This is one item that must not be compromised on. Broken cam belts quite often wreck otherwise perfectly serviceable engines.
Many, but not all, cars use a toothed belt to drive the camshaft(s). This is what you need to do ...
- Find out if your car does have a cam belt. Check the manufacturer's data or ask a qualified mechanic.
- If your car is fitted with a cam belt, find out the manufacturer's recommended belt-change interval. Check with the dealer's service department for your car.
- Get the belt changed at the recommended intervals.
- If you are uncertain about the service history of the car (as with most Japanese imports), get the belt changed.
- If you are buying a car that has a cam belt, factor a belt change into the price you pay, unless you have very good (documented) evidence the belt has been recently replaced. A cam belt change will cost anything from $200 to $700 depending on the car.
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