While the time change this year isn't until November, it's Autumn. Back to school, football season starts, ramping up to the holidays and the end of the year. This means that it's time to think about things that don't normally spring to mind during the hectic summer. 

This fall, Jim Ellis Automotive dealerships want to remind you to check your manufacturer's scheduled maintenance for replacement of the timing belt in your car.  To help encourage this important preventative maintenance, several of our dealerships are offering Timing Belt related service specials.

Why is the Timing Belt Important?

Timing belts are a crucial part of keeping the actions within the engine synchronized. Of course, because they are made of rubber, they can break down and deteriorate over time, which is why preventative replacement is so important. 


Not all cars use timing belts. Belts are quieter, and reduce the cost of manufacture, but they are not as durable as other configurations, such as gears or chains. Be sure to ask whether your vehicle even has a timing belt!

What would happen if I didn't replace it?

If the timing belt were to break, regardless of the configuration of the engine, it would stop the car completely, and leave you stranded.  In "non-interference" style engines, this is usually the extent of the damage, and the repair cost is about the same as the maintenance visit, plus repairs of any parts that might have been damaged in the break.  In "interference" engines, a broken timing belt can result in a massive breakdown that would easily cost 3-4 times the amount of the preventative belt replacement.

To look up whether you have an interference style engine, click here.

What are all of these other parts?

Most mechanics may recommend that you replace the water pump, front engine seals, drive belt, idlers, belt tensioner, thermostat and camshaft seals when you have the timing belt replaced. This is mainly to save you money.

These parts are also subject to wear and tear, and you will have to replace them around  the same time as the timing belt (within a couple of months).  But the effort of taking the engine apart to gain access to the Timing Belt is actually where the greatest expense lies in this maintenance work.  If you did not opt to replace one of these parts, and it were to break down, you would have to pay for that extensive labor twice, rather than once.

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Audi

For Audi, the general recommendation is that the timing belt should be replaced in 6 years or at 80,000 miles (whichever comes first), however there are many different engine configurations for Audi, so it's a good idea to call ahead and ask, or check your owner's manual.  Both Jim Ellis Audi Atlanta and Jim Ellis Audi Marietta are offering discounts on this service!

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Hyundai

Hyundai recommends that models equipped with timing belts should have them replaced after 60,000 miles or after 5 years. Some Hyundais are equipped with gears, instead of belts, and are not included on this schedule, so be sure to contact the Jim Ellis Hyundai service center to find out about your specific model.

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Porsche

Since Porsche cars and SUVs don't have timing belts, Jim Ellis Porsche is participating in this promotion by offering a 20% discount on any other scheduled interval maintenance.

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Volkswagen

Many VW models use gears or timing chains instead of timing belts, so it's best to contact your service advisor to ask about the schedule for your particular model of Volkswagen.  Jim Ellis Volkswagen Atlanta is offering a discount on this service this month!
 
If your brand is not listed here, and you'd like to check on the OEM replacement recommendations for your timing belt, please click here for an online resource.