The transmission parts of the timing system are divided into two types: timing chain and timing belt, which are important parts of the engine's valve train and are related to the core destiny of the engine. If there is a problem on the timing belt or the timing chain, it will cause many malfunctions to the engine, and even cause the entire engine to be scrapped.
Many car owners only know the importance of the two, but don't know what is the difference between a timing chain and a timing belt. Which type of transmission is better? Does it need to be replaced, and how often? The following editor will talk to you.

1. Timing belt
Timing belts are generally made of rubber, which will wear or age with the increase of engine working time. Therefore, the timing belt and its accessories usually need to be replaced after a certain period of time for an engine equipped with a timing belt.
For all engines, the timing belt is absolutely not allowed to jump or break. If tooth skipping occurs, the engine will not work normally, and there will be unstable idling, poor acceleration or inability to hit the car. If the timing belt is broken, the engine will immediately stall, and the multi-valve engine will also cause pistons. Bending the top valve will cause the engine to be directly scrapped.
2. Timing chain
The timing chain is usually made of alloy material. It is lubricated by organic oil inside the engine. The service life can theoretically reach the end of the car’s scrap. However, in fact, the chain tensioner also has a normal wear life. The time is almost time to check and replace the tensioner. The price of the parts is naturally very small compared to the replacement timing belt kit.
3.Which is better, timing chain or timing belt?
The timing belt has the advantages of low noise, low transmission resistance, good engine power and acceleration performance, and easy replacement, but it is easy to age, the failure rate is relatively high, and the maintenance cost is high.
The advantages of the timing chain are long service life and low failure rate. Of course, it also has the disadvantages of large rotating noise, slightly increased fuel consumption, and reduced performance. Of course, with the improvement of technology, the shortcomings of the timing chain are slowly improving, and according to the current development trend, the timing chain will also be used more.
How often should the timing chain and timing belt be replaced?

Vehicles using timing belts should be replaced strictly in accordance with the replacement cycle. Generally, they should be replaced when the vehicle has traveled to 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The specific replacement cycle should be based on the vehicle's maintenance manual.
In addition to the belt, the tensioner and idler must be replaced, and some cars also have water pumps. The point is that the labor costs are also high. If it is not replaced on time, once it is broken, many parts will be damaged. Valves, pistons, connecting rods, etc. may be damaged, and the maintenance cost will be higher.
The timing chain is very worry-free. Most cars will have no problem even if they have not been replaced. It will not break, and only needs to be replaced when it fails. The long replacement cycle is the biggest advantage of the chain, which can reduce the cost of the car owner.
But it also has disadvantages. When the number of kilometers is increased, the chain will be elongated and a relatively loud noise will be made. If you want to replace the chain, the cost is very high, and it costs several thousand yuan at a time. The chain tensioner of some models will also be broken, and the chain will make noises or even jump teeth when broken. Once the teeth are skipped, the time needs to be re-aligned, and the labor costs are high. Therefore, if the chain does not fail, it is very worry-free. Once it fails, the maintenance cost is higher, but the timing chain car rarely fails.

Concluding remarks
Generally speaking, the advantages of timing chains are higher than timing belts. Now more and more cars use timing chains, which saves worry and reduces vehicle costs for car owners. But if your car uses a timing belt, don't forget to check and replace it on time!