This is definitely not a safe way to drive, so you'll want to get that timing belt serviced as soon as possible. If you're not sure if your car's problems are centered around the timing belt ...

Though a timing belt and chain perform the same job, there are some differences in their components, which make it necessary to know which one your engine has.

These days, the latest gas-powered models are all chain-driven, even in vehicles that Toyota had previously released with a timing belt. You'll see those models migrating to chains in the early 2000s.