Here’s the thing about timing belts: nobody really thinks about them until it’s too late. You’ll hear people talk about oil changes, new tires, or brake jobs, but ask the average driver when their timing belt was last replaced, and most will shrug. The truth is, this one part quietly does some of the heaviest lifting under your hood, and if it fails, the damage can be catastrophic.

The timing belt keeps your engine’s valves and pistons moving in perfect rhythm. Without it, the entire engine falls out of sync. It’s a bit like riding a bike and suddenly the chain snaps; only instead of just falling over, your entire bike bends and breaks. That’s what a busted timing belt can do to your engine. So how do you know when it’s time for a change? The tricky part is, timing belts don’t always send up big warning flags. Sometimes you might hear a ticking noise from the engine, notice oil leaking at the front of the motor, or feel the car struggle to start. But in many cases, they wear down quietly until one day, snap, and you’re stranded on the side of the road with a massive repair bill.

That’s why following replacement schedules is non-negotiable. Most cars need a new belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. It’s one of those services that feels easy to put off, especially if everything seems fine, but skipping it can cost thousands in engine repairs later. Preventive care here is everything.

At Art of Maintenance, we treat a timing belt replacement as more than just swapping out the belt. We check the water pump, pulleys, and tensioners too, because they all work together to keep your engine running smoothly. Portland, Oregon, drivers count on their vehicles every day, and we make sure you’re not stuck waiting for a tow truck. If you can’t remember the last time your timing belt was replaced, that’s your sign to call us. 

Book your appointment today and let us keep your engine safe before it turns into an expensive problem.