2005 with less than 40,000 miles timing belt question

[joalesh]

I have owned it since day one. It currently has less than 40,000 miles on it.

I know the recommended time to change the timing belt is around 60,000 miles.

My questions is, since I have less than 40,000 miles on it but the car is now 6 years old, would you recommend changing the timing belt now or do you think it would be ok to go to 60,000 miles. I only drive it about 20 miles round trip per day so I don't really put a lot of miles on it.

Any help or recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[petrified.rabbit]

i think the simpler answer is change it, but you could really check the condition of the belt, age is a lot different than wear, the rubber would start being harder and more plastic like, the edges would/could be dry rotting, discoloration etc.

odds are after 6 years of idling in traffic, versus 60k miles of open road driving, the belt has the same amount of usage anyhow.

[joalesh]

Yes, that's what I was thinking as well about the age vs mileage. I just want to make sure I don't have a blow out of the timing belt.

Thanks for the answer.

[Barina2009]

I am a new member of the forum and was hoping for some info. My Barina was purchased new in 2009 (3 door auto 1.6). It has done 34,500 km (about 21,562 miles). My Holden dealer, at the 4 year mark in 2012, as per the service book only changed the timing belt and none of the other ancillary items such as water pump, tensioner pulley, etc. I've read on the net in many places that all items in the "timing belt kit" should be replaced at the same time. The service department here in Australia probably only have instruction to check the condition of the water pump etc while the timing belt is changed. Should I be concerned with the kilometres I drive or don't worry and just have it done at the 8 year mark when the timing belt is next due for replacement? I'm really worried about this.

[joalesh]

Just had the timing belt, water pump, etc changed with a local mechanic. The car seemed to drive a lot better. He showed me the timing belt and said that it was worn, especially the teeth. Got the parts myself and with their labor, was about $350. Not bad. The car has about 50,550 miles on it. Glad I've gotten it taken care of!