Thoughts on my Golf's timing belt interval?

Hi,

Re: timing belt interval on Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI (Mark 7.5, first registered 2019).

Has Volkswagen changed the intervals on timing belts? When I bought my 2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI I enquired as to the interval for the timing belt and was informed that it would need replacing at 240,000km or if that mileage was not reached it should last the life of the vehicle.

Today when I scheduled my car for a routine service at about 87,000km I was told that the interval for timing belt is either at five years of age or 120,000km. The cost of replacement at main dealer is a massive €700. I made a point of confirming the timing belt interval when I bought the car to budget for the overall costs of running the car while in my ownership. I feel aggrieved with Volkswagen if it's the case it has changed the interval without notice.

The cynic in me would think VW is merely lining its pockets. Am I taking a risk if I don't change the belt now that the car is five years old although the mileage is only 87,000km?

Thanks, Des

Des D (Maynooth)

Nov 2024 Filed under: servicing

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Expert answer

Hi Des,

Our information is 240,000km or 15 years on that car, but in truth, the dealer should know best. A car manufacturer wouldn't just change the interval for the sake of 'lining its pockets' as you've described and it's not unusual for changes to the interval to happen in a car's lifetime as experience is gathered. 

No harm double checking that information with a few other Volkswagen dealerships and, as the car is out of warranty anyway, you can always consider getting the work done at an independent garage. 

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D