Timing Belt Replacement: When to Change It & What It Costs in Wellington, Telford
Your car’s timing belt is one of the most critical — and most overlooked — components in your engine. It synchronises the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring your engine’s valves and pistons move in perfect harmony. If it fails, the result can be severe and expensive engine damage. That’s why regular timing belt replacement is so important.
At Brooklands Auto Centre in Wellington, Telford, we carry out timing belt replacements on all makes and models. Whether your car is due by mileage or age, or you're unsure of its service history, our technicians can help. In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What a timing belt does
- When it should be replaced
- What symptoms to look out for
- What’s involved in the job
- How much it costs
- Why we’re trusted by drivers across Telford
What Does a Timing Belt Do?
The timing belt (also called a cam belt) is a reinforced rubber belt with teeth. It synchronises the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close in time with the pistons. If the belt breaks or slips, this timing is thrown off — potentially causing the pistons to hit the valves. The result? Bent valves, broken pistons, or even a complete engine rebuild.
How Often Should You Replace Your Timing Belt?
The timing belt doesn’t last forever. Most manufacturers recommend replacement between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, or after 5–7 years — whichever comes first. However, some vehicles have longer or shorter intervals, so always check your handbook or ask our team.
It’s especially important to replace the belt if:
- You’ve just bought a second-hand car with no record of a timing belt change
- Your vehicle is approaching the age or mileage limit
- You notice signs of belt wear or engine misfire
If you’re unsure, book in for an inspection. We can check service records, inspect visible belt condition, and help you make an informed decision.
Signs Your Timing Belt May Need Replacing
In many cases, timing belts fail without warning — which is why proactive replacement is so important. However, some early signs may include:
- Ticking or clicking noises from the engine
- Rough idling or engine misfire
- Oil leaks from the front of the engine
- Check engine light comes on
- Loss of power or poor fuel economy
These issues can also relate to other components, so let our experienced team diagnose the problem accurately before recommending action.
What Happens If It Breaks?
If your timing belt snaps while driving, the consequences are serious. In interference engines (which most cars have), the pistons and valves occupy the same space — just at different times. A snapped belt causes them to collide, leading to:
- Bent or broken valves
- Damaged pistons
- Cylinder head damage
- Engine seizure or total failure
Repairs can easily cost £1,000–£2,500+. Compare that to a standard timing belt replacement, and the choice becomes obvious.
What’s Involved in a Timing Belt Replacement?
Replacing a timing belt is a technical job that involves precise alignment and careful handling. At Brooklands Auto Centre, our process includes:
- Removal of covers, engine mountings and auxiliary belts
- Locking the engine at the correct timing marks
- Removing the old belt, tensioner and pulleys
- Fitting a new timing belt kit (includes belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys)
- Replacing the water pump (recommended)
- Refilling coolant and testing the system
- Running the engine and checking alignment and tension
We only use high-quality parts from trusted suppliers and follow manufacturer-specific procedures to ensure long-term reliability.
Should You Replace the Water Pump Too?
In most vehicles, the timing belt also drives the water pump. That means we’re already accessing the pump when replacing the belt — so it makes sense to change it at the same time. Water pumps are wear items and if they fail later, you’d need to redo the entire job. Replacing both together is cost-effective and preventative.
How Much Does Timing Belt Replacement Cost?
Costs vary depending on your car, engine size, and whether you’re also replacing the water pump. Here’s a general guide:
- Small petrol cars: £300–£450
- Mid-size cars: £400–£600
- Larger engines or diesels: £600–£850+
- Timing belt & water pump kit: +£60–£150
At Brooklands Auto Centre, we’ll always give you a clear quote upfront — with no hidden charges and no unnecessary upselling.
How Long Does It Take?
Most timing belt jobs take between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the vehicle. We aim to complete all work same-day when possible and can advise you at booking time. Courtesy cars or local collection may be available — ask our team when booking.
Why Choose Brooklands Auto Centre?
We’re a trusted independent garage located at Bagley Drive, Wellington, Telford, TF1 3NP, known for high standards and honest service. Here’s why drivers across Telford trust us with timing belt work:
- Experienced technicians who follow manufacturer specifications
- High-quality parts and full labour guarantees
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Fast turnaround and flexible booking
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff who explain everything clearly
We believe in doing the job right first time, using parts that last, and building long-term cust
