PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How long can you drive with a bad timing chain?
My mechanic told me it was probably time to replace my car’s timing chain, but I don’t know. How long can you drive with a bad timing chain?
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How long you can drive with a bad timing chain depends on the severity of the problem. But, if your bad timing chain is on the verge of failing, you might only be able to drive a few more minutes.
Once your bad timing chain fails, you’ll immediately lose the ability to operate the vehicle. The longer you drive with a bad timing chain, the likelier it becomes that it will break.
A properly functioning timing chain is essential to keeping the engine’s cylinders firing at the right times. Driving with a bad timing chain could give you serious engine damage, and it’s also dangerous because it could cause your vehicle to stop suddenly without warning.
A timing chain typically requires replacement anywhere from 40,000 to 150,000 miles.
If your
car insurance
needs replacing, too, the Jerry
makes finding the right coverage at the right rate easier than ever.Getting started takes less than a minute, and the average Jerry user saves $800+ per year on car insurance!
MORE: Does insurance cover engine failures?
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies