How to Find Out if Your Car Has a Timing Chain or Timing Belt

All manual vehicles have a timing belt (also known as a cambelt) or timing chain. It's easy to find out which one your car has - this guide explains how.

Contents

What's the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?

How to tell if your car has a timing belt or chain

Does my car have a cambelt or timing chain?

How often do timing chains and belts need replacing?

How much does it cost to replace a timing chain or belt?

In a nutshell: You can find out if your car has a timing chain or timing belt by checking your owner's manual, which will also provide a recommended replacement interval for the part.

What's the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?

Timing belts and chains perform the same function - controlling the engine's timing so that the valves and cylinders open and close at the right time. Learn more about how an engine works in this guide.

However, there are two key differences between them: what they are made of and where they are located. A timing chain is made of metal, so it tends to last a lot longer. It is housed in the engine and lubricated with engine oil.

A timing belt is typically made of reinforced rubber, which can stretch and crack with old age. It is found outside the engine and is usually quieter than a timing chain.

How to tell if your car has a timing belt or chain

The easiest way to find out which timing component your car has is to check your owner's manual. If you've lost it or don't have access to it, the other option is to have a look in the engine bay.

Cars with a timing belt have a plastic cover near the engine block (often to the left-hand side), which provides easy access to the belt. It needs changing at regular intervals, which is why the removable cover is necessary.

In cars with a timing chain, you won't see a plastic cover. There is no easy access to the engine block - it has a sealed metal cover for two reasons. Firstly, the timing chain needs to be lubricated with engine oil, which must be sealed into the system, and secondly, the chain needs to be replaced far less often than a belt.

Does my car have a cambelt or a timing chain?

Vehicles that have a timing chain instead of a cambelt include:

• All BMWs since 1993

• Dacia Sandero

• Suzuki Swift

• MINI Clubman (2016 onward)

• MINI Hatch (2014 onward)

• Toyota Prius

• Toyota Yaris

• Volkswagen Touareg

How often do timing chains and belts need replacing?

The owner's manual for your car will tell you the manufacturer-recommended replacement interval for the timing belt or chain. Generally:

• Timing belts need replacing every 40,000 to 100,000 miles.

• Timing chains need replacing every 80,000 to 120,000 miles. However, some may last 200,000 miles or more with the right care.

Is my timing belt bad?

Signs of a worn or faulty timing belt include:

• Rough idling

• Misfiring engine

• Car won't start

• Squealing noise

Is my timing chain bad?

• Misfiring engine

• Rattling noise

• Check engine light

• Lack of power

• Car won't start

How much does it cost to replace a timing chain or timing belt?

The average price of a timing belt replacement is £470.90, according to FixMyCar's data, and for a timing chain replacement, you can expect to pay £988.20.

The tables below show how prices vary between manufacturers.

Timing chains are more expensive to replace because they are harder to access, requiring more labour.

Is it time for your car's timing belt or chain to be replaced? FixMyCar can help you find a reliable local garage to get the job done.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

• How much does it cost to replace a cambelt?

• What happens when your cambelt is replaced?

• How does a car engine work?

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