Timing belts are a necessary component that allows the car to function properly- effectively getting passengers from point A to point B.

Find Discount OEM Toyota Timing Belts Here

The timing belt is responsible for controlling the camshafts in the engine. It causes the camshafts to rotate in perfect "time" with the crankshaft. This ensures that the valve are opening and closing exactly when they should. This process depends on a timing belt in good condition in order to operate properly. If the timing belt breaks, the best-case scenario is the car will stop operating. In the worst case, costly engine damage will occur when the belt breaks.

Therefore, timing belts must be replaced on a pre-determined schedule. The question is, what’s the proper time to do so for your specific vehicle? Find your model below:

Avalon

If you’re the owner of an Avalon with a V6, made between 1995 to 2004, the belt should be replaced by 60k miles. Avalons with a V6 made from 2005 on are equipped with a timing chain, so there’s no recommended service needed.

Corolla

Owners of 4-cylinder Corollas from 1990 to 1997 will have a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 60k miles to avoid potential damage from a broken belt. 4-cylinder Corollas made from 1998 to today are equipped with chains, so it’s one less replacement to think about.

Camry

All Camrys from 1990 to 2001 and V6s from 1990 to 2006 have belts that should be replaced every 60k miles. 4-cylinder Camrys built from 2002 on – and V6s from 1990 on – have chains.

Prius

Prius owners, rejoice. There’s no need to change a belt on any model from any year, as they all come outfitted with chains.

Yaris

Yaris’ entire run has been simplified when it comes to belt maintenance, as every Yaris manufactured is equipped with a chain.

Sienna

If you drive a Sienna made from 1998 to 2006, with a V6, then be prepared to replace that timing belt every 60k like clockwork. Those that own a 2011 or 2012 4-cylinder Sienna are in luck, as your model year has a chain- so do V6s built from 2007 on.

Highlander

Highlanders manufactured from 2001 to 2007 with a V6 engine require a new belt every 60k miles. Owners of 4-cylinder Highlanders from 2001 to 2007 and V6s from 2008 have chains, however, no belt is needed.

4Runner

Owners of V6 4Runners from 1990 to 2002 will need to replace their timing belt every 60k, while owners of V8 engines from 2003 to 2009 need to think about a belt replacement every 90k miles.

But 4-cylinder 4Runners from 1990 to 2000, and V6 4Runners from 2003 and beyond don’t need to worry about changing a belt, as these years all have a chain. The 2010 4-cylinder 4Runner also has a chain.

RAV4

RAV4s manufactured from 1996 to 2000 with a 4-cylinder engine should plan on changing the timing belt every 90k miles, while owners of RAV4s from 2001 on with a 4-cylinder have chains. V6s from 2006 forward also come equipped with chains, so owners don’t need to sweat it.

Sequoia

Sequoias produced from 2001 to 2009 with 4.7 V8 engines need to have timing belts changed when the odometer hits 90k miles. Owners of Sequoias from 2008 and beyond with a 5.7 V8 have chains, as do 4.6 V8 Sequoias from 2010 to 2012.

Venza

All Venzas manufactured from 2009 to the present day have a chain, so don’t stress about the belt.

Tundra

If you own a 2000 to 2004 V6 Tundra get ready for a replacement by 60k miles. For a 4.7 V8 engine made between 2000 and 2009, prepare to replace the belt when the mileage reaches 90k miles. Tundras equipped with chains were manufactured from 2005 to the present, with a V6 engine, 2007 to 2014 models with a 5.7 V8, and those made in 2010 to 2014 with a 4.6 V8.

Tacoma

If your Tacoma is a V6 from 1995 to 2004, replace the belt at 60k miles. If you’ve got a 4-cylinder from 1995 to today or a V6 from 2005 to today, your Tacoma has a chain so you can sit this one out.

Don’t Ignore Your Timing Belt Service Interval

Toyo timing belt

Replacing a timing belt before it breaks on its own is extremely important. A loose or worn timing belt can set off trouble codes from the camshaft or crankshaft sensors, prompting the warning light on the dash to engage. 

If the timing belt does break, the car will stop working, or worse, if your car is equipped with an interference engine, the timing belt could cause major damage to the engine. If damage occurs, it takes an extensive amount of time to remove the head, plus costly repairs involve replacing misshapen valves, which could bend as the piston hits the valves when the belt breaks.

Unless your vehicle has a timing chain, or for some reason you’ve replaced your timing belt on a different schedule, it’s vital to replace the belt at the intervals listed.