The timing belt syncs the crankshaft and camshaft, opening and closing valves in time with the pistons' strokes and allowing fuel/air mixture and exhaust to enter or leave the cylinders. It's recommended to follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule and replace the timing belt and related parts on time to avoid problems. We offer several timing belt kits that contain all the parts you need to complete the job.
What happens if your timing belt fails?
Older engines used a timing chain (and many still do), so timing belt replacement wasn't an issue. Timing belts are a different story, though. They're a toothed, fabric-reinforced rubber belt like the serpentine belt, and they will stretch over time and eventually break. Unlike the serpentine belt, the timing belt is concealed behind a cover, and there's no way to check its condition (and no warning signs that it may be about to fail).
Manufacturers recommend a timing belt service interval of usually 60K-80K miles, and anything past that mileage interval is borrowed time. The timing belt is what connects the crankshaft and camshaft and syncs them so the valves open and close in time with the piston strokes. The 'compression area' when the piston is at top dead center is pretty small, and some engines are designed with piston crowns that can accommodate open valves if needed. Others, known as 'interference engines,' will crash the pistons into the open valves, effectively causing catastrophic engine failure.
Don't take chances. If your timing belt needs to be changed, make sure to get it done. If you're buying a used car with 75K or more miles on it, make sure the timing belt was changed before you buy.