Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Kia Amanti that I bought new in March 2005. It is fitted with the standard engine, a DOHC V-6. The manual says to change the timing belt at 60,000 miles unless the car is in California. If it's a California car the belt should be “inspected” at 105,000 miles. What could possibly be the difference? One further question: What happens to the Kia engine if the belt should break?
Merton from Springville, N.Y.
Merton,
My ALLDATA database says that you should replace the belt every 40,000 under the severe service schedule and every 60,000 miles under the normal service schedule. My information does not tell me if it is an interference engine or not, so check with your dealer to find out. If it is an interference engine then make sure to change it at the prescribed interval, because a broken belt would result in major engine damage. I would imagine that a CA car has a thicker timing belt, hence the greater rubber mass lasts longer. This was the case with Dodge Neons. They had a timing belt that was 3/4" thick and thus lasted over 100,000 miles. Success to you.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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