Timing Belt

[Mikejas]

I have a Fiat Qubo purchased new 4 years ago and I have done only 8200 miles so far. The sellers have just advised that the timing belt should be replaced regardless of mileage. Would I be taking too much of a chance postponing this advised replacement or is it a vital issue?

[Gizmonster]

If your timing belt snaps, you'll have a nice big bill to sort all the mess out .... it's up to you, but if you've been advised to replace it, I'd replace it.

[kjn2]

Tricky question, the belt is rubber, rubber perishes over time, most cars replace at four years. Do you replace?? Entirely up to you, take a chance considering the low mileage you do and hope that it does not break and end up with a bill of probably £1t plus or have it changed, its a question that I have asked my self many times over the many years of being a low mileage driver and each time I have gone for a replacement. Lets see other answers , different preferences.

[Gizmonster]

Have a read of this:
http://www.mytimingbelt.com/TimingBeltFrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx

[=rizla=]

In 20 odd years driving I've never changed a cam belt (or had one snap), I've known friends have them snap from both the 'never change one camp', and the 'change them at the right time camp'.

The decisions your's, but if it does snap you could be in for a big bill.

[gingejbee]

How things change. I was pleased to see that my new car has a timing-belt that doesn't require changing... it's inspected first at 160,000m and then every 20,000m...but no change is scheduled. O joy!
(And, yes, it is a belt and not a chain).

[TWR]

Change the belt

[Mikejas]

Thanks all. Looks like I'll just have to bite the bullet and stump up.

[1ozzy]

It depends whether the valves come into contact with the piston when/if a timing belt snaps.
Eg:
Holden Vectra (re-badged Opel) does resulting in major costs.
Subarus' do not, the motor just "freewheels" and stops, no internal damage.
I suggest searching Fiat Qubo in motoring forums to see what you find.
Ps: the safest thing to do would be get it replaced.

[bhg481]

Putting aside the potential cost of the cam belt breaking, how do you fancy coasting to a halt in the overtaking lane of a motorway or in the middle of a busy road junction? Get it done.

[retrocop]

My 1 year old Nissan,purchased new in July 2013 has done 3200 miles.Thats the extent of my annual mileage since retirement a few years ago.If the mileage is 12800 in 3 years time I will definitely have the cam belt exchanged.An expensive job but nothing like the expence of a wrecked 2.5 litre diesel engine.If you have an extended warranty then a cam belt change is a must at the appointed time suggested or the warranty will be null and void

[Dodger666]

I've read of cam belts snapping not long after being changed. Probably not done correctly in the first place.

[TWR]

Mike, you say the car has only done 8200 miles, check your maintainence book to see what Fiat recommend a belt change, a friend of mine yers back had a 306 belt go, a local agent wanted a £1000 + to repair juntil I said what is the Watrrantee! they said 72000, the car had only done 58000, " No Cost to my friend" just check.