I had the timing belt replaced by my local independant out in the sticks West Cork, Ireland with mileage 70,000 on the clock. The bill was 500 euro. 200 euro for the kit and 200 for the labour (4 hours) plus tax etc. Skoda parts used. No water pump as that was replaced not long ago. This has been redesigned I understand after so many failures of the original. Recall from Skode?? Of course not.

I could not get the timing kit for much less than that price buying aftermarket.....

While I was chatting I asked about replacing the DSG fluid as recommended by Skoda. I was told due to our location and driving conditions it was recommended but not as urgent as driving around town. Sitting in traffic with drive engaged was bad for the box and caused the earlier failure. We should be putting in neutral if sitting stationary (and auto start was not used as I assume this would put it in neutral automatically??).

There are quite a few Skodas around here so he has experience of the brand.

So that is an unbiased view of whether to spend the money or not. The timing belt was in good nick but the peace of mind is worth it.

If it is DQ381 DSG and i looked and you have showing a 2.0 TDI 2018.. An idea to say that.

80,000 miles service regime according to VW group and no OIL Filter changed to 160,000 miles.

Looks like time to be getting it serviced, and get the oil filter changed.

Spend the money with someone that knows the job that they have to do.

?

Do you not use AUTOHOLD when stopped?

It can just be left in D, the same as if you were sitting with a foot on the brake pedal.

No need for N for short stops in traffic & applying the Parking Brake. It is a wet clutch DSG.

Edited 27 June, 202527 Jun by Ootohere

Thanks for that. No not really used it but will do so.

Placing a dsg in N has been discussed and the general consensus is that it wouldn't hurt but at the same time isn't necessary. My view is if stop-start is on then don't waste the wear on the control valves and leave it in drive.

Stop start is an irritaion too far. Pull up for a few seconds at a junction and then realise the engine is off. So annoying and cannot be god for the engine/battery/starter etc. etc.

Add to that the bloody EML has come back on after months of warning free driving.