QuestionWe have a 2004 sonata with 18200 miles, and the service rep said we should have the timing belt replaced because the car is 6 years old. If it needs it that is ok with me. The cost will be around $450.00.
AnswerHi, Donald. The maintenance recommendation for the timing belt in your car is 4 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Both time and mileage are important here, because the belt is made of rubber, which will deteriorate over time as well as flexing (mileage).
If your Sonata has the four cylinder engine, I'd recommend replacing the timing belt right away. The belt on this engine is prone to stripping the teeth off; I've seen many belts fail just outside the time and/or mileage period.
If your Sonata has the V6, you're probably not in imminent danger; I've never even heard of a timing belt breaking on the 2.7L V6. But by the same token, if you wait long enough or drive far enough, it will eventually break. The question is how long it will actually last. At six years, you're at the point where I'd do it if it were my car. But this isn't my car and I'm not the one taking the risk by not doing it. Only you can evaluate whether you wish to take that risk.
