When should I replace the cam belt on my Volvo V40?

I own a 1999 Nissan Micra that has done 122,00 miles without any problems. When my husband died this year I inherited his 2000 Volvo V40 diesel that has the same miles on the clock, though at 99,494 miles it had a engine rebuild owing to a broken cambelt. The cambelt was replaced again in 2011 at 120,663 miles. Please can you tell me how often should I change the cambelt? At the moment I am running both cars I do about 12,000 miles a year, please could you tell me the cheapest way to insure both cars and also a breakdown service that will cover two cars and just one driver?

Asked on 12 January 2013 by BD, Needingworth

Answered by Honest John
The Micra has a timing chain. As long as the oil is kept clean it should not give problems. If the chain tensioner starts to rattle, then the end is nigh and when the chain fails the car will be scrap. The Volvo has a Renault diesel engine and the belt needs changing every 40,000 miles. If it turns the waterpump, then that too will need replacing next time you replace the belt. Admiral and Aviva and Direct Line all now do multi-car policies, in addition to Zurich via www.primoplc.com. The AA covers you, not the individual cars.
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