When was the last time you thought about the timing belt in your car? Be honest – very few drivers check whether this extra important part is still in good condition or not. As long as it works perfectly, hardly anyone thinks about changing the timing belt. But that can sooner or later lead to a really nasty surprise.
What is the timing belt and how does it work?
The crankshaft drives the toothed belt – or timing belt. He controls the running of the camshafts and synchronizes them with the crankshaft.
Some cars have only one camshaft.
In addition, the toothed belt can also drive ancillary units such as the water pump or the power steering. However, this is no longer the case with newer engines. Here, such additional units are attached to the V-belt. As a result, the toothed belt is exposed to less stress.
If the toothed belt drives the camshaft, it opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves in the correct order. If the toothed belt does not work properly, this almost always has serious consequences!
For example, if it does not have enough tension or tears, the valves open improperly. As a result, they almost inevitably collide with the pistons. As a rule, at least the cylinder head and the valves have to be replaced. If it hits you really badly, even a complete replacement engine in the car repair shop or good car repair shop is due. Because what threatens in this case of damage is a total loss or economic total loss.
Tip: Before visiting a workshop, it is advisable to get a quote to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The toothed belt is changed at these intervals
The timing belt change interval varies depending on the vehicle type and is usually between 100,000 and 200,000 kilometers. To determine the exact change interval, you should consult your car's owner's manual or service booklet. It should also be noted here whether a change has already been made.
Stickers in the engine compartment can also indicate the last toothed belt change. And of course - the age of the timing belt also plays an important role. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that a timing belt change is due after ten years at the latest. Because then it becomes brittle and can tear from one moment to the next.
Incidentally, a new timing belt also reduces the loss in value of the car if you want to sell your car.
What are the costs?
How much you ultimately pay for the timing belt change depends on various factors.
- How complex is the engine?
- Is the toothed belt easily accessible?
- Which workshop is entrusted with the work?
Changing the timing belt on an Opel Astra can cost between 340 euros and 480 euros, depending on the workshop you choose. Between 675 and 940 euros have to be shelled out for a VW Golf.
If changing the timing belt only works if the engine has to be completely removed, it gets really expensive. On the one hand, most workshops need a lot longer for this task. You usually have to reckon with up to two “car-free” days. On the other hand, the experts then usually ask for a four-digit amount for the service.
Fortunately, this is only necessary for very few car models.
Free VS Authorized workshop - where to go for changing the timing belt?
With older cars in particular, you almost inevitably ask yourself whether a repair in the expensive authorized workshop is really necessary. Isn't an independent workshop (003323-B-0320) the better alternative?
The good news: Yes, you can do it! In principle, work on most engines is also possible in independent workshops. However, you should then make sure that the workshop adheres to the repair time specified by the manufacturer. Significantly longer working hours should not be calculated. Because if the cost advantage of an independent workshop would be blown away in no time.
Time can actually become a problem in independent workshops. Because normally the employees are rarely specialized in a single vehicle model. This means that they are well acquainted with engines and technology in cars. However, since each model is a little different, it may be that the service staff just needs a little longer for your car. For example, when it comes to changing the timing belt.
Also very important: Clarify in advance which parts have to be exchanged during the work. This is because certain components such as the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys should ideally be replaced together with the old belt.
In this context, we also recommend replacing the water pump if it is driven by the toothed belt. Over time, the two become harmonious. If a new timing belt comes, the water pump can simply block. This in turn causes the toothed belt to jump, and the crankshaft and camshaft no longer run in the same rhythm.
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