Timing belt: how long can it wait? 2004 kia rio?

I have a 2004 kia rio with 68,000 miles on it. I don't know much about cars and just recently heard that changing the timing belt is a big deal. I've never done it since i've had the car, and i've heard it needs to be done every 60,000 miles or so. My problem is how to pay for it. I'm a single working dad that got hit hard by the economy and won't be starting a new job until late october. So the earliest i could afford to change the timing belt is the beginning of november. Will i be okay? Could i conceivably wait until about 70,000 miles without having to worry about selling stuff around the house to pay for it asap? I only drive 1,000 miles a month, so by the time i could afford it it would be at 70,000Timing belt: how long can it wait? 2004 kia rio?Your taking your chances yes, the good side is be nice to the vehicle. No stomping on the throttle and baby it until you can perform the necessary repairs. I don't know where you are located, but here in Calif. they use the less sever application guide of 90,000 miles. The difference is we don't have the sever freezing conditions and icing. Check with your dealer for the recommended time table for your application. Good Luck
Timing belt: how long can it wait? 2004 kia rio?
You can wait and have it changed. Just be sure to keep current on basic maintenance. It should be ok until 70,000, just baby it and don't ride it hard.
Timing belt: how long can it wait? 2004 kia rio?
Well keep in mind its not just your timing belt, you should also do the water pump/tensioners etc. every 60k soild. Otherwise what we call %26quot;Catastrophic engine damage%26quot; can occur.%26quot; Perfect example.



Today On my way home I pulled over for a broke down 98' Dodge Neon. Just had her alternator belt replaced didn't know anything about the car. Snapped her timing belt, because she didn't do proper scheduled maintenance. She has 98k on her motor
it isnt a very expensive fix but if it breaks then your timing will be off and even worse your pistons will bend your valves which will result in you rebuilding your whole top end.
don't worry economy is rough for everyone and your timing belt can wait. you don't drive it a lot so there's no problem and the 60,000 mile mark is recommended not mandatory. do change it when you can but for now you'll be fine. and also check the maintenance table for your vehicle all cars are different. mine for example, is recommended at 96,000. but just dont drive it hard.
they will usually last to around the 80,000 miles as long as you drive it normally it should last you a while yet.
Ok, conceviabily, yes you can. 70,000 miles is not too terrible. Does Kia call for it to be done at 60k? Basicly, your timing belt keeps your valves in time with your pistons. If it breaks, you could bend valves in the cylinder head, and morepossible damage. So what this means to you is if it breaks, the mechanic will have to remove the cylinder head, replace the bent valves (or in some cases if there is a lot of damage, the cylinder head), and then replace the belt you should have done. So if that happens, worst case scenario, you are talking a couple thousand in parts and labor. But 70k should be fine. That all depends on when the belt needs to be replaced. Check the owner's manual or call the kia dealership. They will tell you. It might be 90k on that car. And if youneed to get it done cheaper than what the dealer or a shop would charge, Then I suggest asking a mechanic if they can do the job at your house or theirs. I used to sell timing belt jobs out the back door when I worked for a dealer. Parts should be a new belt, water pump, and coolant. You should also change the drive belts too since they have to come off anyways. Parts would be about 100 and I charged 200 to do it outside of work on a saturday. A lot cheaper than the 1000 my shop charged, and yes I made a lot more money to do the job too. Hope this helps.