When Should I Change My Cambelt

[Rhoda_b77]

Hi All
Just had my car service and he mentioned the cam belt may need changing

its currently got 55k on the clock, it's a 53 plate fiat punto

I am not sure if its ever been done (don't know if there is a way to check)
I have only had the car a couple of years (only had 45k when I bought it)and it was not mentioned in last years service but the garage I just took it to I have never used them before so just want to check they are not trying to con me.

any advise is gratefully received

[carrust]

If in doubt change the belt, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

[Mass_Hysteria]

It will probably need doing around 60-65k so for the sake £100 or less, it is probably worth getting it done. Will be VERY VERY expensive if it goes

[Hymie]

Contrary to what everyone else will tell you – I say no, do not have the cambelt changed.

Assuming that the car has never had the cambelt changed; although the vehicle is probably under the require mileage interval for a change – virtually all manufacturers will recommend a maximum time interval of five years regardless of mileage.

So why am I offering such contrary advice?

Well, the car is worth less than £1,000 even if it is in good condition, and the garage will probably want around £150 - £200 to change the cambelt. Of course if the cambelt breaks, the car is scrap – it’s the gamble you take.

[Mass_Hysteria]

I still think it is worth doing if you want to keep the car for another 3-4 years. A local garage, not dealer will do this for less than £100, worth shopping around, they need the business!

[mier]

It is not just the cost of repair to the car, should the cam belt go.

Rhoda - do you have breakdown cover? Do you travel in rural areas? Do you often carry passengers, children? What might happen if you broke down on a motorway or dual carriageway? The consequences of a breakdown can cause many problems that many do not consider.

My cam belt went when my car was stationary and parked off road. I was grateful for that. Since then I have regularly replaced my cam belts at 5 yr intervals. A fifth of the cost is just added to the annual budget, but I feel more secure for having made the decision.

[SlackAlice]

http://www.mytimingbelt.com/

[jake-the-peg]

Yeah, there's a big difference in the belts used by different manufacturers

If it were a Ford you'd probably be good for another 50K miles but Fiat recommends every 3 years and if you don't know the history there's a fair chance it's never been done.

Whilst I understand Hymie's point of view it's a low mileage one and probably worth more than that and there's the point that cambelt failure is sudden and catastrophic - you get no warning at all the car just stops and is instantly scrap.

The only real way to check is from receipts you can't really tell from inspection.

Given you've had the car 2 years if it were me I'd get it done - but ring around a few garages to get a good price - just tell them what you've told us - with a bit of luck you'll find someone who'll hope that by cutting you a good deal he'll get your future business

[ummmm]

My cam belt snapped while I was driving. 3k worth of damage...if in doubt, change it.

(my car only had 18k on the clock so Vauxhall paid)

They said that a cam belt should last a min of 30k miles.

[jake-the-peg]

Wow Ummm

These days Vauxhall normally rate their cambelts for 60-100K they're one of the longer lasting ones

I wonder if it was installed wrongly in production and slipped off somehow


Thanks for sharing

[SpikeyBush]

My Vectra handbook said change it at 150,000km. I changed it at 130,000 to be on the safe side but it cost €400. It is now approaching 260,000km but before it gets there I hope to have enough in my deposit account for a Merc E220.