Choosing timing components from AutoNation Parts means investing in the longevity, safety, and efficiency of your vehicle. Our catalog features high-quality, precision-engineered components designed to keep your engine synchronized. Trust our replacement parts to minimize friction, protect complex internal hardware, and keep your engine operating flawlessly.

The easiest way to check is by looking at your engine's front cover. If the cover is made of black plastic, your car likely utilizes a rubber timing belt. If the cover is sealed metal and bolted directly to the engine block, your vehicle uses a metal timing chain lubricated by motor oil. You can also confirm this by inputting your VIN into our Online Vehicle Fitment Tool to view the exact parts specified for your engine.

While they serve the same fundamental purpose—synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft—their construction and locations differ:

• Timing Belts: Made of reinforced synthetic rubber, they run quietly outside the engine. Because rubber degrades, you must routinely replace them. Shop our selection of OEM timing belts.
• Timing Chains: Constructed from robust metal, they run inside the engine and are lubricated by engine oil. They are built to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Explore premium replacement timing chains.

Before a timing component fails completely, you will typically experience one or more of these warning signs:

• A distinct ticking, clicking, or rattling noise coming from the front of the motor.
• Engine misfires, rough idling, or a lit check engine light due to slipped belt teeth or a stretched chain.
• An engine that cranks but won't start, indicating a total loss of mechanical synchronization.
• Visible oil leaks seeping from a cracked or worn engine timing cover or gaskets.
• Loss of power, poor acceleration, or rough performance between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM.

If a timing belt snaps while you are driving, the engine will instantly shut down. In an interference engine (which is common in most modern vehicles), the pistons will continue to move upward and collide violently with the open valves. This results in bent valves, ruined pistons, and destroyed cylinder heads—often requiring a complete engine replacement. Preventative maintenance with genuine OEM engine components is the best way to prevent this catastrophic damage.

Most auto manufacturers recommend replacing your rubber timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (or every 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first). Because environmental heat, road salt, and fluid leaks can degrade rubber quickly, it is important to inspect the belt regularly during scheduled maintenance visits.

Yes, absolutely. On many vehicles, the water pump is driven directly by the timing belt and is located deep behind the timing cover. Because reaching these parts requires removing the entire front of your engine, replacing your worn water pump with a fresh OEM replacement water pump during a timing belt service saves you hundreds of dollars in repeat labor costs.

For a complete, long-lasting repair, you should replace the entire timing kit assembly. This includes installing fresh timing belt tensioners, replacing worn-out idler pulleys to support your drive belt system pulleys, and examining your front crankshaft and camshaft oil seals for leaks.