We love our engines
It was 7:30 AM on a Tuesday in February, coldest day we’d seen in Atlanta that winter. My coffee was still steaming when Mrs. Johnson rolled her ’08 Honda Pilot into the bay, engine clattering like a toolbox down a flight of stairs. “It just started making this noise yesterday,” she said, but I knew … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Nissan models from the late 1990s through early 2000s use a timing belt, but starting around 2002–2004, many switched to timing chains—including the Altima and Maxima. Always verify your engine type before assuming you need a belt replacement. For belt-equipped models like the 1995–2001 Altima (KA24DE or VG30E engines), replacement is critical … Read more
Opening: A Mechanic’s Tale of Timing It was a sweltering July afternoon in the shop, the kind of heat that makes wrenches burn to the touch. A 2005 Hyundai Elantra rolled in, towed behind a flatbed, its engine locked up tighter than a drum. The owner, a college student on a budget, had ignored the … Read more
It was a humid Tuesday morning in July when a customer rolled in with her 2008 Acura MDX—105,000 miles on the clock, immaculate interior, and zero service records. “I just need an oil change,” she said. I popped the hood and immediately saw the original factory timing belt staring back at me through the inspection … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Volkswagen engines with a timing belt require replacement between 80,000–120,000 miles, depending on engine and year. Expect $600–$1,200 at a shop, or $250–$450 DIY if you already own specialty tools. Always confirm the exact interval and torque specs in your factory service manual. It Was 7:15 AM, Cold, and the … Read more
Quick Answer Typical Cost Range: DIY: $200-$400 | Professional: $600-$1,200 Replacement Interval: 60,000-100,000 miles (check your model year) Critical Warning: Interference engine – belt failure = bent valves Opening: The $3,000 Lesson Rain was sheeting down on the shop bay doors that Tuesday morning when Sarah rolled in with her 2008 Mazda 3. “It’s making … Read more
It was 7:15 on a Tuesday morning in early March, the kind of cold that makes your knuckles crack just looking at a wrench. A customer had towed in his wife’s 2013 Ford Escape, convinced the engine was toast. The tow truck driver and I both knew the sound before we popped the hood—that distinctive, … Read more
Quick Answer For most Subaru models with the 2.5L engine (1996-2012/2014 for non-turbo), the subaru timing belt replacement interval is every 105,000 miles or 10 years. Because Subaru 2.5L engines are interference engines, a snapped belt will cause catastrophic engine damage, bending valves instantly. Professional replacement typically costs between $900 and $1,500, while a DIY … Read more
Quick Answer: Most manufacturers recommend replacing your timing belt between 60,000 and 105,000 miles, or every 5 to 7 years—whichever comes first. However, exact timing belt replacement interval varies significantly by make, model, and engine. Always consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to avoid catastrophic engine failure. The $3,200 Lesson I’ll Never Forget … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Toyota Camrys from 2002 onward (all 4-cylinder models) and 2007 onward (V6 models) use a timing chain that typically lasts the life of the engine with proper maintenance. Older models (1990-2001 4-cylinder and 1990-2006 V6) have a timing belt that must be replaced every 90,000-100,000 miles, or sooner under severe conditions. Always … Read more