It's time: Check your car's timing belt to avoid expensive repairs

MUNICH: The timing belt is a crucial part of your car’s engine and if faulty can cause serious engine damage so it makes sense to have the belt regularly checked and replaced at the recommended intervals.

The timing belt primarily transmits the rotary motion of the crankshaft to the camshaft.

This in turn opens and closes the valves in the engine’s cylinders. If the belt snaps, the pistons can collide with the valves.

Manufacturers specify how often the timing belt must be replaced for each model. The replacement intervals are usually between 60,000km and 250,000km.

Even if you don't drive that much, you may still need to have the belt changed. This is because the material of the belt, which is often made of special plastics with inserts of steel cord and glass fibres, can become porous with age.

For this reason, Tüv Süd (German Technical Inspectorate) advises at least a visual check as part of any workshop inspection. As a rule of thumb, the first belt change should be made after about six years.

The cost of a timing belt change varies from model to model. The price is usually between around €300 and €750 (between RM1,400 and RM3,500). It can be worthwhile to get a few cost estimates before choosing one.

If you’re buying a used car, it makes sense to take a close look at the inspection booklet or workshop invoices beforehand to see if the belt has already been changed or will soon need to be.

Some cars use a timing chain instead of a belt, which is more durable, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be checked. A rattling noise when starting and idling, for example, can indicate a problem with the chain.

Tüv Süd advises having the timing chain checked regularly. Following the engine oil change intervals and using the recommended oil type is also important as the oil lubricates the timing chain.