You could always ask your dealer. Generally manufacturers don't disclose their actual research unless it vital. But these things are common knowledge in the trade but the actual evidence, a technical doc would exist at a VAG dealership still, I'm sure. they usually don't give much other information other than the new instruction and it's due to (a cursory explanation on something like this). We had them all the time coming in concerning some Honda, Nissan & Rover models. You dealer won't probably show you as it's now old hat info and it isn't necessary as this information is printed in your owners manual concerning the mileage at which your belt is changed. But there has been many motor mags carrying information about this subject over the years and I'm sure you will find research data on the interweb somewhere.

Edited 24 January, 201214 yr by Estate Man

You could always ask your dealer. Generally manufacturers don't disclose their actual research unless it vital. But these things are common knowledge in the trade but the actual evidence, a technical doc would exist at a VAG dealership still, I'm sure. they usually don't give much other information other than the new instruction and it's due to (a cursory explanation on something like this). We had them all the time coming in concerning some Honda, Nissan & Rover models. You dealer won't probably show you as it's now old hat info and it isn't necessary as this information is printed in your owners manual concerning the mileage at which your belt is changed. But there has been many motor mags carrying information about this subject over the years and I'm sure you will find research data on the interweb somewhere.

Thanks EM. I'll do some online research when time allows to see if I can find anything on this.

In the meantime, having considered everything I've read and heard, my current plan is to get the car seviced and MOT'd at an independent garage this year (my Skoda dealer is heavy on price and not very conveniently located) and replace the cam belt at 5 years, when expected mileage will be about 40,000.

Thanks to all for their opinions and input.

Edited 24 January, 201214 yr by MarginWalker

Our car is 4yrs old end of may and has done 43k so we will get cambelt done just before its 4th birthday so as to comply with Skoda's vague instructions.The cars Service is due in April but i cannot afford a service and cam belt all in one go so i cannot see why i can't get a service done then cam belt changed following month,it should keep warranty ok as we are following their vague requirements.

Edited 24 January, 201214 yr by seagull

1327412677[/url]' post='2658597']

Our car is 4yrs old end of may and has done 43k so we will get cambelt done just before its 4th birthday so as to comply with Skoda's vague instructions.The cars Service is due in April but i cannot afford a service and cam belt all in one go so i cannot see why i can't get a service done then cam belt changed following month,it should keep warranty ok as we are following their vague requirements.

You have not got warranty after 3 years only if you've upgraded so up to you

If you go over by a bit it really does't matter from the technical point of view, it's not suddenly going to break. As Seb says though, if you have extended warranty it could affect that if they think you have gone over by an unreasonable amount. Your extended warranty documentation will tell you what is acceptable or not. Mine says not to go over by anymore than 6 weeks for the time limit, or 600 miles over the service interval for the item concerned. Belt breakages are very rare indeed these days so I wouldn't be concerned.

yes i have an approved used Skoda which i bought only a few weeks ago.In the warranty book it says the car should be serviced within 4 weeks or 500miles to what the service book states.

If the water pumps are prone to failing because they are weak plastic are VAG still fitting them in newer engines.I would have thought after a number of worldwide failures they would spend a few extra £s on fitting a metal version.

I will get the pump changed with cam belt anyway just because if its not done then the engine could have easily covered a 100k before the next opportunity arises to replace it.

yes i have an approved used Skoda which i bought only a few weeks ago.In the warranty book it says the car should be serviced within 4 weeks or 500miles to what the service book states.

If the water pumps are prone to failing because they are weak plastic are VAG still fitting them in newer engines.I would have thought after a number of worldwide failures they would spend a few extra £s on fitting a metal version.

I will get the pump changed with cam belt anyway just because if its not done then the engine could have easily covered a 100k before the next opportunity arises to replace it.

No, you are ok with the water pump design now. That has been remedied. But yes, you are wise to get it changed at the same time as tensioner, and belt as it cost peanuts and is recommended.

No, you are ok with the water pump design now. That has been remedied. But yes, you are wise to get it changed at the same time as tensioner, and belt as it cost peanuts and is recommended.

Estate man are you saying that when i get the belt done in may i should get tensioner and pump done,as the wooly service booklet seems to suggest the tensioners are done on the 2nd belt change.

I would have thought if i have a better improved water pump then it should last another 4 years or 50k i suppose i could get advice from dealers although they probably vary depending which one you ask.

If Skoda have changed their policy regarding cam belts since the manufacture of the vehicle then when a car is serviced the dealer should include a revised booklet to go into the cars service/handbook folder,this way the customer knows what is expected and this protects both manufacturer and customer.

In short, I don't know what Skoda recommend concerning the replacement of tensioners. I've never teched for Skoda or VAG at franchise level, although I've worked on VAG engines before. But it was always normal practice, and recommended by the manufacturers at the franchises I teched for to replace the water pump and tensioner together. That's always been pretty much standard practice for most manufacturers. These are normally very very cheap items and as such would always be replaced at the same time as the belt. If Skoda are saying don't replace the tensioner until the second belt then I would go with their advise. They know their engines better than anyone. To be sure, discuss with your dealer, who contrary to popular belief, has you best interests at heart. A happy customer is one who will continue to buy from him.