Does the Ford Focus have a timing belt or chain?

Does the Ford Focus have a timing belt or chain?

Well, you'll be pleased to know that the latest Ford Focus has a timing chain. Why would you be pleased? You're about to find out… read on.

This current Focus is the fourth generation of Ford's small car which first went on sale in December 2018.

Powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 134kW and 240Nm the Focus has an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The role of the timing chain is to connect the crankshaft to the cam shaft and control the opening and closing of the valves which let the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder and the exhaust out.

Timing chains are considered to be superior to rubber belts due to their strength and ability to withstand deterioration.

While the fourth-gen Ford Focus is a modern car, timing chains are an old technology that was used for decades in early model engines before rubber belts became widespread.

Belts are cheaper to produce, weigh next to nothing and their softness means the teeth in the gears don't have to be as robust as they do to withstand the wear and tear of a metal chain.

The big issue is that over time the belt stretches, degrades and can break which can cause damage to your engine.

Timing chains are old school tech, but lots of new cars have them including the Mazda3 which is a rival to the Ford Focus.

So, there you have it: the current generation Ford Focus has a timing chain, not a belt and for that you can be thankful.

Have you had any timing chain or timing belt problems in the past? Tell us what you think in the comments below.