We love our engines
It was a Tuesday morning in February when a 2010 Audi A4 rolled into my bay on a flatbed. The owner—a software engineer who’d bought it used six months earlier—stood there looking like someone just told him his dog died. “It just stopped running on the highway,” he said. I popped the hood, pulled the … Read more
Quick Answer: An interference engine has pistons and valves that occupy the same space at different times. If the timing belt or chain fails, they collide—often destroying the engine. A non-interference engine has clearance, so a broken belt usually just leaves you stranded, not with a wrecked motor. Opening: The Day a Timing Belt Saved … Read more
It was a cold December morning back in 2018, pouring rain on the interstate outside Portland. This young guy pulls into the shop on a flatbed, his 2005 Honda Accord soaked and looking defeated. He tells me he was doing about 65 mph in the fast lane when the engine just quit—no warning, no weird … 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
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: Replacing a timing belt is a complex but doable DIY job for intermediate mechanics. It requires precision, patience, and the right tools. Expect to spend 6-10 hours and save $500-$1,000 compared to a shop. Always replace the water pump, tensioners, and idlers at the same time. Introduction: A Mechanic’s Perspective It was a … Read more
Quick Answer: Timing belts typically need replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles and can cause catastrophic engine damage if they fail. Timing chains last longer but can develop noise and wear issues. Watch for symptoms like ticking noises, oil leaks near the timing cover, or Check Engine lights with cam/crank correlation codes. Opening: The Day Everything Stopped Cold … Read more