Timing belts can last longer than their recommended service schedule; however, your customers run the risk of catastrophic engine failure if they wait too long to replace them. Most Kia vehicles have interference engines, which means if a timing belt fails the valves may hit the pistons.
Because the process of replacing a timing belt offers access to other parts, you can recommend their replacement, if appropriate. First up are the timing belt tensioners and pulleys. From there, water pump replacement is possible. And depending on a number of other factors, your recommendations can range from replacing the serpentine belt to the spark plugs.
And let’s not forget about those Kias with timing chains. Generally speaking, they last longer than timing belts as long as their engines are serviced regularly. This means using the correct oil and maintaining the correct oil level for suffi cient oil pressure for gears and tensioners. In the event that you have customers with high mileage Kias that may have worn and noisy timing chains, they may also need new tensioners, guides, and other associated parts.
Please refer to factory recommended maintenance schedules in the Kia owner manuals for proper service for timing chains and belts.
Whatever your customers’ timing belt or timing chain needs are, Kia offers Genuine Kia Parts to keep their Kias running like Kias. Your service recommendation just may be perfect timing for them.
To read the full article and view the images, go to the Summer 2017 Kia Quality Connection here!
