In my 2004 Elantra owners manual there is a special notation that for California replacing the timing belt at 60,000 miles is "recommended but not required". Is California easier on timing belts then the other 49 states? Or maybe there is a law in California that mandates timing belts should last longer then 60,000 miles? What is the story on this?

 

Hmmm, interesting. It could be because California does not go through the extreme season changes such as the artic cold we experience in the north central United States. However, that does not explain why Florida, Texas, Hawaiiand Southern Georgia are not included either, as they have very mild winters in most parts of the states. I would call Hyundai and ask them. I dont care what the manual says though, to be safe, change every 60,000 miles. The only car i have seen that can safely go 100,000 miles on the original timing belt are the mid to late 90's Honda Accords. Even so, i would never push the belt that far. Not worth the risk.

 

I think I read somewhere that it was a California law that a timing belt would last 100k. I'm not sure if they are any different or if the conditions are easier on the belts, but they are covered by Hyundai if the break either way. I'm kind of old school in that I think 60,000 miles is the right interval, but the "contract" so to speak is the owners manual so as long as you follow that you should be okay. I know for the other 49 states there is also a 48 month requirement; what is the California requirement?

 

I just read somewhere that California does have a law that says car Manufacturers can not require "major service" until 105,000 miles. This is why the timing belt replacement interval is different for Califonia cars.