The European service includes a timing belt inspection with the normal service, make sure this is done as it can spot misalignment and associated wear. No doubt UK VW mechanics won’t be used to doing this as it wasn’t part of the service regime.Couldn't quite believe it but as the service centre said it make the UK more in line with Europe.
Wow..that's good news. So if the belt is 5 years old, I'm OK ?As DXX has mentioned above, the terms have now changed and its now done by mileage (120,000) and age no longer matters
Do you know a link to where I can see the new guidelines Chris?Yes mate according to the new guidelines. Mine was due in feb but I decided not to do it. Quite glad now ha ha
Wow..that's good news. So if the belt is 5 years old, I'm OK ?
Thanks for the information. Lookers Glasgow (the dealer) recommending 4 years. Think I'm going to leave it this year and get it done March 24.The no age limit is probably assuming that it will be used and not locked in a garage.
In my engineering experience rubber products have a cure (manufacturing) date and a discard date set by the manufacturer not the assembler (VW). There should be a high turn over of parts in any suppliers warehouse but always worth checking that old stock has not been supplied when you renew.
It’s common for the discard date to be 10 years post cure date on many O rings and belts.
IMO opinion and that’s all it is I wouldn’t keep a belt on an engine more that 10 years unless it was a unplanned trip to the scrapyard next time it fails.
I currently have an A4 TDI with a belt that has accumulated 101K miles and 15 years service, inspection doesn’t reveal any cracking, fraying or obvious deterioration. The car is worth approx’ £50 more than the fuel in the tank.
I don’t recommend you do this with an expensive vehicle.
There is no planned maintenance on the water pump, it’s recommended along with the timing belt kit.Thanks and I will get the timing belt checked. Does anyone know what the interval is now for the water pump?