On Autobutler we have researched the average price of getting the timing belt replaced on a Mazda. The price includes all quotes that were given to Mazda owners and is also an average price for all the Mazda car models.
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Get the timing belt replaced in time
The car's timing belt is one of the most important parts of the engine. It is the timing belt that make the camshaft and crankshaft in the engine to rotate with timing.
Some cars are not equipped with a timing belt, but are equipped with a timing chain instead. A timing chain usually lasts a longer time (the car’s lifetime), but if it becomes worn, it is typically discovered through a jarring noise from the engine.
Through wear, the chain may also become too long, and this is noticed since the car has an uneven running of the engine.
Some newer cars are equipped with a warning light that lets you know that something is wrong. If the warning light lights up on the dashboard, you should immediately stop the car and have it towed to a garage.
Cars with timing belts
Back to cars with timing belts. To replace the timing belt on your car can be a relatively expensive affair. As a result, many car owners also put off the repair a little longer than they should.
In your Mazda's service book, the manufacturer states the recommended time one may continue driving the car before the belt needs to be changed.
On newer cars, it is up to 200,000 km. At the same time, it is also stated as a rule that the belt for instance should not be more than 5-10 years old.
This means that you may actually risk having to change the timing belt on your Mazda before it has driven 200,000 km. It is also important to understand that the instructions should be understood as at the ‘very latest, and preferably before’.
How often should the timing belt on a Mazda be changed?
It is important that you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines, but at the same time it is also important that you discuss this with your mechanic when your Mazda is being serviced is being serviced. Sometimes manufacturers change their recommendations, and garages are always up-to-date on these matters.
The belt should never look worn or have frayed edges. This is a definite sign that the belt is ready to be replaced. If you do not get it changed in time, you run the risk of it snapping while driving and thereby damaging the engine seriously.
The reason it is not cheap to replace the timing belt is because part of the engine has to be disassembled. The task requires that the mechanic removes both the generator and water pump, and if these parts are also worn out, the garage will replace them simultaneously.
Let your mechanic replace the timing belt
It is even possible to replace the timing belt oneself, but it is one of the tasks that is not recommended to get started on unless you are 100 percent certain of how the job is done. The job can be messy and if mistakes are made, you risk having to buy a new engine for your Mazda.
Because the replacement of the timing belt requires that parts of the engine need to be taken apart, the garages will provide various estimates on how long it takes. Therefore it is also a good idea to check the individual offers and see how many hours it will take the mechanic before the new belt is in place.
Newly purchased used car - make sure to have the timing belt replaced
It is important that from time to time to keep an eye on the car's timing belt or at least make sure that your mechanic does it.
Once the timing belt snaps, it can cause serious damage to the engine.
If you consider to purchase a used car, make sure to have the seller state when the timing belt was last replaced. The best thing in connection with the purchase is to have the previous owner replace the timing belt. This way you avoid ending up in a sad dispute if the belt should snap shortly after you have acquired the used car.
