Dear Tom and Ray:

I enjoy your newspaper column and your radio program. I seem to keep reading and hearing the advice that you should get the timing belt replaced after some 60,000 miles. I have a 1986 Oldsmobile 98 with 75,000 miles. Do you advise me to have the timing belt replaced? Carl

Ray: Well, Carl, most manufacturers do recommend that you change your timing belt every 60,000 miles. But in your case, we'd suggest you ignore that advice.

Tom: The main reason for this recommendation is that you don't HAVE a timing belt. You have a timing chain.

Ray: The timing chain may break someday, and when it does, the car will stop running. But that could be 75,000 miles from now. If you drive gently, and change your oil frequently, the timing chain can last the life of the car. Pamphlet Adv 03

Ray: Hey, did you hear that our new pamphlet, "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It," is a million seller!

Tom: That's not what I said, you knucklehead. I said I had a MILLION of them in the CELLAR!

Ray: Oh. Well, it's still got loads of great information on how to make your car last forever.

Tom: Order your copy of "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It" by sending $3.00 to....

It's NEVER cheaper in the long run to buy a new car. Want proof? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1993 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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