When to Change a Timing Belt

You are good to go until 80,000 to 100,000 miles for the timing belt but water pumps will not typically last that long although some do. A water pump failure may leave you stranded but putting a new one in is a few hundred dollars. The timing belt, however, is more expensive and if it breaks when the car is running, is catastrophic and will likely affect other key internal components. Typically, a good shop will recommend changing the pump when you change the belt because you must remove the pump to access the belt.