In TECHMAIL, we answer your motoring queries…
I have a 2010 VW Polo 1,6 TDI. The service book states the cambelt should be changed at 300 000 km. Discussions with fellow peers and VW representatives recommend that the cambelt be changed at 90 000 to 120 000 km intervals. Please share your opinion on the matter? My Polo recently underwent a 120 000 km service, but I did not replace the cambelt due to financial constraints.
MARC JACKSON
Edenvale
Answer: After doing some research, it appears the 300 000 km service interval is correct for the Euro-spec 2010 1,6 TDI engine, as it was fitted with a new synthetic timing belt developed by Continental, which is supposed to last the life of the vehicle’s engine. Therefore, there should be no need to change the belt, although when we put the question to Volkswagen South Africa, we received the following response:
“The 2010 1,6-litre TDI Polo engine has a specified 120 000 km change interval for both the tooth belt and tensioning roller due to the fact that South Africa is classified as a country with high levels of dust. Currently, all our vehicles are set for a fixed tooth-belt interval of 120 000 km.”
