cam belts

[dunny27]

how often do you have to change a cam belt on a rover 200 cars 11 years old only done 36000 last done in 2006 at 34000 but someone told me if you dont do the milage and the car is standing the belt can still perish

[simonruss]

they are indeed correct, if the car has been standing for some time inspect the belt carefully before starting as they do perish over time. Look for cracks and splits as normal.

[chas2008]

belts are like services 'X' amount of miles or 'X' amount of time, which ever comes first...there is usually a built in safety margin but is really not worth taking the risk, and if they do go on a Rover 200 its usually all valves,headset,headbolts etc. not a cheap job...

[romko]

whoever changes it should also look at the condition of the pulleys. I once had a Ford estate, and before taking it on a long holiday, got a mate to check it. The belt was ok (had been changed once) but there were many hairline cracks on the pulleys, they really were in a bad way. so I changed the whole kit. Prevention is better than cure!