I did the cambelt on SWMBO's Fabia PD100 last night.

The belt had done only 53,000 miles and was 5 years old the car being a 52 plate. I thought I knew better than Skoda & that despite the car being 5 years old it had not even done the previously recommended 60,000 miles so it would probably be ok.....oops !

The condition of the outside surface of the belt was a little alarming ! :eek:

On compressing the belt, surface cracks could plainly be seen....

Bad as this may look, the integrity of the inside of the belt where the teeth were was fine.

The water pump, tensioner and roller were all fine also but were replaced anyway as it would IMHO be false economy not to having the engine in pieces anyway !

So not even 60,000 miles on the clock and the belt is showing definite signs of deterioration. :(

My advice to anyone now would be, do as Skoda suggest and replace your cambelt at 4 years regardless of the mileage !

My advice to anyone now would be, do as Skoda suggest and replace your cambelt at 4 years regardless of the mileage

As i believe skoda say to.

My advice to anyone now would be, do as Skoda suggest and replace your cambelt at 4 years regardless of the mileage

As i believe skoda say to.

Hence the words "do as Skoda suggest " :confused:

at Simon!

I'll concur. I think age is more of a factor than mileage tbh.