I got the reply back from Skoda.. following is the email

 

 

"  Re: ŠKODA OCTAVIA Hatch – CK67 XXX
    
Dear .................

Thank you for contacting ŠKODA UK regarding your vehicle timing belt change and service history enquiry.

I have gone ahead and spoke with our Technical Support Team to confirm about  your vehicle timing belt change. The team has advised that your vehicle is fitted with a timing belt and there is no mileage stipulation for the timing belt replacement on this vehicle however, the UK recommendation is that the timing belt be replaced every 5 years.

Having checked our records, I can confirm that the information attached is the service history that was done through our Approved ŠKODA retailer. Please note, this information does not include any servicing which may have been completed independently of our network. Should you have had your vehicle serviced independently you will need to contact them.

I hope this information proves useful.

You may receive a survey about the service that I have provided. I would be grateful if you have the time to complete this, as it will help me to provide the best customer experience possible.

Kind regards


Nomampondomise Plaatijie
Customer Relations Advisor

ŠKODA UK | PO Box 9004 | Leeds | LS1 9WA
Tel:  0333 0037504  "

Edited 28 December, 20223 yr by automass

2 hours ago, automass said:

I got the reply back from Skoda.. following is the email

the UK recommendation is that the timing belt be replaced every 5 years.

So just a repeat of the Skoda UK recommendation - which is inconsistent with VW techical documentation and all (AFAIK) other countries.

UK Owners are the Goose that keeps on laying the Golden Eggs for UK Main dealerships. 

 

They are not so keen to charge a reasonable price to do 1.5 TSI Timing Belts.

Owners of them can expect a shock if having them replaced @ 5 years. 

12 minutes ago, toot said:

UK Owners are the Goose that keeps on laying the Golden Eggs for UK Main dealerships. 

 

They are not so keen to charge a reasonable price to do 1.5 TSI Timing Belts.

Owners of them can expect a shock if having them replaced @ 5 years. 

That's if a 1.5t owner were to use a Skoda dealership to change their belt on a 5 year old car, I certainly wouldn't, I'd use a good independent garage & save a considerable amount.

They need the gear and more than ideas. 

Lets us know how much you are quoted please.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/507544-cam-belt-for-15-tsi-in-east-kent

 

3 hours ago, toot said:

They need the gear and more than ideas. 

Lets us know how much you are quoted please.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/507544-cam-belt-for-15-tsi-in-east-kent

 

I wouldn't use an independent that couldn't do the job. It's not due for a year, yet. I've used a few decent independents over the years that I'd trust. 

If I do have it done before I sell my car, I'll post prices. Looking at your link, I think Skoda would of had my eyes out. Yet their servicing prices seem more competitive generally, compared to some other manufacturers.

Edited 28 December, 20223 yr by Phoenixboy

I know I'm repeating myself but a Skoda dealership in Munich informed me that, having checked my VIN (Irish Reg VRS TDI) that the interval was 210,000km without a time limit but would advise every 10 years just in case. 

 

The 10 year interval sounds far more reasonable. That said, on the issue of who I would get to change my belt, in Ireland the dealer wanted €500 but the peace of mind of the 2 year warranty is worth the extra €50 vs the independent imo. Got a quote of €550 from the German dealer.

Edited 29 December, 20223 yr by foregonereality

On 24/12/2022 at 17:04, Warrior193 said:

Get it carefully visually inspected at 5 years and consider replacing

Spoiler

 

t 6 - again depending on inspection. 

 

Wow, lots of different opinions. Totally confusing. What UK Skoda said was 5years intervals regardless mileage. Probably, I'll linger it as much as possible..when I'll hit 7miles or 120k miles, I'll consider changing..meanwhile I will keep it inspected every time I do servicing in my local garage .

Happy New Year guys.

 

 

I spoke to my local Skoda dealer today.  they also confirmed me that, my particular car has FIVE years interval for timing belt change regardless of mileage. So they gave me a quote of almost £900 and after especial discount it was £699 (inc. vat). No water pump changing required. water pump located at the back of the engine, therefore it doesn't have to do anything with the timing belt. I asked the man to give me the breakdown of the price. he gave me almost £300 for the toothed belt and other components of the timing belt. I am just wondering is it really that critical job that they have to charge that much money!!!!

10 hours ago, automass said:

Happy New Year guys.

 

 

I spoke to my local Skoda dealer today.  they also confirmed me that, my particular car has FIVE years interval for timing belt change regardless of mileage. So they gave me a quote of almost £900 and after especial discount it was £699 (inc. vat). No water pump changing required. water pump located at the back of the engine, therefore it doesn't have to do anything with the timing belt. I asked the man to give me the breakdown of the price. he gave me almost £300 for the toothed belt and other components of the timing belt. I am just wondering is it really that critical job that they have to charge that much money!!!!

 

Well that's not surprising is it as they'll just be reiterating the Skoda UK line re time interval that differs from the rest of the world... 

12 hours ago, automass said:

Happy New Year guys.

 

 

I spoke to my local Skoda dealer today.  they also confirmed me that, my particular car has FIVE years interval for timing belt change regardless of mileage. So they gave me a quote of almost £900 and after especial discount it was £699 (inc. vat). No water pump changing required. water pump located at the back of the engine, therefore it doesn't have to do anything with the timing belt. I asked the man to give me the breakdown of the price. he gave me almost £300 for the toothed belt and other components of the timing belt. I am just wondering is it really that critical job that they have to charge that much money!!!!

The price quoted for the timing belt is outrageous! - cam belt kit GSF129VG0990 for my MY16 1.4TSI was priced at £98.42 when I had mine changed (at 6 years) in October 2021. 

On 01/01/2023 at 00:43, automass said:

Happy New Year guys.

 

 

I spoke to my local Skoda dealer today.  they also confirmed me that, my particular car has FIVE years interval for timing belt change regardless of mileage. So they gave me a quote of almost £900 and after especial discount it was £699 (inc. vat). 

That's outrageous, Barnstaple Marshalls Skoda only charged me just over £500 for timing belt, service and MOT on my 1.4TSI.

@automass. I suspect whoever quoted that price is giving what they quote for a 1.5tsi.    arse and elbow with service desk staff.   Ask what the labour is on the job. 

On 01/01/2023 at 00:43, automass said:

Happy New Year guys.

 

 

I spoke to my local Skoda dealer today.  they also confirmed me that, my particular car has FIVE years interval for timing belt change regardless of mileage. So they gave me a quote of almost £900 and after especial discount it was £699 (inc. vat). No water pump changing required. water pump located at the back of the engine, therefore it doesn't have to do anything with the timing belt. I asked the man to give me the breakdown of the price. he gave me almost £300 for the toothed belt and other components of the timing belt. I am just wondering is it really that critical job that they have to charge that much money!!!!

If you don't mind me asking, but which dealer did you use? 

Just spoke to a Skoda chat person who stated the time part of the intervals has been lifted across VAG group as of July and my 2.0l diesel mk3 is due at 140000 miles. 

That message you received is really useful info. thanks!!

It's only been info passed on by users up to now.

Has anyone with a 2.0 tdi vrs (around 2018 plate) been given concise instructions that the belt does not need changing now at 5 years please?

For anyone looking at this thread in the future. I have a 2015 euro6 2.0 tdi SE L Octavia. I bought the car in April this year on 63k and planned on getting the cambelt and water pump done at 80k miles latest just to be safe. Wanted to do it after the 3 month warranty ended but had to get the alloys refurbished due to losing 3-6 psi a day and warranty doesn’t cover alloys apparently. 
 

My coolant low level light came on a few weeks ago. I topped it up and it happened again two days later. Have a mechanic in the family so took it to his branch. The cars now on 69k and the water pump pulleys bearings had all worn away meaning the the pulley was oscillating when spinning and the cambelt was rubbing against the side of the engine and on the verge of snapping. I got told I was a very lucky boy having just bought the car. Just had them both replaced but I think people should air on the side of caution and get it looked at especially if you depend on it for work like me. Got a colleague with 69plate and he’s getting his done sooner than planned having heard about mine but he’s only on 63k. 
 

 

Edited 5 September, 20241 yr by Beesstinger

I had a friend with an Octavia Mk3 (2016, 1.6 TDI) that he bought at 145k miles. A few weeks ago, his car’s timing belt snapped, and the engine was completely destroyed. I’m not sure if the timing belt had been replaced before.

My car is a 1.4 TSI, 67 plate, with a mileage of 131k. I’m wondering whether I should have my timing belt replaced or not.

When I had some work done under the car a few days ago, I asked the mechanic to check the timing belt, and he reported that it was okay.

Also, as I posted here a long time ago, Skoda confirmed that for my model, there is no recommendation to change the timing belt at 80k or 120k miles or 5 years. They said it should be done as and when needed.

Can someone share their experience with the timing belt for this Mk3 1.4 TSI or provide any expert opinion on whether I should consider changing the belt or not?

 

@automass Was your mechanic not giving you an expert opinion?

What is OK mean, not going to break anytime soon, fingers crossed.

Was the long time ago that you posted what Skoda Confirmed before June last year when this came out from Skoda / VW concerning the likes of your engine in the UK. 

 

 

Edited 7 September, 20241 yr by Ootohere

12 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

@automass Was your mechanic not giving you an expert opinion?

What is OK mean, not going to break anytime soon, fingers crossed.

Was the long time ago that you posted what Skoda Confirmed before June last year when this came out from Skoda / VW concerning the likes of your engine in the UK. 

 

 

Mechanic didn't give me any expert opinion as he didn't check it throughly. Just visual checks if there was any crack or anything to notice..something like that. He didn't find any wrong with timing belt though. he said that I can get it replaced if I want to and he can do it for me which he will charge £180 for labour.

Well, I need experienced people opinion who has the similar car and when did they change the timing belt and what do they recommend.

 

 

Edited 7 September, 20241 yr by automass

?

What other check is there than visual?  Sounds like BS really.

 

£180 including VAT per hour sounds like he likes earning well.  How much does a taxi driver earn an hour?

How much is the job going to be including parts and how quick does he work?

 

If the car is a Taxi it is the tool of the trade, proper servicing and maintenance is important i would say. 

Edited 7 September, 20241 yr by Ootohere

Update:

 

I had my Timing Belt Kit replaced with INA SCHAEFFLER (£69.29) last night. Mechanic says that it was a good decision to replace as the old belt wasn't in t great shape. I have uploaded some pictures of new kit and old kit in case someone is curious to see.

 

N.B: Mechanic will replace my drive belt/serpentine belt for free. I have already ordered drive belt in my local Skoda delaer..price is around £31.

 

Car details of chanhing driving belt

 

First Registration: 24 October 2017

Mileage: 131863 miles

I enquired about my 16 plate vrs tdi cam belt change with Skoda in Stockport who informed me that it was a 15 year or 140000 mile interval . The cost was £1200 and they wanted two days to complete the work . This was as of the beginning of June 2025.

I understand this is an old thread but in case anyone was searching.

Adam F