How do we know it's time for replacing a timing belt?

My 2002 Civic has over 200k miles on the odometer. I replaced the timing belt at 153k miles about just a few years ago at a Honda dealership. The Honda technician said that the belt carries a guarantee of 90k miles.

If you want to "know" it's time for a new belt, it will already be too late. Then you'll "know" cuz it's broke. Replace it @ 80K to be safe. But I've heard 60K is customary.

I change my timing belts at 60K miles or 5 years. Peace of mind and a lot cheaper than risking a wrecked engine

Is it on central time or eastern?

If you are driving in severe conditions regularly (below -20F or above 110F) it should be replaced every 60K miles; see page 237 of your owner's manual. Otherwise follow the maintenance schedule and replace it every 110K miles or 7 years.

Something to remember Is this is probably the last time the timing belt will be changed; end of life for the car may come in the next 110K miles. So you could wait for 263K miles or you could replace it when you get money around the 240K-250K mile range, which will still be one timing belt replacement before 250K-360K miles.

It is an interference engine so if that belt snaps, you will be doing a great deal more than just replacing it like changing the head out. 70-90,000 miles is what i have heard.