Earlier this afternoon my mechanic returned my car after fitting a new cambelt and waterpump, after a brief chat he goes on to tell me it was a wise decision to do it when I did, the reason being my belt had a hairline split that could of gone at any time, plus it was sitting so far over its marked the cambelt cover, so as I said in the title..........Eeeekkk!

LOL!

My father spent many years running a garage (retired long ago).

When he did a belt change and the customer asked about the condition of the belt, he would invariably tell them it was a good thing they'd had it changed because 'it could have gone at any time'. Often this was accompanied by flexing the old belt backwards so that a few cracks were visible at the teeth roots (all used belts tend to do this, even if in sound condition).

This cheered the customer up no end, and there was rarely a grumble about the bill !

Edited 24 January, 201115 yr by Hauptmann

LOL!

My father spent many years running a garage (retired long ago).

When he did a belt change and the customer asked about the condition of the belt, he would invariably tell them it was a good thing they'd had it changed because 'it could have gone at any time'. Often this was accompanied by flexing the old belt backwards so that a few cracks were visible at the teeth roots (all used belts tend to do this, even if in sound condition).

This cheered the customer up no end, and there was rarely a grumble about the bill !

While I appreciate what your saying, my mechanic is also a very good friend, and the bill which includes supplying and fitting the timing belt and water pump and also realigning the headlights after fitting the HID's has come in at a grand total of £278, not only that but I asked for the work to be done, and seeing the belt myself, it really doesn't look well!

How many miles and what age is your car?

..................my mechanic is also a very good friend

So he's the one

Seriously though, sounds like it's saved a whole lot of dosh in the long run

Definately worth doing and as you say Lee you've been lucky? I got mine done at 52k for peace of mind. They way i see it (using dealer figures) its £450 for a new belt & Pump or £4k+ for a new engine if it goes at M'Way speeds unless you can find a decent used one. Even then your looking at around £1500

One day they may just make all cars with chains

How many miles and what age is your car?

As with Carls, it's covered just over 52k and it's a 56 plate.