how often to change timing belt km

Short answer: plan on changing a timing belt every 100,000–150,000 km or 5–7 years, whichever comes first; older designs can be as low as 60,000–100,000 km.

Hot Aussie summers, dusty roads and lots of short trips push you toward the shorter end of the interval, because when a belt lets go, valves and pistons throw an expensive tantrum. If you’ve just bought the car and there’s no proof it’s been done, do it now and sleep better. Some engines use a timing chain, not a belt—different part, similar job—so check which you’ve got before you start shopping. Always confirm the exact interval in your owner’s manual or service schedule; your engine doesn’t care what the internet reckons.