Hi all,

I had my Octavia serviced recently. It was recommended that I change the cambelt. As a fianl year student I am financially tight this year. So I just wanted to know whether it is time that I change my cambelt or can I go on longer using the same belt.

The car is 8 years old and have done around 52k. I might only do a max of 5k this year as I am quite busy with my studies.

Thanks for all help

Edited 21 November, 201015 yr by KSAOctavia

cambelts are meant to be every 80k, or 4 year (iirc), so at 8 years old, you should be looking at your second belt change. Plus while the work is being done, is is worth paying a bit extra and changing the waterpump too.

As I am tight, I do my cambelt myself at home. Bit of a PITA, but my time is cheaper than a garage. I change mine every 2 and a bit years...

Hi all,

I had my Octavia serviced recently. It was recommended that I change the cambelt. As a fianl year student I am financially tight this year. So I just wanted to know whether it is time that I change my cambelt or can I go on longer using the same belt.

The car is 8 years old and have done around 52k. I might only do a max of 5k this year as I am quite busy with my studies.

Thanks for all help

You'll be very financially tight if the cambelt breaks!

cambelts are meant to be every 80k, or 4 year (iirc), so at 8 years old, you should be looking at your second belt change. Plus while the work is being done, is is worth paying a bit extra and changing the waterpump too.

As I am tight, I do my cambelt myself at home. Bit of a PITA, but my time is cheaper than a garage. I change mine every 2 and a bit years...

thank you

Make sure the stretch bolts in the RH engine mounting are replaced with new ones (they have to be removed when changing the belt). I had the cambelt in my Octavia changed by a Skoda dealer who didn't do this. A few months later the engine fell against the RH inner wing when I went over a speed bump in the work car park. Judging by the wear patterns on what was left of the two bolts, one had snapped a while earlier and the second one couldn't take the load any more.

Edited 24 November, 201015 yr by Grubtraw