There are currently four ways the valves (intake and exhaust) are synchronized with the crank angle of the engine – Timing belt, timing chain, timing gear, and freevalve.
Timing gear is something you find in a Ferrari Enzo while freevalve is a technology by Koenigsegg.
For most normal cars, they are usually using either a timing belt or a timing chain.
And in Malaysia, Proton and Perodua preferably use timing belts and timing chains respectively.
Freevalve by Koenigsegg doesn’t even need a camshaft
Does it actually matter if a car uses a timing belt/timing chain?
I’ll get straight to the point. Both of them can fail. But timing chains just generally last longer. That’s it.
What is the difference in service/replacement interval of timing belts vs timing chains?
Timing chains generally have a longer replacement interval than timing belts.
As listed on Proton’s website, A Proton X50 requires a timing belt replacement at 110,000km.
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The Proton X50 requires a timing belt replacement at 110,000 km
For a Perodua Ativa, however, the timing chain service interval is not mentioned as the schedule only goes up to 100,000 km, and supposed repeats itself. However, timing chains do tend to last up to 200,000 km with proper care.
Are there any performance gains with timing chains?
No.
Can I upgrade from timing belt to timing chain?
No. Engines are designed from the ground up either to use timing belts or timing chains.
Are timing belts bad then?
No, they are not. They just have a shorter replacement interval.
How can timing belts fail?
They can snap, or wear out.
A snapped timing belt. Photo: VWT4forum
Are timing chains free from maintenance?
No, they are not. They eventually loosen and the gear sprockets wear out. Like timing belts, they too can snap, albeit at a lower risk.
When timing chains wear out/loosen, they might skip a gear tooth and cause the engine to not run right.
Timing chains require lubrication and they are usually lubricated by the engine oil itself.
Timing chains can snap too, albeit at lower risk. Notice that timing chains require lubrication by the engine oil. Photo
What happens if a timing belt/timing chain snaps?
Most modern engines are interference engines. That means the valves and piston are in close proximity and occupy the same space at different times thanks to excellent timing.
When the timing is off, the valve and piston may collide, resulting in a catastrophic failure.
Timing chains require lubrication and they are usually lubricated by the engine oil itself.
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A valve fused into the head of a piston. Photo: All Car and Truck
How to tell if it is time for a timing belt/timing chain replacement?
Timing belt replacement intervals are usually explicitly stated in the owner’s manual, like the Proton X50. Timing chain replacement intervals are not so explicitly stated.
But there are several signs a timing belt/timing chain is due for replacement. They are usually issues related to timing, such as:
- Trouble starting the vehicle
- Decreased engine power
- Unusual vibrating or shaking
- Squealing or rubbing noises from the belts
- Ticking noise coming from the engine
- Leaking oil
- Check Engine Light
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