Just had a note from Skoda to say that my Superb is coming up to 4 years old and that the cambelt should be changed. It seems like the rules for a cambelt replacement are being chucked out of the window and they are now to be based on time rather than miles. As I have only covered 34000 miles I am starting to think that this is a VAG scheme for getting them rich and me poor!! I was always on the understanding that a cambelt change was about 70000 miles which most other manufacturers seem to follow. If running a VAG engine cost another £300/£400 every 4 years then they might not be so economical after all.

As my car is covered by extended warranty I have no option but to pay within one month of the next service date. This will be remembered the next time I cost out my next new car!!

when it comes to cambelt changes, they make it up as they go along IMHO, but I always err on the side of caution. Rather change a cam belt for a few hundred than have a knackered head, camshaft, injectors etc etc,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

It is always a time or mileage and which ever comes first with all manufactures.

The problem is though that the service book gives a mileage and not a time period. It is fairly common knowledge that Skoda recommend a cambelt change every 4 years but this isn't stated or made clear in the service book.

They have had long enough to make this printed change and I'm inclined to agree that it is a money making ruse. Same as getting brake fluid changed. Was after 2 years, then went to after 3 years then every 2 years after that. Where is the sense in that?

With brake fluid I just get a hydroscopic check of the fluid .

Most manufacturers have had a mileage or time period whichever is sooner for changing the timing belts.

This has been the norm since they started using belts in mainstream vehicles since the early 80s.

Don't take what the book says as gospel if the dealer is writing to say it needs changing then change it.

Remember £3-400 for a belt is better than £2k for an engine repair.

Agree.

The reason its only age based now is most manufactures are using the new Contitech belts. Which have unlimited mileage or 4years. So you can clock up say 200k in 3 years and still never need to change the belt. As soon as its 4 years it has to be changed.

http://www.contitech.co.uk/pages/produkte/antriebsriemen/antriebsriemen_en.html

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http://www.contitech.de/pages/produkte/antriebsriemen/kfz-erstausruestung/produkt_zahnriemen_en.html

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The reason its only age based now is most manufactures are using the new Contitech belts. Which have unlimited mileage or 4years. So you can clock up say 200k in 3 years and still never need to change the belt. As soon as its 4 years it has to be changed.

http://www.contitech...sriemen_en.html

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I doubt any will be unlimited milage and if they are i certainly wouldnt trust one to do that sort of mileage.

Its guaranteed by Continental and by Skoda. Pritty much all new cars will be using them. If you read through the latest bits in that link they are belts for a lifetime of the vehicle.

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It’s just a pity that it is only Škoda UK that specify the 4 year limit ….in the rest of the world there is no time limit on the belts, make of that what you will.

Don’t get me wrong it is false economy not to change the belt when recommended IMO, but there is no difference to a belt in northern Europe or the UK.

Let's keep in mind that not all cam timing failures (and resulting engine damage) are due to broken belts. They can also be due to failed pulleys, tensioners, and in some engines (GM Z19DTH for example), failure of the water pump.

Changing a belt gives the opportunity to check, and in many cases, replace these ancillary components at the same time.

ksr

It’s just a pity that it is only Škoda UK that specify the 4 year limit ….in the rest of the world there is no time limit on the belts, make of that what you will.

Don’t get me wrong it is false economy not to change the belt when recommended IMO, but there is no difference to a belt in northern Europe or the UK.

I think you will find that in the UK at least all manufactures also specify a time limit. I know Fiat, Ford, Vauxhal and Audi do.

Its guaranteed by Continental and by Skoda. Pritty much all new cars will be using them. If you read through the latest bits in that link they are belts for a lifetime of the vehicle.

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Well tell me exactly were it says that as I cant find it.

I founda bit under common rail engines that says it will last the life of the engine 220,000 kilometers.

I must say I would expect an engine to last longer than that.

Also I would put money that if it broke at high miles then no one would pay for the repair.