Hi I have a Octavia vRS (petrol) which had the belt and pump changed by the dealer at 69000 miles in 2010, it's now just turned 90000 and the dealer has said it needs changing again.

 

I know people say every 4 years but it's only got 21000 miles on this belt and pump, can I get another 8000 miles/1 year out of it?

 

 

If this was my car then i would just replace the timing belt if the water pump has only done 20k,its up to you if you leave it another year,id say you would be fine but i cant gaurantee this. 

How brave do you feel?

I had mine replaced at 4 years old & approx 40,000miles & to be fair the old belt,pulleys,tensioner & water pump all looked fine with no visible signs of wear. 

Your dealer is correct, there are two measures for the cambelt change, mileage and time.

 

You are way off the mileage but have just hit the standard 4 year interval (extended to 5 years on cars built after September 2010).

 

It should be worth noting that the belts don't have to do the mileage to perish. The materials in the belt will deteriorate over time just through age.

 

There are lots of topics on whether Skoda are simply profiteering with the blanket 4 year interval.

 

The only person who can make the decision is you.

 

If you do get it done and choose to use a Skoda main dealer then make sure you aren't charged more than their national pricing policy...

 

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/national-pricing/maintenance

When I bought my skoda (1.9 pd105 2004 54 plate model) the belt was changed in 2008 at 60k I bought it at 118k in 2014 and just changed it as soon as I got it

But just depends how brave you are

Bought mine at 107,000/5 years old and there was no evidence in lease company service/repair history that was printed out or in the service book that it had been done. Obviously insisted the kit and water pump were done before I took possession of it. It shows though that the mileage/time can go over without consequence if your lucky. Would I let it go anywhere near that mileage again before a change? Not a chance but I wont be too anal about the 4 year part. 

Bought my car with 20k miles on but was due a cambelt according to the time limit.

 

The dealer changed it before we bought it and they said that there were some visible signs of cracking/perishing on the rubber.

 

So as above... how brave do you feel?!

You could find your current belt has years more life left in it and is absolutely fine, but equally it could snap this afternoon. Sadly there isn't a great deal you can do to predict it or prevent it, other than changing it at a sensible interval. Only you can decide if that should be now or later

 

Personally, I'd do it now.

It's highly unlikely to break at 1,463 days.  But has happened, and the clock will be ticking. 

 

Someone had conversations with a dealer about the recording of cambelt etc,  similarly brake fluid change and air con recharge.  They were reluctant to put it in the service book for some strange reason. 

Puts a bit of a cloud over service history?

I do not know why VW belts don't last 10 years like my current Ford Focus or 100,000 miles. Makes me wonder if they use inferior parts?  When I changed the timing belt myself  on my TFSi,  the belt was as good as new with no cracks or pits. I wouldn't worry too much as belts can snap after 1 year or may go on for 8 years. It is pot luck really. 

Out of interest, What is the mileage limit on getting the belt changed? I had a look in the manual and I can only see the time limit.

Out of interest, What is the mileage limit on getting the belt changed? I had a look in the manual and I can only see the time limit.

 

60,000 miles or 4 years for cars manufactured before September 2010.

 

Phil

I'm guessing mines on borrowed time then as its only done 43000 miles but the car's 6 years old and on its original belt. Its next service is due in February 2015 so was going to get it done then.

I'm guessing mines on borrowed time then as its only done 43000 miles but the car's 6 years old and on its original belt. Its next service is due in February 2015 so was going to get it done then.

 

Yes you're overdue by 2 years.

 

Might be worth getting the belt inspected.

 

Phil

Yes you're overdue by 2 years.

 

Might be worth getting the belt inspected.

 

Phil

I'll see if I can take the top cover off to have a peek at the belt. btw let me know how you get on with the aux heater install, I found it fairly easy, the hardest part was getting the heavy wire from the fuse box through the bulkhead to the unit. I ended up buying a heavy duty crimp tool to make the wire ends up.  Mike.

Think I'm going to wait until february, i'll get xmas and daughters birthday out of the way then get it done, hopefully my next topic wont be "vRS engine required"

 

Cheers for all the input.

I do not know why VW belts don't last 10 years like my current Ford Focus or 100,000 miles. Makes me wonder if they use inferior parts?  When I changed the timing belt myself  on my TFSi,  the belt was as good as new with no cracks or pits. I wouldn't worry too much as belts can snap after 1 year or may go on for 8 years. It is pot luck really. 

 

As far as diesels go, the VAG range used the PD injector system up until 2010 or so, and the extra driven weight and force of the PD cam was the main reason for the time and distance stipulation of the belt. Ford used a different system for their diesels (earlier were VE pumps and later were commonrail) so were not so heavy on the belts. Having said that, the Ford diesel engines of the 90s era had a 40k miles belt change limit, and some didn't make it that far.