Miquel Turbo, mechanic: "When you have to change the timing chain, take the opportunity to replace everything you can; for major repairs, spend a little more, and in the long run, it will go much better."

Replacing the timing chain or belt is one of the most expensive jobs we can perform on our car. Keeping it in good condition is essential to ensure our vehicle is trouble-free and lasts as long as possible. This is especially true now that the price of new cars has skyrocketed. That's why one of the most renowned mechanics on TikTok, Miquel Turbo (more than 212,000 followers), shares the keys to making the most of the repair time and taking advantage of the situation .

To start, Miquel shows a timing chain assembly that has had "absolutely everything" replaced . It's true that some assemblies are more accessible than others, but in the case he's showing us, the entire system has been renewed: "Even the sprockets. Everything that can be changed in a repair of this magnitude," assures the mechanic. It's true that, depending on the model and brand, there may be components that can't be replaced because they're more difficult to access or are connected to the camshaft .

And why do you have to replace the entire assembly? “Because of the work involved,” explains Miquel. But also as a precaution: “If they can be replaced, replace everything: the oil pump chain (for the transmission), the oil pump sprocket, the bolts… Everything new, okay? Because then the bad times come ,” the mechanic maintains. Why? The timing chain or belt runs in a closed circuit, and if the components are worn, they could fail prematurely.

“Sprockets also wear out, a link can become worn. Then the chain can vibrate and skip. Do it, because things are going to happen later,” explains Miquel Turbo. “You're going to have to disassemble everything again. All the labor, everything has to be opened again… Here's a little advice: spend a little more to replace everything, it'll work much better in the long run,” the mechanic concludes.

Yes, we know what you're thinking. Changing the timing belt is one of those moments we never want to reach in our car's maintenance , as it's a significant cost. But replacing the entire timing belt kit and inspecting the components that affect it will be key to keeping our vehicle looking almost like new .