Posted on 2/26/2026
If you drive a German or Italian vehicle, chances are you’ve heard the terms timing belt and timing chain thrown around during service visits. These components don’t come up often, until there’s a problem. When they fail, the consequences can be costly and stressful. Understanding which one your vehicle uses, why manufacturers choose one over the other, and how to maintain it can help you make smarter decisions and protect your engine. Timing components play a critical role in engine operation, and European brands approach them differently based on performance goals, engineering philosophy, and long-term durability. What Do Timing Belts and Timing Chains Actually Do Both timing belts and timing chains control the precise timing between the crankshaft and camshaft. This synchronization ensures valves open and close at exactly the right moment as pistons move up and down. When timing is off, or worse, when a belt or chain fails, the engine can suffer serious internal ... read more