Your timing belt is an industrial-strength rubber belt that is responsible for connecting and synchronizing your engine’s functions. It is typically safely tucked away inside a protective housing to protect it from oil and dirt. We recommend replacing your timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 depending on the car you drive to save yourself the unwanted costs associated with a broken timing belt.

In comparison, a timing chain made of metal and is built to last much longer.  This chain operates in the same way as a timing belt but can withstand much more powerful engines often used in commercial vehicles, trucks, and larger or more powerful engines.  Typically you do not need to replace your timing chain until something is wrong with it.

Visit your locally owned AAMCO Colorado today to prevent a potentially costly timing belt or timing chain repair.

Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain

Typically a timing belt is used within the engines of most cars, SUV’s, and some trucks. A majority of 4-cylinder and otherwise smaller engines use timing belts over chains. A timing chain is similar to the belt but instead of being made of rubber and nylon cord it is made out of steel and is quite similar to a bicycle chain. In general, timing chains are used within larger engines with more power that would otherwise wear a rubber belt much quicker. Timing chains are considered more complicated as they require more maintenance than a belt, but also last considerably longer because they are made of metal. Chains need an occasional oil bath to run smoothly. Over time, a chain will stretch much like on a bicycle and in turn provide you more of a warning that something is wrong. When replacing a timing chain you will need to replace your timing gears as well. As the chain stretches it will wear the timing gear based on the stretch of the chain. When a new timing chain is put into your vehicle a new gear is required to ensure the teeth line up properly.

Related: What’s a Timing Belt or Chain?

What Happens When Your Timing Belt or Timing Chain Breaks

Depending on your vehicle, a snapped timing belt or timing chain can cost you some serious money.  These issues can at times be catastrophic for the engine, forcing you to replace the engine entirely.  Depending on the cost of replacement this could mean you need to buy a whole new car!

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