The timing belt is a heavy duty rubber belt with evenly spaced teeth reinforced by a centre core of cord material; it turns the camshaft to insure the timely opening and closing of the valves to maximize the performance of your engine. If the timing belt slips or breaks, the valves could hit the pistons on some engines (called interference engines), causing extensive damage to the engine, or even requiring a brand new engine altogether.

Timing belts are made so that they won't stretch, and therefore seldom need adjustments; yet, they do wear out. When replacing the timing belt, it is usually a good idea to change the water pump, tensioners and pulleys as well. All three last about as long and are located in the same area; having them replaced at the same time will represent major savings on labour costs for you.

Along with the timing belt, water pump, and tensioners, all gaskets, pulleys, camshaft seals need to be replaced.