Hyundai Repair: timing belt, timing belts, timing belt

Question
i have a 2001 two door sonata.  to be brief, i took it in for servicing--i'm having a problem with the brakes which i'm being told need to be replaced. however, i'm now told i need a timing belt. this dealer says the timing belt is usually replaced every four years on hyundai and i'm actually past due.  i only have 18,000 miles on the car.  does this sound right? thank you

Answer
Actually, what your dealer has told you is indeed Hyundai's recommended maintenance.  The timing belt is scheduled to be replaced every 4 years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first.  Becuause the timing belt is made with rubber, it will deteriorate with age as well as use.

If you have the 2.5 liter V6, I'm not overly concerned.  I've never actually seen one of these timing belts strip or break.  By the same token, the longer you wait, the more likely failure becomes.

If you have the 2.4L four cylinder, you're on borrowed time.  I've seen many of these fail close to the recommended maintenance interval.  In this case, I'd strongly recommend replacing the timing belt as soon as possible.