Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Timing belt kit

Timing Belt Kit for the 2018 Subaru Exiga - What You Need to Know

The 2018 Subaru Exiga is a practical and reliable vehicle, known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. If you're looking into servicing this model, you might be wondering whether it uses a timing belt kit or not. After referencing multiple technical sources and official Subaru documentation, it turns out the 2018 Subaru Exiga does not use a timing belt system. Instead, this model is equipped with a timing chain, which changes the maintenance approach quite a bit.

So why doesn't the 2018 Subaru Exiga use a timing belt kit? Well, Subaru has increasingly moved towards timing chains in many of their engines, particularly in their newer models like the Exiga. Timing chains are made of metal and run inside the engine, lubricated by engine oil. This design offers enhanced durability and usually eliminates the need for regular replacements typical of timing belt systems. Timing belts, on the other hand, are made with reinforced rubber, which can wear out and require periodic replacement to avoid catastrophic engine failure.

Timing belts are often considered a wear item, they typically need to be changed anywhere between 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres depending on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. If a timing belt fails, it can cause severe damage to the engine because the timing between the crankshaft and camshaft gets thrown off, potentially leading to valve and piston collisions. This is why many older cars and some engines still rely on timing belt kits, which come with the belt itself, tensioners, guides, and sometimes the water pump, to ensure everything in the timing system runs smoothly.

In the case of the 2018 Subaru Exiga, the use of a timing chain means you don't need to worry about swapping out your timing belt kit as part of regular maintenance. Timing chains are built to last the lifetime of the engine in most cases, but like any mechanical component, they benefit from proper care and attention during servicing.

Even though a timing belt kit is not relevant to the 2018 Subaru Exiga, it doesn't mean the engine's timing system is maintenance-free. It's important to keep the engine oil clean and changed at recommended intervals because the timing chain relies on engine oil for lubrication. Poor oil quality or infrequent changes can accelerate chain wear or cause tensioner failure, which could lead to noisy operation or, in rare cases, timing issues.

Servicing the timing chain system on a Subaru Exiga usually involves checks during regular maintenance appointments. Mechanics will typically listen for unusual rattles or noises around the timing cover area and inspect tensioner performance where feasible. If any problems are detected early, they can be addressed before turning into costly repairs. But routine replacement of a timing chain or associated components is generally not part of the standard service schedule.

So, if you're servicing or repairing a 2018 Subaru Exiga and come across timing belt kits or are advised to replace one, it's a good idea to double-check the specific engine type and model year. Some earlier Subaru engines did use timing belts, and using incorrect maintenance advice could lead to unnecessary work and expenses. For the 2018 Exiga, the focus should instead be on maintaining engine oil quality and monitoring any symptoms that might indicate timing chain wear.

Ultimately, the shift to timing chains in modern vehicles like the Subaru Exiga is about durability and reducing maintenance hassles for owners. While timing belt kits are critical for vehicles that rely on belts for engine timing, the 2018 Exiga benefits from Subaru's durable timing chain setup, making it a bit more straightforward when it comes to the engine's internal timing system upkeep. Keeping on top of regular oil changes and attentive servicing will go a long way to ensuring the timing chain, and your Exiga's engine overall, keeps running smoothly for many kilometres to come.