Inside an engine, hundreds of parts are moving in perfect timing to generate the power that moves your car. Keeping all of the engine parts synchronized on most vehicles is the job of either timing chains or, more commonly, one reinforced rubber belt that connects the crankshaft and camshafts, known as the timing belt. Tucked away behind the front engine cover, this belt needs to be replaced as routine maintenance, although it’s a time-consuming and complicated job. 

If your timing belt needs to be replaced in the Philadelphia area, trust the procedure to Xavier’s Auto Center. Our experienced ASE-certified technicians will change the timing belt and inspect related components to ensure your car runs reliably for another 60,000 miles and beyond. 

What the timing belt does

Gears on the crankshaft and camshafts are connected with the timing belt, ensuring the car’s engine components operate in perfect time. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture precisely when necessary in the compression stroke, and valves open for either intake or exhaust as required. If the timing is off even a little, your Check Engine light will come on and the engine will run poorly or not at all. 

The timing belt is manufactured with natural and synthetic rubber as well as strands of cotton and Kevlar for durability while remaining flexible. Over time, the belt degrades just like you see with serpentine belts. If it isn’t changed on time and the timing belt breaks, the engine quits running. A broken timing belt could do severe damage in an interference engine – meaning the valves could potentially hit the pistons – and the repair increases from hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

How often is timing belt replacement required?

Timing belts are built to last several years and thousands of miles. On average, most timing belt replacements are necessary around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or approximately every five years. However, your car’s timing belt should be changed according to the maintenance schedule from the manufacturer.  

How it’s done

The technician begins by removing the timing belt and inspecting related components including the water pump, timing belt tensioner, idler pulleys, alternator, and power steering pump to see if anything else requires attention. Commonly, the timing belt and water pump are replaced at the same time to prevent doubling up on future labor and part replacement costs. 

At Xavier’s Auto Center, we replace your timing belt using OEM and top-quality components to prevent premature failure and ensure long-lasting performance. Our technicians are experienced and will identify any additional issues that they deem would be a good idea to address while opening and closing the front engine cover. Whether it’s your timing belt we’re changing or we’re replacing the water pump, we back our workmanship with a 24-month/24k-mile warranty for your peace of mind.