If you own a car, knowing about routine maintenance and essential components is important. Most people know about things like changing the oil and rotating the tires, both of which are crucial parts of vehicle upkeep. 

However, there are lesser-known aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance and repair schedule that are just as important. The timing belt or chain on your car is responsible for its most basic operation and if it isn’t in good shape, you could end up with serious problems. 

All cars have either a timing belt or timing chain, which helps create the ignition spark that powers your engine. If you are having issues with your vehicle’s engine or it is not running as smoothly as it should be, this could have something to do with the timing. 

Understanding everything you can about your vehicle’s timing belt or timing chain can help you recognize when there is a problem and get it fixed as soon as possible so you can safely get back on the road. 

### Differences Between Timing Belts and Timing Chains

To connect these two components, your car will either have a rubber timing belt or a metal timing chain. Most vehicles will have a timing belt if they are mid-range or lower cars that aren’t necessarily built for performance. Meanwhile, a timing chain is metal and is designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle. 

For many years, timing chains were used in high-performance-type engines that needed spot-on timing to perform at the highest level. However, due to their durability and accuracy, timing chains are becoming more common. 

At some point, a rubber timing belt will have to be replaced and it can stretch or warp fairly easily, which can cause timing issues with the vehicle. Because of this, many automakers are starting to make the move to timing chains on newer cars no matter how cheap or expensive they may be. 

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### How Long Do Timing Belts and Chains Last?

If your car has a rubber timing belt, it will most likely need to be replaced every 100,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits and how much you are using the vehicle, the lifespan of the belt may be shorter or longer. The timing belt tensioner may also have to be replaced as this is the component that keeps the belt in place and it can wear out as well. The replacement interval of the belt depends on many different factors, so there is no hard and fast answer to when you will need a new timing belt. 

If your car has a timing chain, you will most likely never have to replace it. Chains are much more high-quality and they are meant to last for the entire lifespan of the car. On top of this, they also require a lot more work if you have to replace them, so they are designed to stay in good shape for many miles. Usually, if something goes wrong with your timing chain, it will be because you did not properly maintain the vehicle. 

### Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt or Chain 

If your vehicle’s timing belt or chain is starting to wear out or has become misaligned, you must get it fixed as soon as possible. There are quite a few warning signs that will tell you there is a problem with your vehicle’s timing. While this won’t always mean that it is an issue with the belt or chain, that would be a good place to start, especially if you have a neoprene or polyurethane belt that has been on your vehicle for over 100,000 miles. 

__Rattling Sound:__
A rattling sound when your engine is running could be a sign that the belt or chain has fallen off or broken. If you have a timing chain, the rattling could be loose car parts inside the engine that are now floating around within the cylinder head. Any time you are hearing a significant rattle inside your engine, it is a good idea to get it inspected right away before driving it any further. 

__Misfiring Engine:__
The most common sign that you have a bad timing belt or chain is a misfiring engine. An engine misfire will usually present itself as a rough feeling when the engine is running or the car may take longer to accelerate than usual. While a misfire could be caused by things like bad spark plugs, a faulty idler pulley, or several other issues, it is best to check the timing mechanism and make sure it isn’t causing damage to the engine. 

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__Engine Won’t Turn Over:__
If your timing belt or chain has completely failed, the engine’s valves won’t open, which will keep the car from turning over at all. If your car won’t start and you have checked the starting components like the alternator, battery, and starter, the timing system is a good place to look next. If the belt is broken or has stretched, it most likely won’t be able to get the engine running when you turn the key. 

__Oil Leaks:__
If your vehicle has significant oil leaks in the front section of the engine, this could be a sign that there is an issue with the chain or belt. The components that turn the belt or chain could have come loose and the bolts holding them in will leak oil. Check under your car periodically to make sure it is not losing oil on a regular basis. 

### What Does it Cost to Replace a Timing Belt or Chain? 

If your timing belt has failed, it is crucial that you get it replaced as soon as possible. A timing belt replacement is not something that you should be doing yourself as it requires specialized tools and equipment as well as experience. The cost of a new timing belt kit and a replacement will usually be somewhere between $300 and $500 depending on how accessible the belt is in the engine compartment. 

A timing chain is generally much more complicated to replace than a belt. Just like with the belt, it is a very precise process and needs to be done by a professional. On top of that, it is also much more labor intensive and usually requires a teardown of the front portion of the engine. Replacing the timing chain will cost somewhere between $1,600 and $1,800. 

### What Does a Timing Belt Do? 

The process of firing the spark plugs in your engine is accomplished by the camshaft opening and closing the exhaust valves and intake valves in the engine block. The crankshaft moves the pistons up and down and the timing belt connects these two components. If the belt is loose or isn’t properly aligned, this essential process won’t happen at the correct time and you could have serious problems with the way your engine runs. 

If your car has a timing belt, it will most likely be located on the exterior of the engine on the right or left of the transmission. Most of the time, it will have a plastic cover over it to protect it from dust and debris that comes off the road into the engine compartment. 

### What Does a Timing Chain Do? 

A timing chain does the same thing that a timing belt does. It connects the camshaft and crankshaft so the fuel and air mixture can be ignited when the piston is in the correct position. The chain will connect the pulleys with specially-designed sprockets and ensure that the valves are opened at the correct intervals. A timing chain will be much more durable than a belt and won’t cause belt failure in your car’s engine like a belt break will. 

The timing chain is usually located inside the vehicle’s engine and is lubricated with your vehicle’s engine oil. This means that if your car has a timing chain, it is essential that you stay on top of your routine oil changes. Not doing so can cause the chain to seize, which can cause serious engine damage with a very high replacement cost. 

### How to Tell Whether Your Car Has a Timing Belt or Chain

The easiest way to tell if your vehicle has a timing belt or chain is to take a look under the hood. If your car has a belt, it will be covered by a plastic timing belt cover to the left or right of the transmission. You will have to take this cover off if you need to do a timing belt replacement because your vehicle has experienced a timing belt failure. 

If you do not see a plastic timing belt cover in your vehicle’s engine compartment, this usually means that it has a timing chain. Timing chains don’t stretch or break so you won’t have to worry about replacing them like you would with a broken timing belt. All you have to do is stay on top of your car maintenance and make sure you get regular oil changes according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

### What is Vehicle Timing? 

Your vehicle’s timing is the interval between the spark plugs creating ignition in the engine’s cylinder. The timing in your engine has to be perfectly set to get the most efficient operation out of the ignition process. The spark plug must make a spark when the piston reaches what is called the top dead center point in the cylinder. 

When this spark happens, it ignites the fuel and air mixture inside the cylinder and pushes the piston. If the timing in your vehicle is off, the engine can misfire and cause problems with the interior components and even warp the cylinder. This is why timing is so important for your engine’s condition and your safety when you are behind the wheel. A misfiring engine can break down and leave you stranded and could even result in a need for a replacement, which will be thousands of dollars. 

### Final Thoughts

Your vehicle’s timing is one of the most important parts of its operation. If your timing belt or chain fails, it will not only prevent the engine from working correctly, but it may also cause serious damage. Knowing everything you can about the auto parts that control the timing will help you keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent expensive repairs. 

Your vehicle's timing belt or timing chain is one of the most critical parts of its engine; if they fail, they can ruin your engine. But how do you know which one your car has and when should you replace it? Our guide explains everything.

Timing Belt & Chain: What's the Difference, What Do They Do, What Do They Cost to Replace?

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