CAMBELTS & TIMING CHAINS

CAMBELT REPLACEMENT IN NORTHAMPTON

Cambelt Advice

Unlike gearboxes and clutches where problems can be diagnosed, cambelts naturally wear and require replacement over a certain time frame or mileage interval. However, each car manufacturer will recommend different intervals for different models, and many drivers are unaware that this component requires maintenance, let alone the recommended replacement requirements for their vehicle.


Failure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines can lead to costly damage, so we recommend that you request an inspection of your cambelt upon your next car service. Finding out when your cambelt should be changed is easier than having your brakes checked but can result in far more expensive faults if it is overlooked.



It is important to try to diarise cambelt replacement and to not exceed the recommended replacement times. PB Garage will be able to advise on the intervals at which your cambelt should be replaced and help you to budget for this. The cost of a cambelt replacement is incomparable to that of repair work when a cambelt fails. All of our PB Garage Autocentres will be happy to advise you on cambelt interval replacements.

How Cambelts Work

A vehicle's engine is a very fragile piece of equipment and requires constant lubrication, cooling and exact timing. Your cambelt controls the timing of your vehicle's engine - this is why some technicians may refer to your cambelt as a timing belt.


The cambelt coordinates the movement of the crankshaft and controls the timing between the engine valves and pistons which allows fuel to move in and gas to move out of the engine in an efficient and timely manner.


If your cambelt fails, the timing process is effectively ruined and there is a high risk of irreversible damage. Without the cambelt, the pistols move freely and separate the engine valves so a simple 'miss-time' can lead to a collision of these parts.


This may not sound serious but the implications of cambelt failure can be very expensive. In many instances, the vehicle owners may consider the value of the car and the worth in getting this work completed. In the most serious cases, the vehicle may be scrapped as a result of the high cost repairs. Think Smart - Cut Unnecessary Costs.


So, PB Garage believes it is invaluable to ensure you are aware of exactly how often your vehicle requires a cambelt replacement and to ensure this is maintained.

If you are able to provide your vehicle's details, PB Garage will be able to obtain the necessary requirements for you. Feel free to contact us at PB Garage for free, friendly, no-obligation advice.

Cambelt Replacement Intervals

Many people are unaware of exactly how often their cambelt should be changed and the implications of a cambelt failure. At PB Garage we understand how important it is to keep on top of cambelt maintenance, so, we have collated industry information on some of the most popular vehicles to ensure you have all the information required to make an informed decision.

As an example, if you purchase a brand new Vauxhall Corsa, you are advised that the cambelt should be replaced every 40,000 miles or four years whichever comes first. This pattern then continues, so the second replacement would occur at 80,000 miles or eight years and so on.


  • Ford Fiesta – 100,000 miles or 10 years
  • Ford Focus – 100,000 miles or 10 years
  • Vauxhall Corsa – 40,000 miles or 4 years
  • Vauxhall Astra – 40,000 miles or 4 years
  • Vauxhall Vectra – 40,000 miles or 4 years
  • Volkswagen Golf – 4 years
  • Peugeot 206 – 80,000 miles or 10 years
  • Honda Civic – 60,000 miles or 5 years
  • Toyota Avensis – 63,000 miles or 5 years
  • Fiat Punto – 63,000 miles
  • Citroen Xsara – 60,000 miles or 10 years
  • Renault Clio – 72,000 miles or 5 years.


This information is based on the most popular vehicles. This information should be used as a guideline only and could vary depending on the size of your vehicle's engine and year of manufacture. Please contact us at PB Garage and we will be happy to advise you of your vehicle's specific requirements.

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