My Mother purchased a used 2011 Highland two years ago with 150,000 miles on it.
Yesterday, the timing chain broke while driving and the vehicle is at the shop. It's an interference engine with an estimated repair bill of $4,400.
Three questions:
(1) SIGNS WE MAY BE IGNORED: As far as I know, the timing chain is a lifetime part and is not included in the scheduled maintenance plan. Some mechanics advise to check the condition of the chain around 80,000-120,000 miles. If we were paying closer attention to the engine, what sort of signs would be expect to hear or see (upon inspection) prior to a failed timing belt? I'm basically wondering if there was something glaring that we missed.
(2) CAUSES: If this is a lifetime part, is there anything else in the system that we should be looking at that may have contributed to this failure?
(3) QUESTIONS FOR MECHANIC: The car is at a local shop that my Mother is familiar with - they have good reviews and have been in business for 20 years. I'm hoping the engine damage is minimal as I am footing the bill for this (my Mom is retired and can't absorb large bills like this). What questions should I be asking to ensure the job is done properly?
Thanks!
Yesterday, the timing chain broke while driving and the vehicle is at the shop. It's an interference engine with an estimated repair bill of $4,400.
Three questions:
(1) SIGNS WE MAY BE IGNORED: As far as I know, the timing chain is a lifetime part and is not included in the scheduled maintenance plan. Some mechanics advise to check the condition of the chain around 80,000-120,000 miles. If we were paying closer attention to the engine, what sort of signs would be expect to hear or see (upon inspection) prior to a failed timing belt? I'm basically wondering if there was something glaring that we missed.
(2) CAUSES: If this is a lifetime part, is there anything else in the system that we should be looking at that may have contributed to this failure?
(3) QUESTIONS FOR MECHANIC: The car is at a local shop that my Mother is familiar with - they have good reviews and have been in business for 20 years. I'm hoping the engine damage is minimal as I am footing the bill for this (my Mom is retired and can't absorb large bills like this). What questions should I be asking to ensure the job is done properly?
Thanks!