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What happens if my car's timing belt snaps?

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has a timing belt and reading the handbook it tells me that my 2.2 diesel only requires its timing belt replaced every 100,000 miles or 10 years. Yet the petrol model of the same age requires its timing belt changing every 60,000 miles or five years. Is there any valid reason for this and what happens if the belt snaps?

Asked on 13 October 2013 by Bryony house

Answered by Honest John
If the belt snaps, valves will probably hit pistons and the engine will be destroyed, possibly even writing off the car. That's why I advocate on the side of caution and having the cambelt changed earlier than required.

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Relaxed motorway cruising. Comfortable ride. Excellent on very rough tracks. Available with seven seats. Good value. Much improved from 2010 with new 2.2-litre diesel.