When it comes to considering the condition of used cars, there are some pretty obvious things to consider. We’re referring to things like the condition of the body and undercarriage, the condition of the brakes and tires, the effectiveness of the charging system, and the performance of the vehicle’s transmission. When it comes to higher mileage used vehicles — especially vehicles with over 100,000 kilometres on them — though, there’s one more very specific factor to consider: the timing belt or chain.
What is the timing belt or chain?
First, the timing belt is not the same thing as the serpentine or drive belt that you’ll see winding its way through your engine and connecting your generator, power steering system and air conditioning system. The timing belt or chain is a separate part of your engine that connects your vehicle’s crankshaft to your camshaft. A timing belt that is working properly controls the opening and closing of the valves in your engine. In some vehicles, it may also control your oil and water pump. What will happen if your timing belt breaks? That’s an easy question: Your engine won’t work.
If it breaks while you’re driving, the answer is a lot worse: In some vehicles (vehicles with an “interference fit” engine), a broken timing belt may leave some of your engine valves in an open position suddenly, where they can be struck by your engine’s pistons. That is a recipe for extreme damage to your engine, including broken or bent valves, destroyed pistons and even a destroyed cylinder head or engine block. In short, a broken timing belt is always bad news.
What to do about your timing belt?
The first thing to do about your potential new-to-you timing belt if you’re considering a higher-mileage vehicle is to determine if your car has a timing belt or chain. You should be able to find this information in the ownership manual. If not, ask your dealer or trusted mechanic. The distinction is important for this simple reason. While manufacturers don’t specify a recommended interval for replacing a timing chain, they do recommend that a timing belt be changed at specified intervals. Typically, that interval is at approximately 96,000 kilometres (60,000 miles) to 168,000 kilometres (105,000 miles).
Replacing a timing belt is an expensive procedure. It may cost $1,000 to $2,000. Not replacing a timing belt can be even more expensive considering the damage that a broken timing belt can cause. If you’re going to buy used cars in Calgary with higher mileage, your best case scenario is to do so after the timing belt has been changed on schedule. If the vehicle you’re looking at is past the recommended interval for replacing its timing belt but the timing belt has not been replaced, be warned that you’re facing a potentially significant risk.
Faced with that risk, consider alternative vehicles with lower mileage or a timing belt that has already been replaced. Alternatively, consider asking the dealer selling that used car in Calgary to replace the timing belt (and to complete any other recommended maintenance) before completing the sale. In a further alternative, negotiate a significant adjustment to the purchase price to cover your cost of replacing the timing belt as soon as you purchase the car.
There is no single factor that determines what care is right for you, not even mileage. Having said that, high-mileage cars present unique risks along with interesting possibilities. Ensure that your used car dealership informs and educates you about those risks.