How to Tell If Your Cambelt Needs Replacing (Before It’s Too Late)

How to Tell If Your Cambelt Needs Replacing (Before It’s Too Late)

The cambelt (also known as the timing belt) might not be something you think about every day — but if it fails, it can cause major, often irreversible damage to your engine. That’s why knowing when to replace your cambelt, and spotting the warning signs early, is one of the smartest things you can do for your car.

At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we see cambelt issues all the time — and many could have been prevented with a bit of early attention.

What Does the Cambelt Actually Do?

The cambelt keeps your engine’s internal components in perfect sync — mainly the crankshaft and camshaft. It ensures that the valves and pistons operate in time with one another. If it slips, snaps, or starts to degrade, it can throw everything out of balance and lead to catastrophic engine failure.

When Should You Replace Your Cambelt?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on the car. Most manufacturers recommend replacement between 60,000 and 100,000 miles or every 5–10 years, whichever comes first.

At TGPP-Autocare, we’re seeing more cases of early failure — especially on engines with wetbelt systems, like Ford’s 1.0 EcoBoost or some Vauxhall/Peugeot 1.2 PureTech engines. In those cases, we often advise replacing the belt earlier, depending on use and condition.

Common Warning Signs Your Cambelt May Be Failing

You might not get much warning — but if your cambelt is on its way out, you could notice:

• Rattling or ticking noise from the engine
• Oil contamination in the belt area
• Difficulty starting or rough idling
• Loss of power or poor fuel economy
• Dashboard warning lights (especially engine or oil pressure)

If you notice any of these, don’t ignore them — get your cambelt inspected as soon as possible.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace It?

If the cambelt fails, the engine will almost always suffer serious internal damage. Bent valves, damaged pistons, even a cracked cylinder head — we’ve seen it all. And repairs can cost thousands.

That’s why a preventative cambelt change is far cheaper than a new engine.

Let the Experts Help

At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we specialise in cambelt replacements for a wide range of vehicles, including Ford EcoBoost, Vauxhall PureTech, and more. We use high-quality OEM parts and follow manufacturer schedules to the letter.

We’ll also inspect components like the water pump, tensioners, and pulleys while we’re there — so you’re not caught out again in a few months.

Don’t Wait Until It Snaps