Auto Parts: timing belt Sebring 03 Lx, timing belts, long trip

Question
Mike, I have a Sebring 03 Lx. I will reach the 55,000 miles pretty soon. A mechanic told me that I should replace the time belt, he has a lot of experience, but I don't know if is convenient or not. Please give me some advice. I will go for a long trip and I want my car in the best conditions.
Thanks

Answer
    It never hurts to change the belt, at any interval.  But it is a somewhat involved job, more so with a six than a four.  When changing the belt, you should service all of the components behind the belt, such as the water pump.  Some timing belts are designed to last 30,000 miles, others 100,000 miles.  Your owner's manual should have this information in it, or the dealer can tell you.  Changing the belt before the interval won't hurt anything, but it won't help, either.  Timing belts generally last much longer than the interval.