I've just changed the timing belt on my old Landcruiser at 150,000km (big price difference only £100) and it looks brand new. If the Skoda dealer follows the service schedule on checking the timing belt tension they will be able to check its condition and report accordingly. Taking the Landcruiser belt as an example I'm happy to have my belt checked at the required milage or time and hope to get to 210,000km.

 

Good luck

Luck should not come into it. All Superp drivers in Spain are unaware of anything other than 180,000 or 210,000km (diesel) between changes. The UK "limits" are unknown here.

If you read your service book you will see the limits and the statement "inspect" not replace at 60,000km or 4 years whichever comes first. On the service inspection page it asks if the belt was changed, yes or no. Nowhere in the book does it say to change at any other time or distance other than those stated above. My Superb is a UK model with the appropriate service book.

Well its a choice between a £300 cambelt service that takes half a day or a £900 bill and have it off the road for a week

 

the yanks call that a "no brainer"

The "no brainer" for me is to follow the manufacturers instructions! Why does everyone try to outguess or question what is writen down in the service hsndbook. If there was a glut of failures the manufacturer not to meantion Watchdog would be on the case. When I get back to the UK next month I will raise with the dealer as to what is the difference between UK and Continental cars that merits such a discrepancy between such an important service requirement.

When I had my cambelt changed I was lead to believe by the garage that did it who are a VAG only specialist that a timing belt kit consists of the belt, rollers and tensioner. I may be wrong but it made sense when they told me this.

 

A timing belt kit consists of tensioner, rollers and belt yes.

 

I think there is some confusion going on between the timing belt and the auxiliary belt.

 

The aux belt is NOT part of the cambelt kit and has no schedule for change. It should be inspected and replaced if/when necessary.

 

Before sending any letters etc (bit heavy handed I think) you should just speak in person with them and see what they say. You never know they may surprise you and just fix it.

 

If this doesn't work then you should look at letters etc.

 

Phil

The "no brainer" for me is to follow the manufacturers instructions! 

 

Thats OK if they will cough up if a belt only lasts 100K miles or less, me id rather play devils advocate

Of course it is up to individuals to make their own decision as to when they wish to change a timing belt. The manufacturer gives you a recommendation (which are tested to beyond their figures as a safety factor), you make your choice.

I don't know about Skoda, I've never thought to ask, but I will! But my Land Cruiser has a warning light that comes on every 150,000km to remind you to change the timing belt. This is the second belt and the light works!

Reading previous posts there appears to be as many variations as posters, the only constant is what is writen in the service book. I will look on line here to see if I can find the written word.