Cambelts and clutches are two of the bigger jobs on a car, and two that are easy to put off. A clutch usually gives you plenty of warning before it goes. A cambelt often gives you none, which is why the change interval matters so much.
What a cambelt does
The cambelt, or timing belt, is a toothed rubber belt that links the bottom of the engine to the top, so the valves open and close in time with the pistons. Some engines use a metal timing chain instead, which is designed to last much longer. Your handbook will tell you which your car has.
Why the change interval matters
Cambelts wear and age, and they rarely give much warning before they fail. Each manufacturer sets an interval for changing the belt, usually by mileage and age, whichever comes first. Age matters even on a low-mileage car, because the rubber deteriorates over time.
If a cambelt breaks, the engine stops straight away. On many engines the valves and pistons can then hit each other, which can badly damage the engine and cost far more to put right than the belt would have. Changing it on time is the cheap option.
Check your service history to see when the belt was last changed. If you’ve bought a used car and there’s no record of it, it’s worth getting it checked rather than assuming. The water pump is often driven by the cambelt, so it’s commonly replaced at the same time.
How a clutch wears
Every time you pull away or change gear, the clutch plate slips a little against the flywheel and wears down its friction material. How long it lasts depends a lot on how and where the car is driven: town driving, hill starts, towing and resting a foot on the pedal all wear it faster.
Signs your clutch needs attention
A clutch usually tells you when it’s on the way out. Look out for:
- Slipping: the revs rise but the car doesn’t speed up to match, especially in higher gears or going uphill
- A high biting point: the clutch only engages near the top of the pedal’s travel
- Judder: the car shakes or shudders as you pull away
- Difficulty selecting gears: gears that are hard to get into, or that crunch or grind
- A burning smell: a sharp, hot smell, often after hill starts or a lot of slow traffic
- Noises: whining, rattling or squealing when you press or release the pedal
- A pedal that feels wrong: spongy, unusually heavy, or slow to come back up
Why the MOT won’t catch it
The MOT doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox, so a recent pass tells you nothing about either your cambelt or your clutch. Regular servicing and paying attention to how the car feels are what keep you ahead of them.
Getting it looked at
We repair cambelts and clutches in our own workshop, on all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles. If the problem turns out to be the gearbox rather than the clutch, see our gearbox repairs page.
Our workmanship is fully guaranteed, and most parts come with a one-year warranty, depending on the supplier. If you need to keep moving while your car is in, courtesy cars are £25 + VAT a day; just ask in advance.
Useful links
Not sure when your cambelt is due, or worried about your clutch? Ask us at our garage in Barking Tye.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm.