Q&A

Dear Anonymous,
I'm not a mechanic or anything, just a regular jane with a '94 Camry that is closing in on 200thou. I don't think it's really possible to tell when a timing belt needs to be replaced. I replace per the manual every 60,000 miles. Having a belt break is not something I want to experience! Good Luck!
Spock

This is something you cold never tell that is why the dealer gives you a specific time to replace your timing belt that should be at 60,000 miles

use the service schedule. There is a way but do not use it as a tell all. If your timing is out of specification, this usually means that your belt has stretched. It can also indicate other wear

All the above answers are the best to go by-some tell tale signs? hard starts,sluggish acceleration,rough idle. The belt is what keeps the crankshaft and valves working in a timely manner so that the proper timing of the spark is also maintained. As your belt wears-usually streach-the valve timing is late causing the above as well as poor fuel mileage too. Although the labor cost may be high the cost of the belt itself is around $40-a cheap fix compared to the towing cost and inconvience if and when you get stranded in possible 20 below temp conditions.