Kyle's Corner (FYI) Vehicle Belt Tightening Not Bank Breaking

As you know, I like all things
automotive. I hope that you
are enjoying your vehicle and
I would like to help you keep
it that way. One thing that will
keep it that way is occasional
vehicle maintenance.

In these times of general financial
belt tightening, the cost of vehicle
maintenance might seem costly.
However, such maintenance can
be a wise move that will actually
save you money down the road.
In other words, spend a little to
avoid breaking the bank!

So what is some 'good' vehicle
maintenance? Replacing the
timing belt on the engine of a
vehicle. If you drive a vehicle
that has an engine equipped with

a timing chain, you do not need to be concerned about a timing belt replacement.
However, about 95 percent of the vehicles on the road have engines equipped
with a timing belt. Why don't all engines have a timing chain? They are more
expensive to manufacture, a belt is sometimes quieter, and the belt replacement
means predictable income for dealerships and independent garages.

Okay, what should you do? Well, first of all, it is a good idea to contact the
new car dealership that sells your vehicle and ask for the service department.
Tell the service writer or technician the year, make, model, and what engine your
vehicle has (the owner's manual in the glove box will provide information about
what size engine your vehicle has).

Next, ask the technician if your engine is an 'impedance' or 'non-impedance'
engine. Impedance means 'to hit' and non-impedance means to 'not hit.'
What is the difference between the two? If the timing belt breaks on an
impedance (hit) type engine, the pistons, valves and other components
in the engine will 'hit' and cause costly engine damage. What is involved?
The cost of a tow to the garage, and likely about $3,000 or more worth of
engine repairs. This might be referred to breaking the bank!

If you have a non-impedance (non hit) engine and the timing belt breaks,
the pistons and valves will not hit or cause engine damage. Thus, the vehicle
would need to be towed to a garage and a new timing belt would need to be
installed.

Now back to the service writer or technician. Next, ask at what mileage the
belt should be replaced. If you look in your vehicle owner's manual under
'belts' or 'timing belt,' the recommended mileage for the belt replacement
should be the same as the dealership stated.

So what is the jist of it all? If your vehicle has an impedance (hit) type
engine, have the timing belt changed at the recommended mileage and
thus avoid a potentially expense engine repair. On the other hand, if your
vehicle has a non-impedance (non hit) engine, you can likely go up to
10,000 miles beyond the mileage recommended for timing belt replacement.
If the belt should break, you are looking at the cost of a tow in addition to
having the belt replaced. A much lower risk (expense) proposition!

As a general rule, most timing belts are replace at about 65,000 miles.
If you buy a used vehicle that has more than 50,000 miles, you should
question the seller about if the timing belt has changed and ask to see an
actual receipt that the work was done and the mileage at which it was done.
Otherwise, expect that you will need to have the timing belt replaced.

What is the cost of this occasional vehicle maintenance? New car dealerships
can charge from about $500 - $1,000. However, an independent garage should
be able to replace the timing belt for about $300 - $400. This might sound like
a lot of money, but you should be set for another 65,000 miles or so. And
regarding an impedance 'hit' type engine, $300 -$400 is better than a $3,000
or more bank breaker.

In many instances, when the timing belt is being replaced, the water
pump needs to be removed in order to get to the belt. If the water pump
is leaking or its output shaft has play, the pump is usually replaced since
it has been removed from the vehicle. This would add about another $100
to the cost of having the timing belt replaced.

Why are more and more engines becoming impedance 'hit' type engines?
The highly competitive nature of the automotive business means getting
more horsepower and better fuel economy out of a given size engine than
the competition. And to do so, the top ends of engines have ever more
tight tolerances or impedance.

Hopefully your vehicle is treating you well and timing belt maintenance
will help to keep it that way. If you have any auto questions, be sure to
drop me an e-mail!

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.