When should I change the cam belt on my Audi A3?

I have an Audi A3 TFSI 1.5 (67 Plate). Audi suggested I have the cam belt changed at a very high cost. I looked around for other providers to do the job at a more reasonable cost. I had no luck as even though Halfords tried a special tool is required. I went back to my local Audi dealer yesterday and they said the cost was high as they had not done it before and it was complex. I was also told someone had put the same type of car in for the job and the dealer could not complete the task as they do not have the special tool either! They have requested the tool, which could take months to come from Germany. In the meantime Audi are also reviewing whether the job should be done after 5 years or 10 years I was told. I told the the Audi contact that if anything happened to my car in the meantime they would be responsible, am I right?

Asked on 16 August 2022 by martin scott

Answered by Dan Powell
If the cam belt fails then you will sadly be 100 per cent liable for the costs. And a belt failure is usually terminal for the engine, which means the repairs will cost you thousands. This is why I always err on the side of caution with cam belts and recommend a change every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first).

In regards to the belt replacement, I would suggest that you find another Audi dealer or use an independent Audi specialist.

You may be able to find one with our Good Garage Guide: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
Similar questions
My Audi Q3 diesel is 5 years old and has covered 46,000 miles. The dealer says it needs a new belt and water pump for £1300, but according to my service schedule, it isn’t due yet. I’ve had a mechanic...
How much should a timing belt change cost on a Mark 7 Volkswagen Golf?
Audi recommend changing the cam belt after 5 years or 110,000 miles. Should it need changing after 6 years and only 32,000 miles?
Related models
Comfortable and high quality premium hatchback, low emissions diesel engines including economical 1.6 TDI, very refined at speed yet handles well in corners.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer