Hi, I'm Pat and I own a Q3 - I have joined today.

What is the required period for replacement of the timing belt. In the last 6 months I have become aware of belt failures in Ford Escorts, Volvo XC60 and an Audi A3. I have spoken with many people and been given ranges from 40k to 186k. Being totally confused, I went into my local Audi Dealer (Farnborough) to get a definitive answer. Having explained my confusion to the representative there, I was shown a document entitled Service Related Items. The document consisted of 1 page only and it did not specify what models the inspections applied to. I was allowed to take a photo of the document. Regarding the timing belt - it listed the replacement frequency as 186,500 miles or 15 years. I'm even more confused now. Thoughts please.

Welcome Pat,

Just do a forum search on here for Timing belt or Cambelt, and you will find the topic has been discussed to death, and should allow you to make a decision on whether you wish to follow VAG’s advice - at your peril ( personal opinion) or take a more sensible approach.

Perhaps you could let us know what you decide to do, once all the comments have been digested.

Regards,

Gareth.

p.s. What is your current mileage, and is the stop/start always deployed.

Hi Gareth,

Please accept my apologies.

Mileage about 65500. Yes to stop start.