The timing belt in a car (which is usually made of rubber in modern cars, but can also be a chain in older models) is part of the engine and is what keeps both the crankshaft and the camshaft rotating in sync. It is important for these two parts to be in sync because they, in turn, align the opening and closing of the engine’s valves to match with each time the cylinder fires. Simply put, the timing belt is one of the most vital working parts of the engine. When it is worn or broken, it compromises the entire car.
Although the majority of car timing belts (and actually, not all cars have them) work in a universal manner, we’re going to dive into the specifics of Honda timing belt replacement and how often you change a timing belt.
How To Know When Is It Time For A Honda Timing Belt Replacement
Like most other parts of your car, a timing belt that is not working properly or is broken will show it in different ways. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and to pay attention, especially when you’re struggling with questions such as, “How often do I change my timing belt?”. Still, your vehicle is not likely to suddenly break down on the spot, instead, it will likely wear down over time. Luckily, if the time has come for a Honda timing belt replacement, your check engine light will most likely turn on as the first indicator.
One thing to look out for, which can mean many different things, is the engine’s inability to turn over. You’re turning the ignition key, but that beautiful roar of the engine coming to life is just not there. Other signs to look out for would be hearing a ticking noise from your car’s engine, an oil leak originating from the front of the motor, or, most disastrously and which will likely be fatal to the engine, an engine misfire.
If you notice any of these things happening to your car, you’ll need to visit an experienced technician to inspect your vehicle and determine that cause right away. For Honda owners, it’s best to also look for a technician with experience in Honda timing belt replacement. For example, at GT Automotive, our team of AAA Approved and ASE-Certified technicians have years of experience in servicing both foreign and domestic cars, so you know you’ll be getting the best of the best.
Typical Honda Timing Belt Replacement Interval
How often do you change a timing belt? In terms of more specific models of the cars, a standard Honda accord timing belt replacement interval is every 105,000 for those made after 1997, and every 90,000 miles for those made before that.
Yet in general, the Honda timing belt replacement interval for the majority of their models are around 100,000 if the car is a more recent model. That’s a pretty good amount of time! But older cars, which tend to wear out quicker, might need a new timing belt as frequently as every 60,000 miles. At GT Automotive, we recommend asking your vehicle technician to check on your timing belt replacement frequency and aim to have it replaced approximately every 8 to 9 years, if you have a newer car. If you have an older vehicle, it’s best to have them checked every 4 years or so.
At GT Automotive, we can easily incorporate timing belt replacement with any of our services. We also offer certified vehicle inspection service, to keep your car running in peak condition. Call (801) 302-0912 today to schedule a service!