When Do I Replace My Timing Belt?

Reader Question: I was told I need to replace the timing belt in my car but my question is can I see the timing belt to see if it needs to be replaced and when should I replace it?

Dan
Dan,

No you can not see the timing belt with your naked eye, its inside the plastic timing cover in the front of the engine.  The belt is critical for the engine to run, without it the engine will not run.  You usually suggest to the customer to replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles or so or as your owners manual suggests.

This is a picture of a timing belt, notice the “cog” teeth, unlike a smooth serpentine belt which is visible with your naked eye and drives the accessories like alternator and A/C compressor.

Click picture to enlarge