Timing Chain vs Timing Belt: Understand the Key Differences
Honda vehicles continue to maintain a stellar reputation for reliability and durability thanks to proven engineering and innovative design features that help them go the distance. As such, it’s not likely that you’ll have to worry about major repairs or services for many years to come once you drive off the lot in a new Honda vehicle. However, the simple fact is that all vehicles require routine maintenance along with certain major services after certain mileage intervals have been reached. One such major service you’ve probably heard mentioned is “timing chain” or “timing belt” service.
What’s the difference between timing belt and timing chain service? Both of these components play a critical role in how your engine performs on a daily basis along with contributing to its longevity. Our team of service experts at Germain Honda of Naples has assembled this informative guide that covers all you need to know about timing belts, timing chains, and the role they play in keeping the engine of your Honda vehicle running smoothly.
What is Engine Timing and How Does it Work?
A total of four strokes are involved in the combustion process of an automotive internal combustion engine. These include intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust strokes. Throughout this cycle, the engine’s camshaft rotates once while the crankshaft rotates twice. Working in harmony, the camshaft and crankshaft rotations are known as the “mechanical timing” of the engine. To run smoothly, the timing must be precise in order to maintain the movement of the valves and pistons contained in the engine’s cylinders. Both timing chains and timing belts are responsible for synchronizing the rotations of the engine and operate in a similar fashion. We’ll cover the key differences between them in greater detail below.
Timing Belts and Timing Chains – Differences & Similarities
Timing Chains
Just like how a bicycle chain functions, timing chains operate in a similar fashion. These chains include tensioners to keep them in place using oil pressure from inside the engine. Advantages of timing chains include greater durability along with a longer lifespan compared to a timing belt. It’s common for many manufacturers to claim that a timing chain is meant to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Disadvantages of timing chains include the fact that they’re subject to catastrophic failure in the event that your engine suffers from reduced or a total loss of oil pressure. Once they fail, your engine could suffer major damage. Popular models like the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V are equipped with timing chains.
Timing Belts
First debuting in the 1960s, timing belts have one key advantage over timing chains – smooth operating. Despite how much quieter they operate, they’re also more susceptible to wear and failure over time. Most manufacturers suggest that timing belts be serviced or replaced at intervals that range between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A network of tensioning pulleys is used to maintain tension on the timing belt at all times. In most instances, your engine’s water pump should be replaced simultaneously with a timing belt as they’re expected to have similar lifespans. The majority of current Honda vehicles are now equipped with timing belts as opposed to timing chains.
Timing Belt and Timing Chain Maintenance Explained
The best thing you can do to stay on top of timing chain or timing belt maintenance is to simply follow the factory-recommended maintenance schedule for your Honda vehicle. Whether you refer to your owner’s manual or consult with one of our friendly and knowledgeable service experts here at Germain Honda of Naples, make sure you keep this recommended replacement interval in mind. Delaying or putting off timing belt or timing chain replacement could put your engine at risk while also leaving you stranded at an inconvenient time. We’re standing by to answer all of your questions related to timing belt or timing chain replacements so you can drive with complete confidence.
What Happens If I Don’t Change My Timing Belt or Chain?
Don’t delay having your timing belt or timing chain replaced as the end result could be quite catastrophic. Left alone, timing belts will eventually wear out and break suddenly when starting or shutting down your engine. The reason is due to the fact that both start-ups and shut-downs are situations where the tension on the belt is the most extreme. Once the belt fails, your engine could suffer from destroyed pinions, bent connecting rods, destroyed guide values, or bent values. No matter which components are damaged, you’re likely looking at an extensive repair bill or a total engine replacement.
Similarly, timing chains can fail in much the same way. If you’re lucky and the chain breaks at a low engine speed, it might slide off its intended position and only cause minor damage. However, at high RPMs, a timing chain failure will almost certainly cause catastrophic engine failure. Stay on top of both timing belt and timing chain maintenance and enjoy many more years of worry-free driving with your Honda vehicle!