How old does a Civic have to be before changing timing belt?

RIZADOS

MEMBER
HONDA CIVIC

I have a 2000 Honda Civic EX that has 76,654 miles on it. Lately, the car has been getting lousy mileage (28mpg instead of 35-37mpg), and when I took it to the dealer (it is still under warantee), the dealer said that it was because my timing belt needed to be replaced. Now, while I know that timing belts eventually need to be replaced, I thought that a timing belt was either good or it wasn't (they don't stretch enough, so they either work or they break), so I didn't think that could contribute to the crappy mileage. They said that since the car was six years old, the timing belt had to be replaced, despite the car only having 76K on it (the recommended replacement is around 105K). Of course, this isn't covered under the warantee.

First, would the timing belt have anything to do with the mileage? Do you think there would be other contributing factors that could be the problem?

Second, at 6 years old, should I be getting the timing belt replaced anyway, due to the risk of dry rot (although I would think they could inspect that first to tell you if it needed replacement), or could it hold out for another year?

1 Reply

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

My two cents worth. They like the service work and want your money. I don't want to tell you not to replace the belt. They do go and when they do they cause other serious problems, but you seem to know enough to know that they will not cause a drop in mileage and there is a very good chance the belt will last another year. As well, there are other mechanics that are good and will not charge what you will be charged at the dealership for the belt work.

As for your mileage, wires, cap, rotor, plugs, etc. In other words a good tune-up would be my recommendation. Have them look at timing. Replace the air cleaner. Look at the PCV valve, etc.