What kind of maintenance is required on a timing belt?

Timing belts usually require no maintenance as such, but these belts may need periodic replacement due to wear on some vehicles. Manufacturers consider most modern timing belts as durable for the life of the car, so these belts should never require maintenance beyond periodic inspection or replacement if damaged.

Replacement of timing belts on a regular schedule in vehicles that require periodic replacement is one of the most important services to perform on those automobiles. Though rare, timing belt failures can cause the pistons in the engine cylinder to strike the engine valves, leading to catastrophic engine damage that is often expensive to repair.