Matt Clamp, a specialist from the British company Scrap Car Comparison, warned about a fault that can start without obvious signs and end up costing a lot of money. In statements to the Express newspaper, the professional drew attention to the deterioration of oil-bathed timing belts, a system where the belt works in contact with the engine lubricant, unlike conventional belts that run dry. This type of timing system is not present in all automobiles and depends on the model, engine type and year of the vehicle.
According to Matt Clamp, when the belt starts to degrade, small rubber fragments can come loose and accumulate in the oil pickup strainer, making it difficult for the lubricant to circulate. With less oil reaching the components that need lubrication, the engine can suffer serious damage. Lubricant manufacturer Millers Oils also identifies the blockage of oil passages by belt residue as one of the risks associated with this wear.
The specialist says he usually encounters problems in vehicles around three years old with mileages between 64,000 and 97,000 kilometres, although he has observed similar situations at around 32,000 kilometres. One of the main concerns is the lack of clear signs during the initial phase of deterioration, with the first warning often being the oil light on the dashboard, sometimes very close to engine failure. Matt Clamp advocates for preventive belt replacement at around 64,000 kilometres and warns that regular servicing alone cannot determine whether the belt is in good condition.
In the estimates provided, replacing the belt at an independent British workshop can cost approximately €1,750, rising to around €2,910 at a brand dealership. In cases where a new engine is needed, the work can reach between €5,820 and €6,990. In Portugal, according to the company Caetano, the price of an engine can reach €10,000, plus installation costs, depending on the make, model and choice between a new or refurbished unit.
