–90,000 miles. Newer engines mostly use chains.
• Toyota/Lexus: Older V6 and V8 belts commonly 90,000–100,000 miles or around 9 years; many 2010s-on models switched to chains.
• Subaru: Belt-driven engines through early 2010s typically around 105,000 miles or 8 years; later models moved to chains.
• Volkswagen/Audi: Intervals vary widely by engine (often 75,000–110,000 miles; some diesels 80,000–120,000). Many modern gasoline engines use chains.
• Hyundai/Kia and Mitsubishi: Older belt engines often 60,000–90,000 miles or 6–7 years; newer designs trend to chains.
• Ford and PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) “wet-belt” engines: Published intervals have ranged up to 10 years/150,000 miles, but some applications received updated, shorter intervals in service bulletins due to in-oil belt degradation. Check by VIN for the latest guidance.

Because intervals can change with technical updates, your dealer’s service department or the official service portal for your brand can confirm the latest recommendation for your specific engine code.

How to find your car’s exact interval

The steps below help you confirm the correct timing-belt schedule for your vehicle, avoiding guesswork and outdated rules of thumb.

1. Check the owner’s manual maintenance schedule and any maintenance supplement booklet.
2. Look up your VIN on the automaker’s service site or ask a dealer to check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or interval revisions.
3. Verify whether your engine has a belt or chain; many modern engines use chains that don’t have a scheduled replacement interval.
4. Ask a trusted shop to inspect for oil leaks near the timing cover or coolant leaks from the water pump that could shorten belt life.

Confirming by VIN and engine code ensures you follow the correct, most current interval and catch any manufacturer updates that could affect your service timing.

Warning signs and pre-failure clues

Timing belts often fail without much warning, but these clues warrant immediate inspection or early replacement.

• Ticking or slapping noises from the front of the engine (can indicate belt or tensioner issues).
• Engine misfires, rough running, or cam/crank correlation fault codes.
• Oil seepage from front engine seals or timing cover; coolant leaking from the water pump.
• Visual signs (if inspectable): cracks, fraying, missing teeth, glazing, or contamination with oil/coolant.

If you notice any of these symptoms—or the belt’s age is unknown on a used vehicle—schedule service promptly to prevent catastrophic failure.

What to replace with the timing belt

Doing the full job while the engine is open saves labor and reduces the risk of early rework from related component failures.

• Tensioner and idler pulleys (critical for belt tracking and longevity).
• Water pump (if driven by the timing belt), plus fresh coolant.
• Camshaft and crankshaft oil seals if there’s any seepage.
• Accessory/serpentine belt and thermostat as preventive maintenance.

Bundling these parts with the belt is standard practice and typically adds modest parts cost relative to the labor already required.

Cost, timing, and risk

Professional timing-belt service often runs from about $600 to $1,500+ in North America, depending on engine layout and access; European or transverse V6 applications can be higher. Plan for a half to full day of shop time. On interference engines, delaying beyond the interval can turn a maintenance job into a multi-thousand-dollar engine repair.

Special cases: chains and “wet belts”

Timing chains generally have no scheduled replacement, but they still require good oil maintenance; neglected oil changes can stretch chains and wear guides. “Wet belts” (belts running in engine oil) exist in some modern small turbo engines; they can degrade if oil change intervals are extended or if the wrong oil is used. For these engines, adhere strictly to oil specs and the latest belt interval published by the manufacturer.

Bottom line

If your car has a timing belt, plan on replacement roughly every 60,000–100,000 miles or 5–7 years, with some newer designs stretching longer. Verify the exact schedule in your manual and by VIN, factor in your climate and driving, and replace related parts during the job to protect your engine and wallet.

Summary

Replace your timing belt on time—typically 60,000–100,000 miles or 5–7 years, though some engines go to 100,000–150,000 miles or up to 10 years. Because intervals and designs vary (belt, chain, or wet belt), confirm by VIN and follow the latest factory guidance. Prioritize early replacement if there are leaks or symptoms, and bundle tensioners, idlers, and the water pump to ensure long-term reliability.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The cost to replace a timing belt ranges from approximately $400 to over $1,500, with the final price heavily influenced by the vehicle’s make and model, labor rates, and whether additional components like the water pump and tensioners are replaced. While the part itself is relatively inexpensive, the total cost is driven up by the significant labor involved in disassembling engine components to access and replace the belt.
 
Factors influencing the cost

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury or premium vehicles and those with more complex engine designs, such as some Subaru and Acura models, often require specialized parts and more labor, increasing the cost. 
• Labor rates: Shop labor rates vary significantly by location and the shop’s reputation, impacting the total bill. 
• Part quality: The quality of the replacement timing belt and associated components can influence the price. 
• Additional parts: Many mechanics recommend replacing the water pump, idler pulleys, and tensioners simultaneously, as the timing belt drives these components and some may be difficult or impossible to reach after the timing belt is installed. 

Why timing belt replacement is costly

• Extensive disassembly: A significant portion of the engine needs to be disassembled to get to the timing belt, which accounts for the bulk of the labor costs. 
• Time-intensive: The labor-intensive nature of the job, which can take anywhere from 3 to 10 hours or more depending on the vehicle, directly impacts the overall expense. 

Why timely replacement is essential 

• Prevent catastrophic engine damage: Opens in new tabA failed timing belt can cause major engine damage, leading to much more expensive repairs, according to O’Learys Automotive and Milex Complete Auto Care.
• Engine synchronization: Opens in new tabThe timing belt is crucial for synchronizing the engine’s internal components, ensuring they operate in unison.

Is timing belt replacement really necessary?

Yes, timing belt replacement is necessary and critical for avoiding catastrophic engine damage, especially in “interference” engines where a broken belt can cause pistons and valves to collide. While a timing belt is an inexpensive part, its failure can result in thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs for a ruined engine. You should replace your timing belt according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended mileage and/or time intervals, as rubber degrades over time and can snap or slip without warning.
 
Why is it Necessary?

• Preventative Maintenance: Timing belts are made of rubber and degrade over time and with heat, eventually cracking, glazing, or breaking. 
• Avoid Catastrophic Damage: In most modern engines, known as “interference” engines, the pistons and valves occupy the same space at different times. If the timing belt breaks, these parts can collide, causing severe engine damage. 
• Sudden Failure: There are often no warning signs of a failing timing belt, such as noise or other sounds. It can simply break without notice. 

When Should You Replace It?

• Check Your Owner’s Manual: The most important step is to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended mileage and time interval for replacement. 
• Mileage and Time: A typical interval is every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but this varies greatly by manufacturer and model. 
• Age is Critical: Even if your car has low mileage, the rubber can still degrade with age, so replacing it based on the recommended time frame is crucial. 

What to Consider When Replacing

• Related Components: When you replace the timing belt, it is highly recommended to also replace the water pump, tensioners, and any related seals and pulleys. 
• Timing Chain vs. Timing Belt: Some newer cars use a timing chain, which is made of metal and does not need replacement at such short intervals. Be sure you know which system your car has. 

How do I know if my timing belt needs changing?

You can tell a timing belt needs replacing by looking for signs like engine misfires, strange ticking or squealing noises, a rough-running or difficult-to-start engine, and the check engine light coming on. The most important indicator is your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended mileage interval for timing belt replacement, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your vehicle serviced by a professional as soon as possible.
 
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Belt

• Unusual Noises: Listen for ticking, slapping, or high-pitched squealing sounds from the engine, which can indicate a worn or loose belt. 
• Engine Misfires: A stretched or damaged belt can cause the engine to misfire, leading to a sputtering, rough, or shaking sensation. 
• Difficulty Starting: If the belt has broken, the engine may not start at all, or it may turn over without igniting. 
• Check Engine Light: A malfunctioning timing belt can throw a fault code and trigger your check engine light. 
• Oil Leaks: Oil leaks near the timing belt cover could indicate the cover isn’t sealed correctly, or the belt itself is failing. 
• Decreased Engine Performance: You may notice a significant loss of engine power. 

When to Get It Replaced

• Mileage Intervals: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide the recommended replacement interval. Trust this recommendation rather than waiting for a sign of damage. 
• Professional Inspection: If you suspect an issue, have a professional mechanic inspect the belt. They can look for visible wear and tear, such as cracks, fraying, or a shiny appearance on the belt. 

Why It’s Important
Ignoring these signs can lead to catastrophic engine damage. If the belt completely snaps, it can cause the engine’s valves and pistons to collide, resulting in severe and costly engine failure.

What is the average lifespan of a timing belt?

The average lifespan of a timing belt is generally 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 7 years, though this can vary significantly by manufacturer and specific vehicle model. It’s crucial to check your car’s owner’s manual for its specific recommended replacement interval, as exceeding this can lead to catastrophic engine damage if the belt breaks.
 
Key factors influencing a timing belt’s lifespan:

• Manufacturer Recommendations: Each car manufacturer sets a specific interval for timing belt replacement, which should be the primary guide. 
• Age vs. Mileage: Even if a belt hasn’t reached the mileage limit, its age is also a critical factor. A rubber timing belt can degrade over time, regardless of how much the car is driven. 
• Engine Type: Some engines are “interference engines,” where a belt failure can cause pistons and valves to collide, leading to severe and expensive damage. 
• Vehicle History: A car that has been poorly maintained or subjected to extreme conditions may have a shortened belt life. 

What to do if you’re unsure:

• Consult Your Owner’s Manual: This is the most important step to find the manufacturer’s specific recommended replacement time for your vehicle. 
• Regular Inspections: Have a qualified mechanic perform routine inspections of your timing belt. They can assess its condition and advise you on whether it’s time for a replacement.