Timing belt

[Sheffield Col]

How often should the timing belt on A3 2013 2.0 TDI be changed ? Thank You. 

[spartacus 68]

My rule of thumb is 60k miles or 5 years on 4 cylinder diesels. Change the water-pump, and tensioner pulley as a matter of course. Cold starts, towing, extremes of heat all have to be factored in. Do auxilliary belts at the same time.

Sure I’ve read that it can go to 140k miles, but if it breaks, then you pick up the bill. It’s not normally the belt but wear on ancillary components such as bearings on pulleys, water-pump, etc.

[Magnet]

Hello Colin,

Much has already been said on here about VAG’s current recommendation of not renewing belts until c140K miles, with no age limit. 
You will see from a search that the forum generally does not hold with that schedule, and suggests sticking  with their previous recommendation of change at c75K miles, or 5 years - whichever comes first. The logic will be outlined in the searched threads, but basically boils down to VAG are not in the business to sell dealer time in changing cam belts - but selling new vehicles. If a vehicle’s engine expires due to belt breakage, then they have an opportunity to sell a new vehicle.

Worth a search and a read Colin. 
Please let us know what you decide to do. 
Regards,

Gareth.