How much does a cambelt change cost?

A failed cambelt, otherwise known as a timing belt, can cause a lot of engine damage. Fixing that can be expensive so, how much does a standard cambelt change cost? Keep reading to find out.

How much does a new cambelt change cost?

The average timing belt replacement cost in the UK ranges from £300 to £650.

The total timing belt replacement cost will depend on the make and model of your car.

Below are the average cambelt change prices in the UK:

As you can see, the cambelt change prices vary from one car make to another. You’ll also find that the prices are different based on the specific model of car that you have.

To get an accurate quote to change your cambelt, hit in your postcode below.

Average timing belt replacement costs for popular cars

Here are some of the average timing belt replacement costs for some of the most popular models of car in the UK:

• Ford Fiesta – £300
• Renault Clio – £360
• Volkswagen Passat – £500
• Ford Mondeo – £500

If we haven’t included your car’s make as a popular car model, then sorry about that!

For an accurate quote to change the cambelt on your car’s make and model, make sure to find a mechanic or garage near you by searching your postcode below.

Cambelt change labour costs explained

The cost of labour is often the biggest part of the overall timing belt replacement cost in the UK.

A professional mechanic will typically charge an average of £380 for labour as part of the total timing belt replacement cost.

The labour cost typically covers:

1. Removal of the old cambelt
2. Fitting the new replacement cambelt
3. Final checks to make sure your vehicle is running effectively

Cambelt change material costs explained

The exact price of the timing belt varies from vehicle to vehicle. And the quality of manufacturing can also affect the price.

When it comes to the cost of materials for the belt itself, you’ll be looking at a timing belt cost of around £250.

You might be tempted to go for a cheaper brand to save money, but that could cost you more in the long run.

Given the cambelt is such an important part of your car, we recommend paying for the best quality cambelt you can afford.

How much does a cambelt replacement cost?

The average cambelt belt replacement cost in the UK ranges from £300 to £650.

The most substantial part of your bill will generally be labour costs. Changing a cambelt is relatively complicated and can take a long time to carry out.

Accessibility to the engine is a deciding factor in this case, especially in newer cars, where the engine components are likely to be found installed very tightly together.

This will therefore increase the length of time required to carry out the replacement work by a number of hours.

Cambelt change cost calculator

Here’s a breakdown for how much it will cost to replace a timing belt in the UK:

Material cost + Labour cost + Additional costs* = Total cambelt change cost

*These may include charges for things like additional preparation work, pump replacement, or extended warranty for the cambelt.

How much does cambelt and water pump replacement cost?

Often, garages will recommend that you change your car’s water pump at the same time as the cambelt.

This is because both parts are situated in the same area of the car and often wear out at the same time.

Changing them both together can save you from doubling up on the timing belt change cost.

The average cambelt and water pump replacement cost in the UK is £400.

In the same way as a straightforward cambelt change, you can expect costs to vary based on the make and model of your car.

Factors affecting how much it costs to replace a timing belt in the UK

There are a number of factors that will influence much you pay to replace a timing belt in the UK. They include:

• Make and model of the car
• Complexity of timing belt replacement process
• The time it takes to replace the timing belt
• Quality of the new timing belt
• Where you live

Timing belt replacement summary

• Check how frequently you should change your cambelt in your vehicle handbook
• Don’t put off cambelt changes, as a broken cambelt can be very expensive (or impossible) to fix
• Your cambelt change cost will depend on your car make and model
• Most cambelt replacement costs are between £300 and £650, although they can go up to £1,000
• Save on future labour costs by replacing your cambelt and water pump at the same time

FAQs

Do cambelts come with a warranty?

When a car is bought new, it usually comes with a 3-5 year warranty that covers the original timing belt–  as long as the vehicle is serviced regularly and mileage isn’t excessive.

In reality, it’s unusual for the timing belt to need replacing within the first five years.

After that, if the timing belt needs replacing, a new timing belt should come with at least 12 months belt manufacturer’s guarantee.

It’s worth checking, but most garages match the 12-month guarantee to the quality of their installation.

We recommend you take time to specifically check with the garage that any cambelt replacement installations come with a warranty.

How often should a cambelt be changed?

Most car manufacturers recommend changing your cambelt based on either time or mileage, depending on which comes first. This could vary from 40,000 to 100,000 miles, and between four and six years.

To find out exactly how often you should change your car’s timing belt, make sure to check your vehicle handbook.

But don’t worry – a decent garage should also be able to spot when a cambelt change is needed when you bring your car in to be serviced.

Do Halfords cambelt changes?

Halfords do offer cambelt changes as part of their services. As with any cambelt, the average Halfords timing belt replacement cost will depend on the make and model of your car.

You can also get an experienced local mechanic to carry out the work. Find out more about prices in our guide to mechanic costs.

Can you tell if a cambelt needs changing?

There are a number of signs that can indicate that your cambelt needs changing. They include:

• Often you can see visual signs of damage on the cambelt itself, such as cracks, fraying, peeling or a shiny surface
• You have trouble starting the engine or the engine is misfiring
• Your vehicle is making loud squealing noise
• Black smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe

If you notice any of the signs above then we recommend speaking to a local mechanic as soon as possible.

Is a cambelt change a big job?

Cambelt changes are a common job for a mechanic, but it can be quite a time-consuming job – depending on the make and model of car.

The more complex the replacement, the longer it will take and the bigger the job it will be.

Do cambelts really need changing every 5 years?

As a rough guide, every five years is about right for a cambelt change. But it will depend on your vehicle, how much you use it, and general wear and tear factors.

When you car has its annual service or MOT, you can ask the mechanic checks your cambelt. They’ll be able to tell if it will need changing now or in the near future.

Does a cambelt get checked on an MOT?

Checking the cambelt isn’t included as a standard check for an annual MOT. But, you can ask your local mechanic to check the cambelt as part of the annual service.

If you ask nicely, they might also be able to check it at the same time as carrying out the MOT inspection.

How long does it take a mechanic to change a cambelt?

Changing a cambelt can take anywhere from 2 to 12 hours to complete – depending on the vehicle.

How quickly the job can be done will also depend on whether the mechanic has the right cambelt in stock. Often then will need to order in the right cambelt for your vehicle.

Do Kwik Fit change timing belts?

Yes, Kwik Fit do change timing belts. You can also use one of our approved mechanics to change your timing belt.

Search our online directory of experienced local tradespeople by entering your postcode in the box below: