A timing belt (or cambelt) runs through a series of pulleys with belt tensioners. The belt is made of rubber and reinforced with steel wire. There is no metal-on-metal contact, so lubrication isn’t necessary.

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The timing belt is the newer version of the timing chain. Timing belts operate much more quietly than timing chains. They’re also stronger than timing chains. If your timing belt did snap, it would be far less likely to damage your engine than a timing chain. A broken timing belt has a far less costly impact than a broken timing chain.

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Timing chains were manufactured long before timing belts. Older cars are likely to have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Timing chains are typically so long-lasting that they often outdo the lifetime of the car. Most timing chains will cover you for up to 200,000 miles.

However, car manufacturers replaced timing chains with timing belts for a reason. If your timing chain does break, it will fill your engine with tiny pieces of chain and most likely cause severe damage to your engine. If your timing chain snaps, you’ll probably need a new engine. At this point, you might as well replace the whole car.

You should have your timing chain or timing belt replaced before it becomes so old that it’s likely to snap and cause further, more expensive damage. If in doubt, have a mechanic check the condition of your timing chain/belt.

A timing chain looks a bit like a bike chain and can be lubricated with engine oil. Tensioners controlled by oil pressure in the engine hold the timing chain in place. If the oil pressure is low, the chain tensioners can lose pressure and offset engine timing.

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However, your car will only use one of these components, a timing belt (also known as a cambelt) or a timing chain. So, what is the difference between timing chains and timing belts?

Though lots of people use the terms ‘timing belt’ and ‘timing chain’ interchangeably, these are different car parts. Considering timing belts and timing chains as the same is a common misconception because both parts play the same role in an engine: both synchronise the camshaft and crankshaft’s rotations.

As timing belts feed through a series of pulleys and tensioners, it’s a good idea to replace the pulleys and tensioners at the same time as your timing belt. Find replacement timing chain and timing belt kits specifically for your model by searching your number plate in our car lookup tool.

However, wear and tear does affect timing belts more than timing chains. Most timing belts last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. It’s important to check the condition of your timing belt during your self-services to catch any signs of damage early.