Failed cambelt can be costly

Skoda 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 Skoda comments: “Although a cambelt change is a routine maintenance item, with time and mileage parameters, it doesn't form part of a scheduled service. Skoda customers who use their Skoda 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 Skoda 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 Skoda 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 Skoda retailer.”

Skoda 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 Skoda.