Timing Belts / Cam Belts
Why Pick Us
What does a timing belt do?
Symptoms of a dodgy cambelt
- Ticking or clicking noises from the engine
- Engine misfires or rough running
- Struggling to start
- Visible wear or cracks on the belt (if it’s accessible)
Cambelt services at Whatlington Garage
- Cambelt inspections
- Routine replacements (as per manufacturer guidelines)
- Water pump replacements (usually replaced at the same time)
- Full timing kit replacements
- Honest advice – no pushy nonsense
When should I change mine?
Frequently Asked Questions
A cambelt (or timing belt) is a rubber belt that synchronises the movement between your engine's crankshaft and camshaft. Basically, it makes sure all the engine bits move at the right time. If it fails, your engine could suffer major damage.
It varies by make and model, but most manufacturers recommend replacing it between 40,000 to 100,000 miles, or every 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first. Some modern cars can even be as high as 10-15 years before replacement! If you’re unsure, we’ll happily look it up for you.
In short: nothing good. If it snaps while the engine is running, it can cause serious internal damage, think bent valves, damaged pistons, or a full engine rebuild. Prevention is much cheaper than the cure.
It’s not the cheapest job, but it’s a lot more affordable than fixing a wrecked engine. Costs vary depending on your vehicle, but we’ll always give you a clear quote before we start, and we offer Payment Assist to help spread the cost.
Usually, yes. The water pump is often driven by the cambelt, so it makes sense to change it while everything’s apart. It saves you money on labour in the long run and reduces the chance of future leaks or failures.
Listen for ticking noises, engine misfires, or trouble starting. If it’s overdue on age or mileage—or you just don’t know when it was last done, it’s worth booking in for a check.
Most jobs take around 3 to 5 hours, depending on the vehicle. Some engines are more fiddly than others, but we’ll always keep you in the loop.
Not easily. Cambelts are usually hidden behind covers and engine components. If you fancy poking around, we admire your enthusiasm, but probably best to let us handle it.
Good question! A timing belt is rubber and needs regular replacement. A timing chain is metal and typically lasts much longer, but it’s not maintenance-free. If you’re not sure what your car has, just ask.
Absolutely. Give us your reg and we’ll look up the service schedule for you. We can even pop a note on file to give you a nudge when it’s coming up.
