On many engines the timing belt (cambelt) keeps the valves and pistons in step. If it snaps, the engine usually stops dead, and on a lot of engines the valves hit the pistons. That's often a far bigger bill than the belt change would have been.
When should it be changed?
Every manufacturer sets its own interval, by miles and years, whichever comes first. A car that does few miles still needs a belt on age. Check your service book, or give Russ your registration and he'll check the interval for your engine.
If you've bought a used car and there's no record of the belt being done, it's worth getting it changed rather than taking the chance.
Belt in oil (wet belt)?
Some engines have a timing belt that runs inside the engine, in the oil. The two we see most are Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost and the 1.2 PureTech in Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall models. They need a different approach. See Ford EcoBoost wet belt replacement and PureTech wet belt replacement.
What's involved
We replace the belt, tensioner and idlers as set out for your engine. Where the water pump is driven by the belt, it's usually sensible to change it at the same time because the labour overlaps. We'll explain the options and give you a price before we start.
Recent example: a Peugeot 308 in for a major service, discs and pads, and a timing belt and water pump kit, all in one visit.
All work carried out with warranty on parts and labour.
Questions we get asked
Does my car have a belt or a chain?
It depends on the engine. Give Russ your registration and he'll tell you.
Are there warning signs before a belt fails?
Usually not, which is why it's done by mileage and age. Don't wait for a noise.
How much is a timing belt change?
It varies a lot by engine. Book online for an instant price or call Russ for a quote.
Book it in or ask Russ
Book online for an instant price, or call Russ for a quote.