How do you know if the timing belt and timing chain go bad before the car actually stops running? Are there signs to suggest this is going to happen?

You don't. Timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine, when properly maintained. Timing belts have a scheduled replacement interval. Generally 60k or 100k. Check the maintainance schedule for your vehicle. If it is do, get it done. There is no warning, when they go, they go!

when it comes to belts,it's best that you replace belts because they can dry-rot or wear quickly.Belts are usually what have to be monitered or replaced but chains,the importance of chains is the lubrication.You normally don't have to replace chains that often only belts.Belts often give a loud screeching noise when you first start the vehicle. Not only when you frist start the vehicle but also when you are driving and make certain turns you will hear a screech. If you hear alot of screeching, it is time for a new belt.One last thing, if you turn the ignition and hear the starter but it doesn't crank, the timing belt may have broken.

Usually when it comes to a Timing Chain,as long as the chain is well lubricated it should last you as long as the engine itself last. The lubrication is the important part when it involves chains.If your vehicle never jumped time before with the chain, that means your chain is well lubricated.When a chain goes bad the links are not all bending like they are supposed to and that causes the chain to jump or skip over the spockets.This is usually because of lack of lubrication and the links get stuck and not bend like they are supposed to.As long as your chain is lubricated you shouldn't have any problems.