Hello folks,

 

I recently bought a 2013 Octavia Mk3, 1.2 Tsi S on a 63 plate with 111,000 miles. It doesn't have the full service history and is missing the past few years of info in the service manual. I have no idea if the timing belt has ever been replaced.

I've attached a picture of it. Does that help in deciding if it's been replaced recently or not?

Is it right that I can contact my local Skoda dealer and they will tell me what records they have for my car?

I've heard now that the timing belt doesn't have a fixed schedule for replacement. Does anyone have anything official from Skoda about that?

I have bought a warranty for a year and one of the conditions of it are that I must do the timing belt changes and other services according to the manufacturers schedule.

 

Also the little key was in the glove box. Any idea what it is for?

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Can't comment on the belt but the key looks like a miniature padlock key...   The sort you get on suitcases. 

1 minute ago, skomaz said:

Can't comment on the belt but the key looks like a miniature padlock key...   The sort you get on suitcases. 

Probably not important then! There were no suitcases left in car when I got it.

1 hour ago, simsim said:

I've attached a picture of it. Does that help in deciding if it's been replaced recently or not?

No. There is (or should be) a manufacture date code on the belt, but that's not visible

That's not the timing belt in the photo. 

 

A timing belt is toothed or if you prefer castellated , no way in the world would it slip . Very important for a timing belt.

Your photo is the multi V belt to drive alternator ( top right hand corner) and Air con compressor (Below it).

The smallest pulley is the tensioner .

The timing belt is hidden underneath a cover.

 

PS I dont know if the  1.2 TSI has a belt or a chain.

Edited 15 July, 20232 yr by daftbugga
extra info

It is belt driven, but as above, you can't see it without removing covers, see toothed belt; toothed belt guard - Octavia(OCT) [EUROPA 2013 year] (7zap.com)

 

9 hours ago, daftbugga said:

 

Oh! Well thanks for that info. I certainly didn't know that. 😅😅

 

 

Well I contacted my local Skoda dealer - Westlands in Edinburgh.

I gave them my cars reg and asked about the timing belt replacement schedule and I got this reply :

 

We do not have any service records for your vehicle as we have never seen this car previously. Petrol vehicles do not require a replacement timing belt.

 

Cool.

4 hours ago, simsim said:

Well I contacted my local Skoda dealer - Westlands in Edinburgh.

I gave them my cars reg and asked about the timing belt replacement schedule and I got this reply :

 

We do not have any service records for your vehicle as we have never seen this car previously. Petrol vehicles do not require a replacement timing belt.

 

Cool.

Not sure what your dealers talking about, I have a 1.4 TSI petrol and was told timing belt needs replacing at either 5 years or 100k. 2016 plate, cambelt changed after 5 years.

Confusion reigns!

1 hour ago, simsim said:

Confusion reigns!

Until very recently the " guide " was to change the timing belt @ 5 years or whatever mileage it was , off hand I cant remember the mileage quoted .

This " guide" only applied on cars used in the UK.

Common since has finally been applied , hence the reply from Westlands.

 

PS , if the car has previously been serviced by a Skoda dealer then that history will be or should be available by Westlands. service history used to be on paper, It is now digital but only if done by  a Skoda dealer. 

 

PPS if you have no record  of the service history Skoda or otherwise given the age & mileage of the car 

 

PPS if you have no record of the service history Skoda or otherwise then given the age & mileage of the car I think an inspection at least of timing belt is needed, preferably a replacement.

Edited 20 July, 20232 yr by daftbugga
Extra info