But tbh, if you take a look you can see whether its either new or needs changing hard inbetween. Should I buy a brand new car or more upmarket used model? Booking system unavailable, please try again later. But, it will be a lot less expensive than engine replacement, and youll know that it was done this time. Some use timing chains which are much more durable and unlikely to need replacing. Well that escalated quickly. Thats because timing belts suffer a lot of abuse, operate in a hot sometimes dirty environment and can wear prematurely. The main role of a cam belt or timing belt is to control the timing of your vehicle's internal combustion engines. That's why it's important to change your engine oil regularly as this will give you the best chance of keeping the timing chain in the best possible condition as will the regular use of a premium oil. You need to register in the normal way AOL Customers: Make sure you check the 'Remember me' check box otherwise the AOL system may log you out during the session. I've found a great offer at Lookers Motor Group! FREE CAMBELT CHECK Call us with your car registration or fill in the form on the right and we will tell you when your cambelt/timing chain replacement is due according to the manufacturer's schedule. If your engine has neither of those, then it has a timing chain. My 9 year-old Polo has been garage serviced since new. Jeep The same goes for the water pump if itd driven by the timing belt. If you have an issue with your cambelt, book your vehicle in for a FREE no obligation check with a Unipartner Garage. Photo Gallery A camshaft helps open and close engine valves, allowing air, fuel and gas to enter and exit the combustion chamber. This is a very common sign of stressed rubber that is likely on its way to snapping in the not too distant future. Use some white paint, or a marker, whatever you have to hand, and mark up where the cam sprockets are before you take the old belt off. Knowledge is power, which is why we make our manuals. Stick to your manufacturers servicing schedule for the best chance of spotting any problems. Find another car. I want to change how I commute to work. However, there is no harm in asking a garageeither to do the job completely or for advice on what youre doing. If you are unsure about your vehicle, and cannot decipher from looking at your engine, consult your car owner's manual or manufacturers website. Trustpilot. Common signs of a failing belt include a ticking noise from the engine, misfiring and oil leaking in front of . Unlike cam belts, timing chains are made of metal. A few minutes spent nosing about in the engine bay could save you thousands if you spot something amiss. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an. Very often, while the technician has your car in bits, it makes sense for them to carry out other jobs, which makes it more expensive in the short run but should save you over time. The Exposure Zenith MK2 is designed primarily as a helmet mounted light (which is how I tested it) but you can mount it on handlebars too. MOT technicians will look at the interior, exterior, under the bonnet and even underneath the vehicle. We all like working on our own cars. Had mine done with the cam belt as I didnt think one was worth doing without the other. The crankshaft moves the pistons up and down at the same time. Thanks for the reminder though. The best way to find out if your car has a timing belt is to look in its user manual. The more you have in your noggin, the better off youll be. This usually causes the belt to jump or come off altogether. Or sign in with one of these services. Everything is out of whack. Given the risks to your engine, if the timing belt were to break, you really cant afford to guess whether it has been replaced or if your vehicle has a so-called non-interference engine. The best way to find out if your car has a timing belt is to look in its user manual. Its quite a cheap deal Im getting for the car and he is also aware I do want it so I dont feel I can insist he gets it done if he considers it already has been. Most timing belts have a lifespan of between 60,000-100,000 miles, but check your owner's manual for the recommendation specific to your vehicle's engine. Full Service Hi Using our site means you agree to the use of cookies and other technologies. And a digital membership where you can read all the digital magazines is normally 25, and now 12.50 with the code. I think its only a 200 job to have it done myself, and will help my peace of mind. Not all cars use timing belts. Its a big job, and one for seasoned home mechanics. Reviews Once we bite the bullet and its done, you may have a decade or as many as 100K miles to go before you need to worry about it again. If it is a belt, at 121k it should perhaps have been done twice. So, if you have a car with a timing chain then you are off the hook for replacement because these chains last the life of the car IF you change your oil on time. Its always better to get your cam belt checked with regular car servicing or to take it to a garage as soon as you notice a problem. Water pump isnt driven by the timing belt on the 1.8tdci I was a used car salesman once. Cracks Cracks in any rubber are a bad sign. Whether youre buying a used car and looking at how to check the condition of the cambelt, or youre simply maintaining your own, its always a smart thing to do. Your cars cam belt is a vital piece of the engine. Nissan If its massively cheaper than other similar cars then it means theres likely to be something wrong with it. Customers who reach the recommended mileage limited on their vehicles cambelts before 4 or 5 years maybe advised to change their cambelt sooner. Every vehicle owner should keep track of the maintenance and repairs they have done on their vehicle and keep that information(with original receipts) safely stored. 130,000 or even just 120,000 miles is a longtime with say a car that only does 12,000 miles a year. Can I take my 125cc bike on a motorway if I have a CBT and full car licence? If you are ever unsure about the health of a cambelt, its always best to ask a professional. And if you've covered 62,500 miles in four years you also need to change the timing belt. That way, when the new belt goes on you have a reference point. No paperwork to prove it (receipts, garage bill etc) then it probably hasnt been done. Save more. My VAG TSi is 6 years or 120,000 miles. Your Haynes Manual will show you how to do this. At Halfords, we have a wide range of timing belt kits for all car makes and models. There are four main ways automakers design engines. Like many of your car's, How To Prolong The Life Of Your Car Battery. If the cam belts broken, then the cam shaft wont rotate when the crankshaft turns, so the car may not start at all. My experience of a fully serviced car was that it hadnt been serviced at all, or at least not to fix the things they claimed to have fixed. So if you need to change the cam belt, some people choose to have the water pump changed at the same time as the cam belt will already be off. Using our vehicle registration tool, you can locate products designed specifically for your car - ensuring an efficient and hassle-free repair. The price of a new cam belt or timing belt plus labour varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Thanks, landcruiser a bit of reassurance is always nice. Millions of used cars in the UK are suspected to have had their mileage changed, a practice known as car. If your not sure either walk away or get it done straight away. There are plenty of cheap options online, but as the old adage goes: buy cheap, buy twice. Forum owners such as us are finding that AOL, Yahoo and Plus.net are blocking a lot of email generated from forums. All-Wheel Drive Please select a valid postcode or location from list. You could keep shopping. Every 4-6 years, or 40,000 60,000 miles, the belt needs changing in order to remain functional. Though its not actually an old Mondeo, just high mileage Im hoping its lots of motorway miles, in which case its likely no more worn out than something with half the mileage. To check whether your car has a timing belt or chain, you can either ask your mechanic, check your owner's manual, or visually check it by removing a cover placed at the end of the engine. If you have a non-interference engine a snapped timing belt will be just that. If the writing is bright white, its probably only been on less than a few hundred miles. Subaru We do not charge fees for our Consumer Credit services. If the rubber looks to be shiny or marbled, thats another sign its getting old, along with signs of cracking within the rubber. It is important to get your cambelt . Timing chains are housed inside the engine and are lubricated by the engine oil, while cam belts are usually located outside the engine. The second issue is that the belt, in fact, snaps altogether, of course, that has the same effect on your engine, but much more dramatically, as there is no belt in place at all. One or two small cracks in the outer shiny coating of the belt are ok, but if you see . If its a cheap change, just tell them youll go half on the cost. I sucked. It keeps them all working in harmony to keep your engine operating as it should. ), they in fact permanently disable the engine warning light and do nothing about the engine problem. You've probably asked yourself this question when you're buying a used car, and you're wondering if the service history shows that the cambelt has been changed. But some manufacturers are now using wet belts, which like cam chains, run internally in the engine oil. IF it turns out to be the belt driven engine and you get the belt done, do a proper job of it. Even if it has been done you dont know when. Is there anything in the 2020 Budget about changing car tax? Like everything they don't last forever and generally will need to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles due to natural wear and tear. Looking to book a free timing belt check? This is why you should always ask to see the full maintenance history of any used vehicle youre looking to buy. Do-It-Yourself Whatever you do, dont leave it to chance. The topic Can you tell by inspection if a cam belt has been changed? is closed to new replies. The pistons can hit the valves in the cylinders, damaging the engine. If it hasn't, the car may not have reached the set interval. If you're looking at a 1.5-litre diesel model, remember that the car will need a cambelt change every five years or 75,000 miles, which will cost about 500. Your browser's JavaScript functionality is turned off. I cannot speak for anyone else. The cambelt (or timing belt) is one of the most crucial components of your engine, so if you`re at all unsure whether it`s time for a replacement, contact your local Halfords Autocentre with your vehicle details and mileage and they can advise whether you need a replacement. When the belt is spinning, i.e., when the engine is on, there should be a reasonable amount of tension present in the movement. Any - Timing Belt Change Intervals - skidpan. So in the case of the Citroen above, if you get to six years but have only covered 40,000 miles, you need to change the belt now. Timing is everything: once your belt shows signs of wear and tear, it will prevent all the parts of your car's engine from working in sync. Copyright 2023 CarExamer Ltd. All rights reserved. Use the "Check Before You Invest" workbook to record your registration search results when choosing or working with a firm or individual. An interference engine is one in which the internal spaces are filled with different parts at different times in the ignition cycle. I would go with Geoffj in that it should have had 2 belt changes by now. Those buying a used car maybe ex fleet / lease and wanting the car as a keeper should maybe go on the safe side or the manufacturers suggested mileage. Automobile Association Developments Ltd. They can also fall off if the area is not clean.. It controls the timing and sequence of when the valves to the cylinders open and close. What do I need to do to prepare a used car for sale? We wondered if there were some clues that might reveal the belt was done in the absence of a sticker. This is used to drive ancillary equipment such as the power steering, alternator, air-con etc. As the cambelt becomes worn, usually one of two things happens. Very few timing belt problems, Volvo 2.4D, D3, D4, D5 Engines Scheduled Plan, 2005 to 2015 All you need to know to service your 2.4D, D4 or D5 Volvo, years 2005 to 2015, models S60, V60, XC60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90, S40, V50, C30, C70 according to the Official Volvo Service Scheduled Maintenance Plan Intervals www.volvohowto.com Click to expand. Long story short; that means that the belt will not be able to keep the two in sync as it slips, and thats the first problem. In any case an awful lot of the more expensive bills I was starting to get with my current car were more age than mileage related. Id be more bothered about the clutch and dmf at that mileage.On a car around 2004 vintage dmf problem may mean scrapping time. FULL SERVICE HISTORY - AA AFFILIATED DEALER - Please contact us for more information. Search the forum using the power of Google. Every car's cambelt intervals differ, and you can call our Northampton depot on 01604 666 700 with your registration number, and we can check this for you. Review But even with all the information to hand, you dont have to do it yourself. FREE CAMBELT CHECK. How much does it cost to replace a cambelt? A cambelt is a rubber belt with teeth on it that synchronises your car's crankshaft and camshaft as they rotate. Check the side of your engine, and if it has a tinplate or plastic cover, then youve got a timing belt. With vehicle tax and breakdown cover included, it's the simple way to drive a brand-new car. Terms & Conditions, Contaminated timing belt from fluid leaks. Crossover A failed cambelt/timing chain can be catastrophic for your vehicle and your wallet so contact us now if you are experiencing any problems. VRN Look up linked to parts ID, gives you the make and model down including the date of registration. For 12 months or 12,000 miles following the fitting of any part at a Unipartner Garage, you can enjoy total peace of mind on the road. As the shafts spin in line with the belt timing, everything keeps perfectly in sync and keeps your engine running perfectly. You can use this service to check details about a vehicle, including: vehicle tax - the current rate and when it expires. I got an inspection done as I was a bit concerned about it being too cheap, and was actually partly interested in the dealers reaction to asking to have that done he was very happy with that. Welcome to FordEtis - the Online Technical Information and Services website from Ford.. FordEtis provides fast, online access to everything you need to know about servicing and repairing Ford vehicles.. THIS EXCELLENT AND TIDY CAR COMES WITH A 12 MONTH MOT, SERVICE AND WARRANTY! I did know what it is I am getting, and got a bit caught up in trying to get an even better deal. Heres how to be sure you dont pay for it when you dont need it. buy it and change it. How to tell if your car needs a new timing belt and how to replace it correctly. isnt this the first thing you do when you buy a car? Also, look for cracks in the belt. Audi If you already started your registration, check your status by entering your Unique Entity ID or CAGE code in the Entity Status Tracker. Over time, timing belts, or cambelts, become worn. And just as well. It is recommended that you bring all your vehicles paperwork along with a service book for evidence of replacement history. If a repair or replacement is needed, a no-obligation quote will be provided. Why wouldnt you ? NEW CAM-BELT AND WATER-PUMP FITTED IN 2023! Check you vehicle handbook to find out whether your car has a belt or a chain. In general, Chrysler vehicles should have their timing belt replaced at 50,000 miles or after five years, whichever comes first. At that mileage Id suggest idlers and tensioners would want doing to! This is especially important on twin-cam engines (as shown below), but even on single-cam engines its a good move. Download the app to report and track a breakdown quickly, find Member benefits near you, and more. Get a garage to replace a timing belt and tensioner(s), and you're likely to be landed with a bill of at least 400, but it could be a lot more if the water pump needs to be changed at the same and the belt is hard to reach. In some cars, you have to take the timing belt off in order to get to the water pump. You can also see if it looks old or recent. Youre unlikely to get away with replacing one for much less than 350. Hybrid A competent home mechanic can change a cambelt with a Haynes Manual to hand. DATE OF REGISTRATION: 17/12/2007. Cambelt Replacement Specialists . VDI CLEAR: YES . On the bright side, timing belts are changed every 90,000 to 100,000 miles now. Television In essence, the cambelt is essentially the piece of rubber connecting the top and bottom areas of your engine. Then buy it ! Check the belt or chain for other makes and models here. A non-interference or free-wheeling engine wont suffer as much damage, but still might sustain some. Peeling is just like cracking when it comes to rubber. Trustpilot. You'll have one thing less to worry about if your car has a timing chain, because chains don't need to be replaced at set intervals. If anything were to go wrong with the part weve fitted, or the way a Unipartner Garage fitted them, you can pull into any Unipartner Garage convenient to you and have your vehicle repaired at no cost. In the unlikely event that we need to recall some of our vehicles for safety reasons, we will send a letter to the registered owner on either the Governments Vehicle Registration database or our own records, requesting that the repair work is completed as quickly as is convenient. Whatever the interval most cars will only need two belt changes in their lifetime and at approx 350 for a change its not a huge cost. Motorcycle Battery Chargers & Accessories. Why does changing the timing beltmatter so much? Full Service with Cambelt done. Cant remeber the service interval exactly off the top of my head but it used to be 100,000 miles though they have increased it to 125,000 and 150,000 on various models. WhoCanFixMyCar explains the key differences between a timing chain and a timing belt. If you do, andthe car moves a little, youre going to rock the gearbox, which will rock the crank, which will rock the engine internals and boom! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Most timing belt changes are at approx 6 years or a mileage interval. Choose your car Reserve online for 99 or speak to our contact centre - you can also request a personalised video or book a live video appointment. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAXGEAR 24-0358 A FOR HYUNDAI I30,IX20,I20 I at the best online prices at eBay! Check for shiny rubber on the cambelt. Its always a good question to ask the seller of the car you are buying if you arent sure as to how old the cambelt is. It has to be maintained if there is any hope of a healthy car in the long term. And what year? I bought a car from a dealer and asked for the belt to be changed, they did it, but didnt replace the tensioners. In short, the health of your timing belt is paramount to your cars ability to function. Cambelt Bristol. WhoCanFixMyCar discusses some of the common problems that drivers have reported with the BMW X3, and how much you can expect to pay to get them fixed. Timing belts work to time the opening and closing of your engine's exhaust and intake valves in sync with the movement of the crank, pistons and camshafts. As it is used a lot, the timing belt eventually wears out. Hyundai Frustrating, but better to find out this way than by starting the engine. Even if yourcar's timing belt interval is still some way off, it's worth inspecting the cambelt's condition and operation, if possible. Some of the checks include: brakes; steering system; seatbelts; lights; doors; shocks and suspension; registration plate; tyre tread and tyre . Otherwise, it can be tough to know for sure. This method wont reveal when or at how many miles the belt was changed, or if the water pump replacement (a job that is usually done along with the belt) was completed. 1. Those that would not have this catastrophic contact are called non-interference engines. This is a very common sign of stressed rubber that is likely on its way to snapping in the not too distant future. So service technicians have a sticker they use to provide you with that info. Our cookie policy. Some use timing chains which are much more durable and unlikely to need replacing. Through our vehicle checks and approved dealer network, AA Cars helps you buy with confidence. Ford are longer at 10 years. Select where you'd like to book. Vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Mazda CX-5 often (but not always) have chains instead of belts. NHTSA When choosing a timing belt kit, it must be suitable for your vehicle. The test includes a visual inspection and a comprehensive series of checks around the vehicle. . Cam belts dont usually give much notice before they fail, but a rubbing sound from the belt cover area is a sign its about to fail. If theres no receipt for a changed timing belt, always look closely for the sticker proving it was changed. The cam belt can wear out over the course of a cars lifetime. Book a Free Check. Not really sure what a signiture is, but vehicle details as below: Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE 2007 in Metallic blue with 50, 535 miles on the clock. This is one of only a handful of Mk4 Mondeos with roof rails within my budget within 50 miles of here which have come up for sale. The timing of these valves is crucial to how the engine performs and it is controlled by the camshaft(s) and crankshaft via the timing belt. The reason is simple: timing belt failure can destroy the engine in many modern cars. A timing belt replacement will usually cost around 350 in the UK, but labour rates and the car you drive can increase/decrease this. Cambelt Check | Halfords UK Never beaten on price Get 5 FREE today 0% APR over 30 Home Services Car Repairs Engine Servicing Cambelt Check Cambelt Check Free Price based on your selected location and vehicle. A new timing belt kits for all car makes and models here, AA cars helps you buy car... A reference point from list I commute to work or location from list a! Out if your car has a timing belt do this car salesman once ) chains... Under the bonnet and even underneath the vehicle the information to hand do to prepare a car... Changes are at approx 6 years or a mileage interval or for on... Always best to ask a professional the more you have a reference point you have a non-interference a! Hundred miles timing chain with say a car changing in order to get to the water isnt! Come off altogether been done twice of cheap options online, but labour rates and car. Get the belt timing, everything keeps perfectly in sync and keeps engine! Like to book there is any hope of a cambelt with a service book for evidence replacement! Bottom areas of your timing belt is paramount to your manufacturers servicing schedule for the proving. Can locate products designed specifically for your vehicle and your wallet so contact us for more information worn... Its a big job, and more a proper job of it cambelt check by registration.... Needed, a no-obligation quote will be provided it ( receipts, garage bill etc then. The writing is bright white, its always best to ask a professional and one for much less a... Affiliated DEALER - Please contact us for more information pay for it when you buy with.... Time, timing belts, timing belts, or cambelts, become worn simple: timing belt fluid... Done this time as it is used a lot less expensive than replacement! This the first thing you do when you dont know when dont know when check with a 12 MONTH,. Heres how to Prolong the Life of your engine has neither of those then! Helps open and close engine valves, allowing air, fuel and gas to enter and exit the chamber. The valves to the use of cookies and other technologies less than 350 show... Anything in the not too distant future stick to your cars ability to function you are experiencing any.. Same goes for the water pump if itd driven by the engine oil could save you thousands you... But even on single-cam engines its a cheap change, just tell them youll go half on the cost its. You 've covered 62,500 miles in four years you also need to change how I commute to work fall! Advice on what youre doing vintage dmf problem may mean scrapping time you & # x27 ; d like book... Be something wrong with it ticking noise from the engine and you get the belt timing, everything keeps in. For advice on what youre doing area is not clean common signs of a healthy car in UK. Keep your engine on what youre doing while cam belts are changed every 90,000 to 100,000 miles now contact called! Done you dont pay for it when you dont need it got a timing on! Less than 350 bit of reassurance is always nice if a cam belt as I didnt think was... You 've covered 62,500 miles in four years you also need to do the job completely for. No harm in asking a garageeither to do it yourself cracks cracks the! Their vehicles cambelts before 4 or 5 years maybe advised to change how I commute to work its only 200... Top and bottom areas of your engine, and one for seasoned mechanics! A visual inspection and a digital membership where you & # x27 ; ve found a great offer Lookers... Of any used vehicle youre looking to buy id suggest idlers and tensioners would want to! It is used to drive a brand-new car reach the recommended mileage on... They in fact permanently disable the engine and you get the belt are ok, but still might some! Better off youll be a look you can also see if it turns out to be you! Digital membership where you can locate products designed specifically for your vehicle ever unsure about the clutch and dmf that! It ( receipts, garage bill etc ) then it has to be something wrong with it inspection! Or get it done straight away quote will be a lot, the cambelt is essentially the piece rubber... If I have a sticker they use to provide you with that info models here a cambelt/timing! Reached the set interval problem may mean scrapping time it expires shiny coating of the in! As it should perhaps have been done twice the make and model down including the date of registration,. Lubricated by the timing belt kits for all car makes and models.. Do not charge fees for our Consumer Credit services have been done you dont pay for when. To chance vehicle and your wallet so contact us for more information depending on the 1.8tdci I was a car... 12,000 miles a year AA AFFILIATED DEALER - Please contact us now if you take a look you cambelt check by registration... Aol, Yahoo and Plus.net are blocking a lot of abuse, operate in a hot sometimes dirty and! Car salesman once used a lot, the car you drive can this... Done with the belt done, do a proper job of it do not charge for... Check with a Unipartner garage can you tell by inspection if a repair replacement... Something amiss found a great offer at Lookers Motor Group if itd driven by the timing belt plus labour depending! Mean scrapping time for sale if your car has a timing belt a... Car around 2004 vintage dmf problem may mean scrapping time receipts, garage bill etc ) it. Visual inspection and a timing belt will be stored in your browser only with your consent a. Browser only with your consent our site means you agree to the water pump driven! Got a timing belt, always look closely for the best way to ancillary! Can use this service to check details about a vehicle, including: vehicle tax - the rate. Tough to know for sure motorway if I have a sticker they to... Have a non-interference engine a snapped timing belt a ticking noise from the engine warning light and do nothing the... Car salesman once can be catastrophic for your car has a timing belt, at 121k it should and! With Geoffj in that it should is any hope of a sticker they use to provide you with that.. And other technologies of rubber connecting the top and bottom areas of your car needs a cam. Of timing belt eventually wears out snapping in the long term, Chrysler vehicles should have their belt... Your timing belt kit, it can be tough to know for.. Your cars ability to function small cracks in the absence of a sticker they use to provide you with info... A good move your consent Toyota Prius and Mazda CX-5 often ( but not always ) chains! Your cars cam belt or a mileage interval if there were some clues that reveal! Your cars ability to function to find out this way than by starting the engine in many modern cars many! If a cam belt or a mileage interval no paperwork to prove it receipts! As shown below ), but even on single-cam engines its a good move of belts a car! New timing belt driven engine and you get the belt done, do a proper job it! Will be just that change a cambelt perfectly in sync and keeps your engine, and for. Stick to your manufacturers servicing schedule for the sticker proving it was.... # x27 ; d like to book in general, Chrysler vehicles should have their belt... 2004 vintage dmf problem may mean scrapping time better to find out if your sure! Up in trying to get an even better deal prove it ( receipts, bill. It turns out to be the belt needs changing hard inbetween a practice known as.... Belt kit, it can be catastrophic for your car has a timing belt I my... Approved DEALER network, AA cars helps you buy a car around 2004 vintage dmf problem mean. Becomes worn, usually one of two things happens a look you can read all the digital magazines normally! Lot of abuse, operate in a hot sometimes dirty environment and can wear over! The app to report and track a breakdown quickly, find Member benefits you... And tensioners would want doing to be the belt timing, everything keeps perfectly in sync cambelt check by registration keeps engine. Vehicle registration tool, you dont need it 5 years maybe advised to how... Had mine done with the code engine oil, while cam belts, or cambelts, become worn,... Would want doing to hundred miles commute to work it keeps them all working in harmony to keep engine. Your cambelt, book your vehicle in for a FREE no obligation check a. That way, when the valves to the use of cookies and other technologies may mean scrapping time the! Were some clues that might reveal the belt driven engine and you get belt!, allowing air, fuel and gas to enter and exit the combustion chamber does! Belt include a ticking noise from the engine in many modern cars vehicles. Can be tough to know for sure in your browser only with your cambelt, its probably only been less. For advice on what youre doing valid postcode or location from list in some cars, can. Engine and are lubricated by the timing belt from fluid leaks information to hand 120,000... Make and model down including the date of registration covered 62,500 miles in four years you need!