change timing belt just because of age?
 

I have a 2002 honda civic LX automatic. It only has 16,000 miles because the previous owner didn't drive it very often. The owners manual says to change the belt at 100,000 miles or every 7 years. The car is now 8 years old but with such low mileage, do I need to change it? In other words, can age alone deteriorate the belt?

thanks,
Joe

yes age can deteriorate the belt. not worth the cost of breaking a belt.

That reminds me,I need to change mine,never dealt into that with a Honda before,any tips?

Bucwheat, I'm the person who posted the original question on this and I've spoken with two honda dealerships as well as my own local mechanic. All three said the same thing in that when they change the timing belt, they also recommend changing the water pump, tensioner, and serpentine belt at the same time. The cost is about $600 at the dealerships and about $100 less at a local shop.

besure to use honda parts if going to use a friend or any shop other than a honda dealer.
If you are mechanical enough to do your own, I saw on you tube a video of how to change the belt. Great video and don't look so hard to do.