Most timing belts need replacing between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and a belt that breaks on an interference engine can destroy it.
At a Glance
- Belt jobs take 2 to 5 hours on most cars.
- Always replace the water pump with the belt.
- Timing chains can stretch when oil changes get skipped.
- A timing job costs far less than a new engine.
Grade BThis work calls for a Grade B mechanic, Rank III of V on the MechanicRank scale. Repairs across more than one system that need diagnosis, torque specs and a road test.
Our lead technician, Anthony, holds this certification and the MechanicRank Master Mechanic rank. Verify this certificate or the Master rank, and see how MechanicRank grades work.
Timing Belt Service in 71 Seconds
Real Supercanic jobs from across Riverside County. Watch on YouTube.
Timing Belt or Timing Chain?
Your owner manual will say which one your engine uses. Here is how they differ and what each one needs from you.
Timing Belt
Made of rubber with teeth. Quieter but wears out over time. It has to be replaced on schedule. If it breaks on an interference engine, the valves hit the pistons.
Timing Chain
Made of metal links. Built to last the life of the engine if the oil gets changed. When oil changes get skipped, it can stretch and start to rattle.
What's Included in a Timing Service
- Timing belt or chain replacement
- Water pump replacement (recommended)
- Tensioner & idler pulley replacement
- Camshaft & crankshaft seals
- Drive belts inspected & replaced if needed
- Coolant flush if water pump replaced
- Full road test after completion
Worth doing: Replace the water pump with the timing belt. The same belt drives it, and swapping it now costs much less than opening everything up again later.
⚠️ Warning Signs
- Ticking or slapping noise from engine
- Engine won't turn over
- Misfires on multiple cylinders
- Oil pressure warning light
- You're approaching your service interval
Timing Jobs by Vehicle Type
Standard Vehicles
Most Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi models. Belt systems typically 2 to 4 hours.
Trucks & SUVs
Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota. Chain or belt depending on engine. 3 to 6 hours typical.
European Imports
BMW, Audi, VW, Mercedes. These take longer. Some BMW chain jobs run up to 20 hours.
Diesel Engines
Power Stroke, Cummins, Duramax. Timing service often includes gear drive or chain service.
Timing Belt and Chain Service by the Numbers
Older cars break down more. AAA found that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to break down and four times as likely to need a tow. With the average U.S. vehicle now 12.8 years old, many belts on the road are past due.
Read when to replace a timing belt and how we found a stretched timing chain on an Equinox. If a belt already broke, see engine repair.
Supercanic figures come from our own job records, September 2025 to September 2026.
Near Your Timing Belt Mileage
If you are close to the interval or hear a ticking noise, call us. A timing job costs far less than an engine.
Real Timing Jobs
Timing belts and gears exposed on real customer engines. See more of our work →
Timing Belt Service Near You
Pick your city to see the local shop, phone number and what we can do at your place.
- Timing belt service in Hemet
- Timing belt service in San Jacinto
- Timing belt service in Riverside
- Timing belt service in Moreno Valley
- Timing belt service in Menifee
- Timing belt service in Murrieta
- Timing belt service in Perris
- Timing belt service in Temecula
- Timing belt service in Lake Havasu City
- Timing belt service in Hawthorne
- All service areas
Timing Belt and Chain Service Questions
When should a timing belt be replaced?
Most makers call for it between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Your owner manual has the exact number for your engine.
What is the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?
A belt is rubber and must be replaced on schedule. A chain is metal and can last the life of the engine, but it can stretch when oil changes are skipped.
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?
Yes. The same belt drives it on many engines, and it costs far less to replace now than later.
How long does a timing belt job take?
Two to five hours on most cars. Trucks, SUVs and some European engines take longer.