Is It Time For a Timing Belt?

Many of you have heard the term - Timing Belt, but may wonder what it means and why it's important.

For Hondas (or any make of vehicle), the timing belt is an integral part of the engine - it controls the timing of the engine's valves. The timing belt itself is a belt with teeth that connect the crankshaft to the camshaft. By doing so, it controls the opening and closing of the valves. When a timing belt is functioning properly, it keeps the vehicle running at the correct timing. When a timing belt breaks, timing is out of sync. This can lead to bent valves and pistons and cause irreparable engine damage.

Since the timing belt is not easily seen when looking under the hood, manufacturers have set intervals or schedules for regular timing belt replacement.

If you own a Honda, here is the recommended mileage schedule for timing belt replacement:

4 Cylinder Hondas

Late 80's - 90,000 miles
1990-1993 - 90,000 miles
1994-1997 - 105,000 miles
1998-2003 - 105,000 miles
2004-2009 - 105,000 miles

V6 Honda Engines - 105,000 miles

What if you're unsure when your timing belt was last changed? Some possible symptoms of a worn timing belt includes loss of power, a rattling noise from the front, and backfire. We encourage everyone to keep careful records of timing belt and other maintenance repairs.

The Import Shop of Merriam, KS offers a timing belt package - a new timing belt, water pump, and change of outer belts. While the water pump (located in the same area as a timing belt) may still be functioning at the time of a timing belt change, the labor will be equally long if the water pump needs to be replaced shortly after. By changing everything at once, you save much money in labor!

When shopping for a used Honda, The Import Shop also recommends asking the owner when the timing belt was last changed.

Call The Import Shop today and make an appointment at (913) 677-2176.

Make The Import Shop Your Honda Shop!