Dear Mike,
I have a 2012 Toyota Camry with 90,000 miles on it. I recently got a quote from my local dealership for a timing belt replacement and it seems quite pricey. I was wondering if it’s really necessary to replace the timing belt at this point, or can I wait a bit longer? What are the consequences of delaying the replacement?
Thanks,
Graham
Dear Graham,
First of all, let me start by congratulating you on reaching the 90,000-mile mark on your Toyota Camry! That’s a pretty impressive feat, and I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of adventures on the road with that trusty vehicle of yours.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of your question. Timing belts are indeed an important component of any engine, and they need to be replaced at certain intervals to ensure that everything keeps running smoothly. If you’ve been told by your dealership that it’s time to replace your timing belt, then it’s probably a good idea to follow their advice.
You see, timing belts are responsible for keeping the camshaft and crankshaft in sync with each other, which is essential for the engine to run properly. If the timing belt fails, which can happen if it is not replaced at the recommended intervals, it can cause severe damage to the engine, which can be very costly to repair. In fact, the entire engine may need to be replaced in some cases.
So, while it may be tempting to delay the replacement of your timing belt, it’s really not worth the risk. Trust me, you don’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road with a car that won’t start, or worse, with a hefty repair bill.
Now, I understand that the cost of a timing belt replacement may seem a bit pricey, but it’s important to keep in mind that this is a crucial maintenance task that needs to be done. As you mentioned in your email, dealerships and aftermarket service providers may have different recommendations on what components need to be replaced along with the timing belt, but I agree with the latter’s approach. Replacing the whole component kit along with the belt ensures that your engine components are all new and can provide you with hassle-free driving for miles to come.
In fact, if you think about it, replacing the timing belt and component kit will still be much less expensive than having to replace the entire engine due to a failed belt.
So, Graham, to sum it up, don’t delay the replacement of your timing belt. It’s an important component in your engine and needs to be replaced at the recommended intervals to ensure that everything keeps running smoothly. And while it may seem pricey, it’s worth the investment to avoid a major repair bill down the road.
Thanks for writing in, and happy driving!
Best regards,
Mike Urban
Founder, Urban Automotive