Do you think you know whether your Accord, Civic, or Prelude has a Honda timing belt or a Honda timing chain? Don't be so sure. While most Honda vehicles use a Honda timing belt that requires replacement at regular intervals, some cars have both a Honda timing belt and a Honda timing chain! The Honda timing chain in these cases is usually an auxiliary drive unit running the variable camshafts, fuel pump, oil pump, or other accessories. On most applications, a Honda timing belt drives the actual camshafts. Honda engines are notorious for being 'interference designs,' meaning that the valves and pistons will meet in an unpleasant fashion should the Honda timing belt ever break. Needless to say, this is a situation that should be avoided at all costs, particularly at the cost of a new Honda timing belt. Most vehicles have 60,000 mile replacement intervals, but check your owner's manual to determine the Honda timing belt replacement schedule for your particular model. As for the Honda timing chain, if your vehicle uses one, you don't have to worry about periodic replacement. A worn out Honda timing chain is rare indeed, and you'll have plenty of time to diagnose the problem prior to any sort of engine failure. But don't take the same attitude towards your Honda timing belt. If your replacement interval is approaching order a new Honda timing belt from us now so you'll have it in hand when you're ready to perform the swap. Otherwise, it's too easy to put off Honda timing belt replacement until it's too late.