When Should You Ask Your Mechanic to Check Your Timing Belt?

Most drivers know when tyres wear out or brakes need replacing, but the timing belt is different.

Hidden inside the engine, it rarely gives warning before failure. That is why car manufacturers set strict replacement schedules by age and kilometres. Ignoring those intervals can turn a reliable engine into a costly rebuild overnight. In this article, we explain what the timing belt does, how service intervals work, and why asking your mechanic to check it on time is one of the smartest maintenance choices you can make.

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What Does a Timing Belt Do?

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Connects the crankshaft and camshaft so the valves open and close at the correct time.

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Ensures fuel burns efficiently and the engine runs smoothly.

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Keeps pistons and valves moving in sync — if they clash, major damage results.

Without it, your car will not run at all. Because it is made of reinforced rubber with teeth, the timing belt naturally wears over time.

Why Replacement Intervals Are Critical

A timing belt is not like tyres or brake pads that make noise or show signs when they are worn out. It works quietly inside the engine and often fails without warning. When it breaks, the moving pistons and valves crash into each other. This usually bends valves, damages pistons, and can even ruin the cylinder head. The repair bill is often in the thousands.

To stop this from happening, car makers set clear replacement schedules in the logbook. These intervals are based on how far the car has travelled and how old the belt is. Rubber parts weaken with age, even if the car is driven very little. Replacing the belt on time is the only safe way to protect the engine.

Typical Timing Belt Service Intervals

There is no single rule that applies to every car. Each manufacturer sets its own schedule in the logbook. Most vehicles need a timing belt change somewhere between 60,000 and 150,000 kilometres, or between 5 and 10 years.

What to keep in mind:

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Intervals can be very different depending on the car and the engine.

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Age is just as important as kilometres. A low-kilometre car may still need a new belt.

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Some cars use a timing chain instead of a belt. Chains usually last longer but can still wear or stretch if servicing is ignored.

The best way to know is to check your logbook or ask your mechanic. At VP Autocare we check the service history during major logbook services and let you know when the belt is due.

Timing Belt vs Timing Chain

Some cars use a timing chain instead of a belt. Chains are made of metal and usually last the life of the engine, though they can stretch and require replacement if neglected. Belts, on the other hand, are designed to be replaced as a maintenance item.

Feature	Timing Belt	Timing Chain
Material	Reinforced rubber	Metal links
Replacement	60,000–150,000 km	Rare, only if stretched or noisy
Noise	Quiet	Louder
Maintenance Item	Yes	No (in most cars)

How Mechanics Check Your Timing Belt

At VP Autocare, timing belts are reviewed as part of major logbook services. Our mechanics:

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Check service history against manufacturer intervals.

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Inspect visible sections of the belt for wear or cracking.

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Review tensioners and pulleys that often wear at the same time.

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Recommend proactive replacement if the belt is due by age or kilometres.

This approach means you avoid waiting for failure — and the catastrophic engine damage that comes with it.

The Cost of Skipping Timing Belt Replacement

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Engine failure risk:
Broken belts often bend valves, crack pistons, or damage cylinder heads.

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Repair bills:
What could be a routine service becomes thousands of dollars in engine work.

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Inconvenience:
Breakdowns rarely happen in convenient places — many happen on freeways or long trips.

Local Service in Tullamarine and Surrounding Suburbs

VP Autocare services timing belts for customers across: Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Keilor, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Westmeadows, Strathmore, Glenroy, Jacana, Attwood, Niddrie, and the surrounding northern suburbs.

Wherever you are based, our workshop provides trusted advice and replacement services in line with manufacturer schedules.

FAQs about Timing Belt Replacements

How do I know if my car has a timing belt or chain?

Check your logbook, ask your mechanic, or research your make and model. Many modern cars use chains, but belts are still common.

What happens if the timing belt breaks while driving?

Most engines will stop instantly and suffer internal damage, often bending valves and damaging pistons.

Is replacing a timing belt expensive?

It depends on the vehicle. While it is more costly than routine maintenance, it is far cheaper than engine rebuilds after a failure.

Do low-kilometre cars still need timing belt replacement?

Yes. Age is just as important as distance. Rubber deteriorates even if the car has barely been driven.

Can I inspect my timing belt myself?

Not reliably. The belt is hidden behind covers and requires proper tools to assess safely.

Are timing chains maintenance-free?

They last longer than belts, but they can stretch or wear if the engine oil is not changed regularly.

Should you get your Timing Belt checked?

Timing belts may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Following the replacement schedule set by your car’s manufacturer prevents major engine damage and saves money long-term. At VP Autocare in Tullamarine, we check timing belts during major services, advise you on when replacement is due, and complete the work with trusted parts and expert care.

VP Autocare
8 Carrick Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043
📞 (03) 9338 5455
Book your service now

Servicing Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Keilor, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Westmeadows, Strathmore, Glenroy, Jacana, Attwood, Niddrie, and nearby suburbs.

Internal Links Used

Logbook servicing
Mechanical repairs
Brake repairs

External Links Used

VicRoads – Vehicle Maintenance
RACV – Car Maintenance Tips