Failed cambelt can be costly

[stuart]

Drivers could face charges of up to £5,000 if their car’s cambelt fails
Expert Škoda aftersales team can advise when a cambelt change is due
Vehicles four years and older should have cambelt replaced

Škoda is warning all car owners of the importance of getting their cambelt changed at regular intervals, with many people unaware of how much damage a failure can cause and cost.

With damages escalating to as much as £5000, a replaced cambelt is a small investment to ensure a car’s smooth running. A cambelt is responsible for keeping the moving parts of the car’s engine synchronised, and when it fails the resulting repair can be costly, sometimes requiring an entirely new engine.

John Bower, Head of Aftersales at Škoda comments: “Although a cambelt change is a routine maintenance item, with time and mileage parameters, it doesn't form part of a scheduled service. Škoda customers who use their Škoda retailer for vehicle maintenance will be advised at the correct time or mileage that their cambelt needs replacing. If, however, a customer is maintaining their car outside the Škoda network they may not be getting this advice.”

Made from rubber, cambelts are subject to wear and tear and the rate of wear can vary according to driving style as well as environmental conditions. That’s why Škoda recommend that cambelts are changed at least every four years if the mileage limit hasn't been reached.

John adds: “The correct time and mileage intervals for a cambelt change vary depending on the vehicle and engine type so it’s always best to ask an expert at your nearest Škoda retailer.”

Škoda is urging drivers who are unaware of their car’s cambelt history to contact their local retailer who will be able to advise on the correct change interval for their specific Škoda.

[DSG4ME]

Where do they get their pricing from, set of valves, belt kit, maybe a camshaft and possibly a head, must be made of titanium at £5000.

Not picking Skoda out here btw, all the car firms are the same, mind you it's only VAG UK that puts a time limit on it as well.