Why Is It Important to Have the Timing Belt in My Volkswagen Vehicle Changed?

If your Volkswagen vehicle is equipped with a timing belt rather than a timing chain, it’s absolutely essential that you have it changed before it breaks. The timing belt lets the valves open and close exactly when they should by synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft. If a timing belt breaks, a piston can hit a valve, damaging the engine beyond repair. Timing belt replacement isn’t the cheapest service, but it costs much less than a new engine or a new car.

How Can I Tell When the Timing Belt Needs to be Replaced?

The timing belt itself is buried deep within the engine; a visual inspection would require the engine to be completely disassembled--which is expensive and time-consuming. Because inspection is impractical, Volkswagen technicians rely on mileage intervals to let them know when the timing belt should be replaced. These mileage intervals have been proven to be reliable time after time, and they’re set on the low end of the expected failure window. Nevertheless, it’s best not to take a risk with things like the timing belt: if your VW is approaching the recommended mileage interval, schedule an appointment soon.