Published November 2026.
The cambelt, or timing belt, is a job you can’t see coming: it often gives no warning before it fails, and on many engines a snapped belt causes serious damage. That’s why it’s replaced at set intervals. Here’s what a cambelt replacement costs, when it’s due, and what to check on a used car.
How much does a cambelt replacement cost?
The RAC (July 2026) puts the average cambelt replacement at around £645, including parts and labour, citing WhoCanFixMyCar data. Averages by make in that data include:
| Make | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen | £562 |
| Audi | £587 |
| Vauxhall | £617 |
| Citroën | £622 |
| Renault | £654 |
| Nissan | £672 |
| Ford | £715 |
| Peugeot | £725 |
| BMW | £733 |
| MINI | £783 |
Some cars cost well over £1,000, especially where the engine is tightly packed and the job takes longer. Prices vary a lot by make, model and region, and London and the South East are usually dearest, so get two or three itemised quotes.
What is a cambelt?
A cambelt is a toothed rubber belt that keeps the crankshaft and camshaft turning in step, so the engine’s valves open and close at exactly the right moment. “Cambelt” and “timing belt” are the same thing.
Some engines use a metal timing chain instead. Chains are designed to last much longer and don’t have a routine replacement interval, but they can stretch or wear, and replacing one can cost as much or more. Your handbook says which your car has, and our free car specs check shows the engine details from the registration.
When should a cambelt be changed?
Follow the manufacturer’s schedule in the handbook or service book. The RAC says intervals are typically between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, and some makers also give an age limit of around five or six years, whichever comes first. The age limit matters on low-mileage cars, because the rubber perishes over time even if the car isn’t driven much.
What’s involved in a cambelt change
The mechanic removes the covers and anything in the way, which on some cars means supporting the engine and taking off an engine mount. They lock the engine in its correct timing position, fit the new belt, tensioner and pulleys, then turn the engine over by hand to check the timing is exactly right before rebuilding it. Most cars take a few hours; some take most of a day, which is why the labour cost varies so much between models.
It isn’t a job for most home mechanics. If the timing is set even one tooth out, the engine can run badly or, on many engines, be damaged as soon as it starts. Use a garage that gives a written warranty on the work.
Why the water pump is often replaced too
On many engines the cambelt also drives the water pump, or the pump sits behind it. Garages often recommend replacing the pump, tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time, because most of the labour is already done and a failed pump can damage the new belt. It adds to the bill but usually saves money over the long run. Ask for a quote that shows the belt kit and water pump separately.
What happens if a cambelt snaps?
The engine stops immediately. On many engines, known as interference engines, the pistons and valves share the same space at different times, so when the timing is lost they collide. That can bend valves and damage the pistons or cylinder head, a repair that can cost more than an older car is worth. That’s why replacing the belt on time is far cheaper than waiting for it to fail.
Warning signs of a worn cambelt
Many cambelts show no symptoms before they fail. The RAC lists signs to watch for:
- Ticking, rattling or squealing from the front of the engine.
- Misfires, rough or juddering idling, or loss of power.
- Difficulty starting.
- Oil leaking near the cambelt cover.
- A cracked or frayed belt, or missing teeth, if a mechanic inspects it.
If the engine management light comes on with any of these, get it checked quickly. Our guide to the engine management light explains what it means.
Buying a used car? Ask about the cambelt
- Check the handbook or ask the seller when the cambelt is due, by miles and by age.
- Ask for the invoice from the last change. A stamp in the service book alone doesn’t prove the belt was done.
- If a change is due soon, or there’s no proof it was done, budget for it or negotiate the price down.
- Check the mileage with our mileage check, because a clocked car may be overdue without anyone knowing.
Our guide to checking a car’s service history shows how to confirm big jobs were done, and our guide to what to check when buying a used car covers the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cambelt replacement cost?
The RAC puts the average at around £645, with averages by make from about £562 to £783. Some cars cost over £1,000.
How often should a cambelt be changed?
Follow your handbook. Intervals are typically 40,000 to 100,000 miles, and some makers set an age limit of around five or six years, whichever comes first.
Is a timing belt the same as a cambelt?
Yes. They’re two names for the same part. A timing chain is different: it’s metal and lasts much longer.
Should I replace the water pump with the cambelt?
It’s often recommended, because the labour overlaps and a failing pump can damage the new belt.
What happens if my cambelt breaks?
The engine stops at once, and on many engines the valves and pistons collide, causing expensive damage.
- RAC: what is a cambelt and how do you replace it? (July 2026)
- WhoCanFixMyCar: how much does it cost to replace a cambelt?
- How to check a car’s service history
- Engine management light: what it means
Check a used car’s mileage is genuine before you trust its cambelt history, with our mileage check.
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