Does the 2024 Tacoma have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota Tacoma has long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts for its reliability, ruggedness, and performance. If you're considering purchasing the 2024 Tacoma or already own one, you might be wondering about its engine design—specifically, whether it uses a timing belt or a timing chain. This is an important question, as it can impact maintenance costs and long-term durability.
Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into the specifics of the 2024 Tacoma, let’s quickly review the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain:
- Timing Belt: Made of rubber and reinforced with materials like fiberglass, timing belts are quieter but require periodic replacement, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Timing Chain: Made of metal, timing chains are more durable and often last the lifetime of the engine. However, they can be noisier and slightly more expensive to repair if issues arise.
What Does the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Use?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a timing chain rather than a timing belt. This is consistent with Toyota’s design philosophy for many of its modern engines, which prioritize durability and reduced maintenance. The timing chain is designed to last the life of the engine under normal operating conditions, meaning you won’t need to worry about replacing it as part of routine maintenance.
Why Toyota Opted for a Timing Chain
There are several reasons why Toyota has chosen to use timing chains in the Tacoma:
- Longevity: Timing chains are built to last, reducing the need for costly replacements.
- Reliability: Chains are less prone to snapping or wearing out compared to belts, especially in rugged conditions where the Tacoma excels.
- Cost Efficiency: While the initial cost of a timing chain may be higher, the lack of replacement costs over time makes it a more economical choice for owners.
What This Means for Tacoma Owners
As a 2024 Tacoma owner, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your truck’s timing chain is designed for durability and minimal maintenance. However, it’s still important to follow Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, as proper lubrication is essential for the longevity of the timing chain and other engine components.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma continues to uphold its reputation for reliability by incorporating a timing chain into its engine design. This choice not only enhances the truck’s durability but also reduces long-term maintenance costs for owners. If you’re looking for a dependable truck that’s built to last, the Tacoma remains an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a Toyota timing chain last?
When Should It be Replaced? Unless your engine has a specific replacement interval, the commonly accepted mileage is between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. However, the timing chain isn't necessarily a maintenance item and can last the engine's life, provided you change the oil regularly and maintain the rest of the engine.
Which is better, a timing belt or a chain?
Which Is Better? Though it's certainly a matter of opinion that's based largely on your priorities, it's generally felt that timing chains are better than timing belts. While most timing belts are supposed to be replaced every 60,000 to 120,000 miles, many timing chains end up lasting the life of the car.
Which Toyota models have timing chains?
| Model | Year | Belt / Chain / Gear |
|---|---|---|
| GR Supra | 2020 | Chain |
| T100 | 1995-1998 | Chain |
| 1993-1998 | Belt | |
| Tacoma | 1995-2020 | Chain |
Does the 2024 Tacoma have a timing belt?
Toyota hasn't used timing belts on anything since 2010 in North America, that includes the T24A in the 2024 Tacoma.
Is a timing chain better than a timing belt?
A quieter engine is often more appealing to buyers, so the timing belt is installed to ensure a smoother sound. The longer lifespan of a timing chain is why they are chosen over timing belts – they very rarely break, but any problems that do arise are easy to catch before they reach the point of no return.
How long do Toyota timing chains last?
However, the timing chain isn't necessarily a maintenance item and can last the engine's life, provided you change the oil regularly and maintain the rest of the engine. Modern engines can last 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, and the timing chain can go that long, too.
Do Toyota Tacomas have timing belts or chains?
From 1995 until now, the Toyota Tacoma with a 4-cylinder engine has come with a timing chain. From 1995 until 2004, the Toyota Tacoma with a V6 had a timing belt; the upgrade to a timing chain on the V6 only came in 2005. There are two other options beside timing belts and timing chains.
Which is more reliable timing belt or chain?
That isn't to say timing belts are weak, but they will likely need replacing at some point, whereas a chain can last as long as the vehicle itself does. To put a figure on it, timing belts usually need replacing somewhere between the 55,000 miles (approx 90,000km) and 90,000miles (approx 150,000km) mark.
Does the Toyota 4.0 V6 have a belt or chain?
The V8 has a timing belt, the V6 a timing chain.
Does Toyota recommend timing chain replacement?
Timing chains don't often need to be replaced on Toyotas. If they're at the point where they need to be replaced you'll often get a ton of correlation codes beforehand. They generally ``go'' at around 200-250k miles. If doing a timing chain, also replace the guides and the tensioners.
