When should the cam belt be replaced on the T-Roc 1.0 TSI?

I am considering buying a second-hand Volkswagen T-Roc with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol TSI engine. I am reading very conflicting reports regarding the cam belt. The vehicle manual states it is a "lifetime belt" and it needs to be checked at 160,000 kilometres. Volkswagen Europe apparently confirms this but recommend checking at 120,000 kilometres. Volkswagen UK however is saying the belt needs replacing after five years. Can you tell me when I should change the belt in miles? Will the water pump also need to be replaced?

It might be called a 'lifetime belt' but it certainly doesn't come with a lifetime guarantee. If it fails and wrecks the engine then neither Volkswagen nor the belt manufacturer will cover the cost of the engine replacement/repair.

160,000 kilometres would result in a cam belt check that 100,000 miles. That would be a very bad idea, in my opinion, as most complaints we hear about occur much sooner than this.

I'd recommend replacing the belt every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). The water pump, tensioner and pulley will all need to be done.

Answered by Dan Powell on 7 September 2021

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