QuestionQUESTION: The Hyundai dealership tells me I have to replace the timing belt at $550 or it could break and ruin my engine. I have 76,000 miles on the car (bought used with 60,000 on it). My son says I don't need to do this because I am so easy on the car when driving. I really don't want to opt to stick $ in the car when it is already 7 years old. Do I need to do this? Thank you.
ANSWER: The recommended maintenance interval on the timing belt is 4 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Because it is made of rubber, it will deteriorate over time as well as flexing (running the engine). If it isn't replaced, it will eventually fail. When this occurs is hard to say, but obviously the longer you drive the car without replacement, the greater the chance it will fail. If it does fail, it will almost certainly cause major engine damage.
Whether you should invest in a new belt is of course a decision you'll need to make based on your own risk assessment and analysis. If you plan on keeping the car for a long period of time, I'd definitely recommend replacement. If you're planning on replacing the car in the near future, then this isn't such a clear decision.
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QUESTION: Is the timing belt 60,000 mile change peculiar to Hyundai Elantra's only? Is it built to deteriorate after this many miles? I ask because I have never had this warning with any other car I have owned and have talked to owners of other Hyundai models and years and they have not been told to replace the timing belt and they are over 60,000. I am trying to figure out if I should just get rid of this car. My son who is quite mechanically gifted says that fixing something that isn't broken can cause other problems particularly when so much of the engine has to be taken apart in order to reach the timing belt. Thanks
ANSWER: This is the same maintenance interval as for any Hyundai model year 2005 or earlier. Beginning in 2006, some models used a timing chain (which does not require periodic replacement), and others had a different interval for belt replacement. Any vehicle which uses a timing belt has a recommend replacement interval, and this interval may or may not be 60,000 miles. Each different vehicle manufacturer devises their own maintenance recommendations.
If the idea of having to do this maintenance every four years or 60,000 miles troubles you, then you need to weigh your options. Consider the cost of this periodic maintenance versus the cost of another vehicle and the cost of replacing its timing belt (if equipped) at the interval specified by its manufacturer.
Regular scheduled maintenance consists exclusively of fixing things that aren't broken for the specific purpose of preventing them from breaking. This includes changing your oil, replacing your spark plugs, replacing the coolant, changing the air filter, etc. In most cases, when comparing the cost of the preventive maintenance to the expected repairs if a failure occurs due to not performing the maintenance, the cost of repair is significantly greater. The belt isn't specifically designed to break, but by the same token, because it's rubber, its lifespan is limited.
Very little of the engine needs to be taken apart to replace the timing belt. A motor mount, the drive belts, the water pump pulleys, the crankshaft pulley, and the timing belt covers must be removed. A competent mechanic should be able to do this job easily, efficiently, and reliably.
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QUESTION: My hesitation is because the dealership states the change of belt cost is $550 which seems high to me. I appreciate your informative reply and will be able now to make a more informed decision. Thank you!
This may never get to you--your anti-spam is too cryptic--I am going on 5th try! Make that 6th now
AnswerIf you're in an area where prices are high, $550 is probably about the norm for dealer pricing. If you know of a *reputable and competent* shop, feel free to do the job there. My only caveat is that they use the factory belt or one made by a known reputable manufacturer such as Dayco, Gates, or Goodyear. On the other hand, if you're indeed going to a reputable and competent shop, I'd expect they'd be using good quality parts.
My apologies regarding the anti-spam. Unfortunately, it's part of the website, so I have no control over it.
