I have an 04 Honda Odyssey and my car repair guy continues to ask me to get the timing belt replaced. The car has 200,000+ miles on it. I have been with these guys for many years and I trust their work and service. About 5+ years ago, this car had the transmission completely rebuilt and within the last 2 years another major repair involving the engine or something related to it. It wasn't the timing belt.

Other than the occasional repairs the car.....knock on wood... works fine and I don't have any problems with it. I am not sure if he sees something visual with the timing belt or something relating to it to make him think of changing it on the side of caution. I know a car this old anything is possible and could crap out while driving it.

I know with cars when some component of the engine goes or breaks there isn't any indicators or any warning signs while driving it. I don't know if I should do it or wait a little longer.

 

Timing belt failure typically shows no signs of issues until it's too late. On Honda engines, when the belt snaps, the valves hit the pistons and that's it, heads have to come off and be rebuilt unless you are really, really lucky.

Timing belt replacement intervals are typically around 100k miles, check your owners manual to be sure, but your mechanic is 100% correct and this is a critical maintenance item that should be taken care of as soon as possible if you plan on keeping the car for much longer.

 

If this van is your family's daily driver you should get it replaced. My 2004 Odyssey has 274K miles and it is still on the original belt. Every time I drive it the possibility of the belt breaking is on my mind. It is not a daily driver though.