Timing belt

[Babz]

I've had my car, a Vauxhall Corsa R reg, 4 years now and when I bought it (used) it had a new timing belt on, I always take it back to the same place for servicing and I do trust them but they have advised me to have a new timing belt put on this year when it has the big service and MOT. They say every 4 years or 36,000 miles is about right for replacement but I have only driven about 12,000 miles in it ,and a friend said there is no need to have it done yet. I understand that if it "goes" it can do a lot of damage to the engine but at the same time as the estimate for a replacement is over �100 I don't want to pay out if it isn't yet necessary.

I'd appreciate other people's opinions, thanks.

[Richie1976]

I get my changed every 4 years, regardless of how many mile it's done - Better safe than sorry.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

as the car has only done 12k since the last one, i would not have it done yet.

[Babz]

Well, thanks to you both.....one each way so I'm not a lot wiser but am grateful for your opinions

[fiesata]

You should have it changed because although you have not covered the mileage the belt will deteriorate over time.Vauxhall and other manufacturers recommend a mileage or timespan for servicing

Fortunately newer cars are being fitted with lifelong timing chains a much better idea in my view

[fiesata]

Forgot to mention that very low mileages like you do harm a car more than say blasts down the motorway every day In fact oil should be changed more than the recommended service intervals

[Babz]

Thanks for that, I do have it serviced twice a year so hopefully that covers enough oil changes etc. Nowhere much to go by car these days but still need it for vet runs and shopping.

[woodchopper]

In addition to getting the timing belt changed - at 80k get the timing belt tensioner changed at the same time.

[Babz]

OH NO! It gets worse! Thanks (I think) :-)

[Babz]

End of the story.... I shopped around and found a basic garage able to do it at less than half the estimate from my usual garage which only goes to show that the free tea and coffee's and viewing window and delivery service etc etc etc are really not free at all!

So the job is done!