What are Timing Belts? When and Why Should You Replace Them and What Happens if they Break

Important things to know about Hyundai timing belts

A timing belt is a part of an internal combustion engine; it controls the timing of a vehicle’s engine’s valves. Timing belts are an integral piece of a vehicle that must be replaced at the recommended distance/time period, and when not replaced can cause serious and expensive damage to your vehicle’s engine.

So why replace your timing belt? 

• There are zero warning signs that your timing belt is going to break, so replacing it in a timely fashion is the only way to prevent it
• If it does break, your engine will stop and will not restart
• The easiest way to fix a car if the timing belt is broken is to replace the engine entirely

Timing belt replacements:

• For most Hyundai vehicles replacement should happen at 60,000 mile intervals*
• Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendation to be sure
• Replacement cost starts at $399

Cost to fix your car if the timing belt breaks:

• $3,000 or more
• Sometimes it’s not worth the value of your car to fix, so cost can be a new vehicle

As you can see, a timing belt replacement is an extremely important maintenance procedure that helps your vehicle live a long and functioning life, and saves you from spending a ton of money. The cost of replacing your timing belt may seem steep, but without proper maintenance you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs or even the cost of buying another vehicle.

Be sure to check out our website for more information regarding your vehicle's service needs and to see our full Hyundai timing belt page.

*Mileage and prices can vary by vehicle year and model, please contact us for information specific to your vehicle


Image via CT Auto Spare Part

Family Review of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

"Everything in the 2013 Santa Fe Sport crossover was just so... wonderful," writes Carrie Kim of Cars.com, who wrote the "Mom Proof" review of the 2013 Santa Fe Sport. She says that families who value style, convenience and comfort will find plenty to love; just like her family did.

The Sport replaces the Santa Fe, which was until this model year was a two-row crossover. Now the Santa Fe has three rows, and the Santa Fe Sport is the redesigned, yet similar version of the 2012 Santa Fe.

Carrie writes that the Santa Fe Sport drives smoothly and easily; the driver has the option to choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport models. It starts at $25,295, which includes its $845 destination charge.

A big makeover happened for this year's Santa Fe Sport - and not just the name. "It looks sleeker and much edgier," writes Carrie. "And it maintains the Hyundai family resemblance, taking many style cues from the smaller Tucson crossover."

Cargo space? No problem. She had room for her stroller, three grocery bags and a large box of 100 diapers with room to spare - she also fit a 20-pound bag of cat litter in one of the trunk's compartments.

"The Santa Fe Sport's interior is both upscale and family friendly, which is no easy combinations. It's got all the tech inside a gadget-loving mom or dad could ask for, attractive finishes for the design aficionado and even heated rear seats for the kids. Hyundai clearly had families in mind with this interior."

As for safety, the Santa Fe Sport received Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, as well as five starts out of five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The new Santa Fe Sport is an excellent crossover, whether you're a family person or not. Be sure to check out our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport inventory here!

All information via Cars.com, photos via Hyundai

Burlington Hyundai Staff Feature: Liz Costandi

Meet our Burlington Hyundai Internet Sales Manager Liz Costandi, who loves anything that keeps her fit and full of energy, whether it's indoor or outdoor.

Liz spends a lot of time with friends and family and enjoys learning new things, as well as facing new challenges. Not only has she been skydiving, but she's ran the Spartan Race (an 8-mile, intense obstacle course) as well as eaten a piece of an octopus tentacle.

Her favorite place to eat is the Bluebird Tavern because of their delicious oysters, and her favorite Vermont beer is Otter Creek Copper Ale. Best described by the Ben & Jerry’s flavor "Maple Walnut Blondie", Liz is a seafood aficionado who once helped remake the bee flying scene from Honey I Shrunk the Kids with her sister at MGM studios.

Why does Liz love working at Burlington Hyundai? “I get to work with so many different people between my coworkers and customers. I also get to be a part of an emotional experience and the second-largest purchase most people will ever make in their lifetime.”

Come see Liz at Burlington Hyundai and let her share her extensive knowledge of the Hyundai brand while she helps you get into the car of your dreams!

2013 Hyundai Elantra Adds Coupe and Hatchback

2013 Hyundai Elantra

"Redesigned a few years ago, this year's Elantra is all about cool styling and a good gas mileage record even with a standout engine," wrote Rita Cook from The Washington Times; she wrote a great review/informational piece about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Here are the key parts:

Interior of the 2013 Elantra

There are two trims for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra; GLS and Limited. The GLS has 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, power accessions and height-adjustable driver seat. If you get a GLS with an automatic transmission, you have the option of the Preferred package, which offers fog lamps, heated front seats, lighted vanity mirrors and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

All of those extras are standard on the Limited trim, which has 17-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, leather upholstery, power driver seat and heated front and rear seats. On the Limited there is a Technology package available that includes keyless ignition/entry, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system.

Interior of the 2013 Elantra Coupe

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is a front-wheel drive vehicle with an 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 148-hp.  Safety features include but are not limited to traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints and front seat side-impact and side curtain airbags.

Cargo space in the 2013 Elantra GT Hatchback

Rita says even though the Elantra is a compact car, that the space inside will fool you; the trunk holds 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room.

Take a look at our 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback or 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupes and Sedans here.


All information via The Washington Times, images via Hyundai USA