Service Intervals/ Timing Belt Intervals

Drummerboy08

I see alot of threads lately with people saying "oh i have to get my car serviced every 10k" or, "i have a Mondeo that needs a timeing belt every 40k".

So, seen as its slow in work today, and im playing with my new bit of diagnostics software, i reckon, why not help out all those people who are servicing their car far too often.

So, I'll start with the most common ones I see, and if anyone has a specific car they'd like to check, just ask.



Ford -
Mondeo 1.8TDCi - Service @ 20,000kms, belt @ 160,000kms or 8 years
Mondeo 2.0TDCi - Service @ 20,000kms, belt @ 200,000kms or 10 years
Focus 1.6TDCi - Service @ 20,000kms, Belt @ 200,000kms or 10 years
Focus 1.8TDCi - Service @ 20,000kms, belt @ 160,000kms or 8 years

VW -
Passat 2.0TDi 140bhp - Service @ 30,000kms, Belt at 144,000kms
Golf 2.0TDi 110bhp BM - Service @ 30,000kms, Belt @ 184,000kms
Golf 1.4TSi 122bhp - Service @ 30,000kms, Timing Chain

Toyota -
Avensis 2.0D4D 130bhp - Service @ 15,000kms, Timing Chain
Avensis 1.6 - Service @ 15,000kms, Timing Chain

Opel -
Insignia 2.0CDTi 130bhp - Service @ 30,000kms, Belt @ 160,000kms
Astra 1.3CDTi 90bhp - Service @ 30,000kms, Timing Chain

Nissan -
Qashqai 1.5DCi 105bhp - Service @ 20,000kms, Belt @ 120,000kms or 5 years

There's a few of em, but as i said, if anyone has a specific car they want to know about, just ask!
Hope this helps someone out.
Rob

Saab Ed

Drummerboy Is this you ?

Drummerboy08

Saab Ed wrote: »

Drummerboy Is this you ?

Na. I havent got the legs for that dress...;)

GTE

1.9 Golf TDI 90BHP (mark 4)?

In your example if the belt will last every 140,000kms why is it said the said they should be changed every 40k?

Car noob very confused here :p

Just to compare:
The golf is 10k service and the belt needs to be done every 70k, so they say haha.

Edit:
Oh, and a Toyota Corrola 2004, 1.4 or 1.6 petrol Automatic

caze

Good thread Drummerboy!

Whats the story with Timing chains then? Do they last the life of the car or is there any servicable parts involved with them?

voxpop

How about a mk4 Golf tdi. What does your piece of kit say the intervals are on that.
Ive been going by 10k miles or 1 year for servicing and 60k miles for timing belt. These seem to be the recommended numbers afaik.

Drummerboy08

bbk wrote: »

1.9 Golf TDI 90BHP?

In your example if the belt will last every 140,000kms why is it said the said they should be changed every 40k?

Car noob very confused here :p

Just to compare:
The golf is 10k service and the belt needs to be done every 70k, so they say haha.

Edit:
Oh, and a Toyota Corrola 2004, 1.4 or 1.6 petrol Automatic

For the Golf, it depends on how it has been set up -
I.e. there is a longlife service, which is 30,000kms, and belt @ 144,000kms, or

Or there is a Fixed interval service which is every 15,000kms. The belt stays the same. Either way, its not 10k.

A 1.6 04 Corrolla needs to be serviced every 15,000kms, and has a chain.

caze wrote: »

Good thread Drummerboy!

Whats the story with Timing chains then? Do they last the life of the car or is there any servicable parts involved with them?

Timing chains generally last a lot longer than belts for obvious reasons. Usually they wouldnt need to be changed until very high mileage (200,000kms +)

Drummerboy08

voxpop wrote: »

How about a mk4 Golf tdi. What does your piece of kit say the intervals are on that.
Ive been going by 10k miles or 1 year for servicing and 60k miles for timing belt. These seem to be the recommended numbers afaik.

10k miles is about right for the Fixed interval service (see above post) but, the belt is 90k miles (144,000kms)

All of the information in the software comes direct from the Manufacturer (or so im told), so this information should be accurate. Its what i've based this years maintenance figures on anyway, so i hope it is!

GTE

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

For the Golf, it depends on how it has been set up -
I.e. there is a longlife service, which is 30,000kms, and belt @ 144,000kms, or

Or there is a Fixed interval service which is every 15,000kms. The belt stays the same. Either way, its not 10k.

I see, so, I have bought one used so how do I know how its been set up or do I just decide that after it gets its most recent service? Which is now, its actually getting a full service and a timing belt before i part with money.

Thanks for the info, some good food for thought

DundalkDuffman

99 Ford Cougar, I have 62k on it and only 4k in the last 15 months. It had a mini service non-dealer when I bought it Mar 08 but should I be looking at the timing belt on it as well? It has the dealer service from the UK up to 50K so there is a small gap there.

voxpop

bbk wrote: »

I see, so, I have bought one used so how do I know how its been set up or do I just decide that after it gets its most recent service? Which is now, its actually getting a full service and a timing belt before i part with money.

Thanks for the info, some good food for thought

The guy servicing it should be able to switch from interval to variable servicing. I think vag-com is needed so depends on who services it. I do my own servicing and mostly city driving so Interval is best for me (i can reset the interval without vag-com).

On the T-Belt - if there is no proof that it has been done, you should probably get it done to be safe. Proof is either service history or usually when the belt is change the mechanic writes the mileage on the cover

Drummerboy08

bbk wrote: »

I see, so, I have bought one used so how do I know how its been set up or do I just decide that after it gets its most recent service? Which is now, its actually getting a full service and a timing belt before i part with money.

Thanks for the info, some good food for thought

Im not actually sure if you can change it once its done, i must ask.

DundalkDuffman wrote: »

99 Ford Cougar, I have 62k on it and only 4k in the last 15 months. It had a mini service non-dealer when I bought it Mar 08 but should I be looking at the timing belt on it as well? It has the dealer service from the UK up to 50K so there is a small gap there.

Presume she's a 2.0 Petrol and not the 2.5V6?

Belt is due @ 160,000kms (100,000miles). The 2.5V6 has a chain, so no need to worry there.

DundalkDuffman

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Im not actually sure if you can change it once its done, i must ask.

Presume she's a 2.0 Petrol and not the 2.5V6?

Belt is due @ 160,000kms (100,000miles). The 2.5V6 has a chain, so no need to worry there.

She is indeed the 2litre, thanks for the info Drummer, at current driving habits then it will be about 9 years before I reach that!

Mena

99 CLK 200 Convertible. Can you confirm this has a Timing Belt Chain and not a belt?

Great idea for a thread!

Drummerboy08

Mena wrote: »

99 CLK 200 Convertible. Can you confirm this has a Timing Belt Chain and not a belt?

Great idea for a thread!

Both the 200 and 200k have chains.

Harcrid

Hi Drummerboy,

As a mechanic, do you think it's good practice to go by the manufacturers guidelines on service intervals? 30,000KM seems to be an awful long time to go without changing the oil, as I personally believe frequent oil changes can be very beneficial to the life of your engine.

I have always thought it might have been a sales ploy by manufacturers to sell the cars by telling customers that you can go so long between services.

Just curious as to what you think.

fm

hi,what about a transit t280 ,latest model 2.2tdci?cheers

Loveless

'06 VW Caddy - Timing belt changed after 100,000Km.
Service intervals seem to be ever 15,000km now.

TwilightWillow

Hi, how about a 03 focus lx 1.4 please. She's just been serviced but I don't think the timing belt was done, theres 80k (miles) on her. Thanks.

maidhc

TwilightWillow wrote: »

Hi, how about a 03 focus lx 1.4 please. She's just been serviced but I don't think the timing belt was done, theres 80k (miles) on her. Thanks.

Do it. 5 years or 100k.

TwilightWillow

Thanks Maidhc

trad

98 Corolla 1.3 Hasn't had a belt that I know of but I'd hate to have to tow the wife in. Current Mileage 84k miles

unkel

DundalkDuffman wrote: »

She is indeed the 2litre, thanks for the info Drummer, at current driving habits then it will be about 9 years before I reach that!

Surely it is not advisable to not change a belt for 19 years?

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Both the 200 and 200k have chains.

All Mercs have chains. As do all BMWs. Any other brands use only chains?

Mena

unkel wrote: »

As do all BMWs.

Cheers, that answered my next question then

Drummerboy08

Celtxx wrote: »

Hi Drummerboy,

As a mechanic, do you think it's good practice to go by the manufacturers guidelines on service intervals? 30,000KM seems to be an awful long time to go without changing the oil, as I personally believe frequent oil changes can be very beneficial to the life of your engine.

I have always thought it might have been a sales ploy by manufacturers to sell the cars by telling customers that you can go so long between services.

Just curious as to what you think.

These intervals are only recommended by the manufacturer. It all depends on the driver too - whether the car is driven hard, or is looked after. The key to it is, if you feel that your car needs a service, or needs a belt, but is not due one going by the manufacturers figures, get it checked out.

Better safe than sorry.

fm wrote: »

hi,what about a transit t280 ,latest model 2.2tdci?cheers

Service @ 15k miles (24k kms) and it has a chain.

Loveless wrote: »

'06 VW Caddy - Timing belt changed after 100,000Km.
Service intervals seem to be ever 15,000km now.

See the other post. There seems to be two types of servicing on VAG diesels - longlife and fixed interval. It sounds like your on fixed interval.

trad wrote: »

98 Corolla 1.3 Hasn't had a belt that I know of but I'd hate to have to tow the wife in. Current Mileage 84k miles

Belt is due every 105,000kms or 5 years. I'd get it done if i were you.

Owen

Any chance of servicing details for my lurverly Rover 75 2.0d CDT?

nialler

Merc S320 (2000 - W220)? Think it's 120,000 miles though for services the computer adjusts it to your driving style and wether it's town or country driving so it could be 10,000 or 6,000. I'm at 105,000 miles and thinking of getting it done sooner rather than later.

Mr.Diagnostic

What is the source of this info? ie what software package? And is it updated onlne.

The reason I ask is because it is common for manufacturers to change belt intervals etc and I would not want to see someone suffer here because of it.

Drummerboy08

Mr.Diagnostic wrote: »

What is the source of this info? ie what software package? And is it updated onlne.

The reason I ask is because it is common for manufacturers to change belt intervals etc and I would not want to see someone suffer here because of it.

Aye, its a piece of kit called Autodata. It literally landed on my desk last week, so this information is up to date, but as far as i know, it does update itself every few months (or so i've been told).

Just to add, some of this information is my own, from research i've done ringing around to different service centres. If i feel that the information on the software stretches the service interval, or may cause some kind of issue, i go with what the garage tell me (not the manufacturer). It's worth just mentioning that a bit of common sense is used.

Drummerboy08

PaintDoctor wrote: »

Any chance of servicing details for my lurverly Rover 75 2.0d CDT?

According to this, the service interval is 15k miles (24,000kms) but if it was me, i'd get it done every twenty. Its a BMW engine (?) so its a chain.

nialler wrote: »

Merc S320 (2000 - W220)? Think it's 120,000 miles though for services the computer adjusts it to your driving style and wether it's town or country driving so it could be 10,000 or 6,000. I'm at 105,000 miles and thinking of getting it done sooner rather than later.

Arent Mercedes computer orientated? I'd go with that. Or, take it as an average of 20,000kms.

Moanin

VW Recommended Timing belt to be changed on my 06 2.0TDI passat at 100k Kms and to be honest I would not leave it until 144K Kms. I also would not leave my engine oil and filters without changing them before every 30k miles.That's just my opinion on the matter anyway.

Drummerboy08

Moanin wrote: »

VW Recommended Timing belt to be changed on my 06 2.0TDI passat at 100k Kms and to be honest I would not leave it until 144K Kms. I also would not leave my engine oil and filters without changing them before every 30k miles.That's just my opinion on the matter anyway.

You VW Garage recommend every 100,000kms. Not VW themselves. Thats the difference. The garage know that there is more of a chance that people will hit 100,000kms rather than 144,000kms, therefore creating at least €500 worth of business that they would not get if they went with what they're told.

The service interval is 30,000kms, not miles, and if you ask your VW garage, they will tell you that it is a longlife service option. Its perfectly safe to use. Of all the VW's we have on fleet, there are no issues caused by this interval.

faceman

What about a 03 Laguna, 1.6L Petrol?

poxx

with the poor quality diesel we are now subjected to do you think 30 kms is a reasonable life for a fuel filter when "VW" recomend a 6 grand repair procidure to rectify a contaminated fuel fault ?

Drummerboy08

poxx wrote: »

with the poor quality diesel we are now subjected to do you think 30 kms is a reasonable life for a fuel filter when "VW" recomend a 6 grand repair procidure to rectify a contaminated fuel fault ?

To answer your question, im not sure. However, the 30k interval comes from VW themselves, so who are we to argue?

beachlife

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

You VW Garage recommend every 100,000kms. Not VW themselves. Thats the difference. The garage know that there is more of a chance that people will hit 100,000kms rather than 144,000kms, therefore creating at least €500 worth of business that they would not get if they went with what they're told.

The service interval is 30,000kms, not miles, and if you ask your VW garage, they will tell you that it is a longlife service option. Its perfectly safe to use. Of all the VW's we have on fleet, there are no issues caused by this interval.

I have seen plenty of problems with this interval, no on high milage fleet cars but on normal milage private cars. Ithink the reason being the fleet cars are in constant use clocking up the miles in a short time,so still get there oil changed regularly. where as a low milage car could have the same oil for two years !!!! This causes the dreaded milky goo and the engine damage that comes with it.

thethedev

2003 Fiat Scudo Combi 1.9D NA please:D

And if your fancy computer is really fancy tell me when I should next do the timing belt of my
1990 Suzuki Samurai 1.3

Drummerboy08

thethedev wrote: »

2003 Fiat Scudo Combi 1.9D NA please:D

And if your fancy computer is really fancy tell me when I should next do the timing belt of my
1990 Suzuki Samurai 1.3

Oooohhh a tough one for a change! You'll have to hold your breath until I get back from hols a week of tommorow. :D

Drummerboy08

beachlife wrote: »

I have seen plenty of problems with this interval, no on high milage fleet cars but on normal milage private cars. Ithink the reason being the fleet cars are in constant use clocking up the miles in a short time,so still get there oil changed regularly. where as a low milage car could have the same oil for two years !!!! This causes the dreaded milky goo and the engine damage that comes with it.

You may be right, so what I would do is simply use the 30k interval, but get your oil changed every 15k. You'll still save a few quid. An oil change should only cost a few euro.

The local mechanic down the road could do it, or if you're brave enough, you could try it yourself.

dutchcat

All Mercs have chains. As do all BMWs. Any other brands use only chains?[/quote]
All BMW,s do not have chains:eek:

Healyc

dutchcat wrote: »

All Mercs have chains. As do all BMWs. Any other brands use only chains?

All BMW,s do not have chains:eek:[/QUOTE]

Correct, not all BMWs have just timing chains. Some of the E30s have timing belts and so do some of the E34s (just the 518i i think)

All new VW's should be on longlife intervals. The service interval is not 30000kms, it's when the light service light comes up on the dash but this does seem to come on around the 30k mark. The service interval will lenghten/shorten according to the driving style as they have an adaptive ECU that adjusts the service interval according to your driving style. Now, this only applies to VW's on the longlife intervals

Anyway, if were not sure what service interval is for your car then RTFM :eek:

EPM

Just noticed something in my owners manual. After the first belt change it says it will need doing every 30k km thereafter

Anyone clarify is it's BS? 06 Seat Leon 1.6 8v.The possibility of 2 belt changes a year is pulling the piss a bit...

beachlife

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

You may be right, so what I would do is simply use the 30k interval, but get your oil changed every 15k. You'll still save a few quid. An oil change should only cost a few euro.

The local mechanic down the road could do it, or if you're brave enough, you could try it yourself.

An oil change is NOT cheap on a vw on longlife oil (i.e variable interval usually around 30k) The oil alone can cost near 100 euros. I think a better option for low mileage drivers would be to switch back to fixed interval service(10,000 or 12 months) If you use this interval you can then use the same type of oil but not the longlife version. (i.e 5/30 synth. etc.) This oil is alot cheaper and can be changed at much less cost. also the dash can be reprogramed to suit the oil so that service light will come on at the right mileage/date.

BadCharlie

What needs to be done to a car with fixed interval service ? What things need to be changed ?

Is it just oil and oil filter or is their alot more to it then that?

beachlife

BadCharlie wrote: »

What needs to be done to a car with fixed interval service ? What things need to be changed ?

Is it just oil and oil filter or is their alot more to it then that?

every car is different.You just look up the spec for the car and then change the parts specifed. Ie. at 10,000 kms you might just need oil and filter.at 20,000 oil + filter plus air filter, 30,000 oil+ filter 40,000 oil+filter air filter,spark plugs,pollen filter.and so on.... I think the main thing to do is find a garage you can trust and only do what is meant to be done (not just a FULL service every year)

Cionád

Anyone know the timing belt interval for a SEAT Ibiza II (2001) 1.4 litre?

Google is not my friend today.

no1beemerfan

We've a Ford Focus II 1.4 petrol...Jan '05 model with 130,000 Kms on the clock.

Some Ford garages are saying timing belt every 160,000 Kms or 8 years and others are saying 160,000 Kms or 5 years!

Which is right as its coming up to 5 yrs old and if it needs doing now I'd rather get it done. Also Ford in Tullamore are quoting €260 suppled and fitted (includes Vat!).

Drummerboy08

Cionád wrote: »

Anyone know the timing belt interval for a SEAT Ibiza II (2001) 1.4 litre?

Its every 96000kms.

no1beemerfan wrote: »

We've a Ford Focus II 1.4 petrol...Jan '05 model with 130,000 Kms on the clock.

Some Ford garages are saying timing belt every 160,000 Kms or 8 years and others are saying 160,000 Kms or 5 years!

Which is right as its coming up to 5 yrs old and if it needs doing now I'd rather get it done. Also Ford in Tullamore are quoting €260 suppled and fitted (includes Vat!).

Its 160,000kms or 8 years...;)
That sounds like a good price. Include waterpump?

Hal1

For piece of mind I would get it done + water pump.

no1beemerfan

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Its every 96000kms.



Its 160,000kms or 8 years...;)
That sounds like a good price. Include waterpump?

Good to hear its 8 years....though will it last that long?

Not sure on water pump...I'm not that up on Fords so didn't know this had to be changed too. The service person just said €260 for belt supplied and fitted. I asked does that include Vat and he said yes...no mention of water pump.

Cheers for the quick reply BTW!

no1beemerfan

Hal1 wrote: »

For piece of mind I would get it done + water pump.

I'm a more peace of mind kinda person so will prob get it done after xmas if budget allows!