Mechanic diagnoses ‘unfixable’ problem on used | Tech News

A car mechanic has revealed the one “unfixable” problem discovered on petrol and diesel automobiles constructed after 2017 in a potential blow to homeowners. Dave Harrison, spokesperson for 911 Auto Repairs in Sheffield, confused that moist belts might grow to be the “next big scandal” with highway customers throughout the nation more likely to be at risk. 

Wet belts are a sort of timing belt that are fully lubricated by the car’s engine oil, in comparison with being uncovered to air. The oil will often help to cut back friction between the belt and may result in a more environment friendly engine. However, encasing the belt beneath the oil will be difficult for mechanics, whereas publicity to engine oil, heat, and contaminants like soot may degrade the fabric. 

The skilled defined moist belts turned more fashionable in automobiles constructed after 2017 whereas they admit mechanics are likely to roll their eyes when one other enters the storage with points.

Dave mentioned: “The next big scandal – wet belts. They replaced timing belts with wet belts on a lot of models after 2017, supposedly they’re more efficient. But the wet belt is a big problem because it only has a 10-year interval and then it breaks. 

“It deteriorates and it can stop your brakes working. But if it breaks after nine years, they don’t want to know. And when it does [break], it’s very difficult to fix. It takes twice as long as a normal belt to fix and it costs more to replace.

“That’s one that makes your eyes roll when you see it – oh god, it’s got a wet belt. They say it’s better but it ends up costing double to fix or it’s unfixable and makes the car basically worthless.”

According to the RAC, timing belts will likely need replacing once every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. With the UK average mileage around 7,400 per year, those who purchased their model seven or eight years ago are now closing in on the threshold. 

Meanwhile, some carmakers recommend replacing the part around once every 5 to 10 years. However, the RAC explains that the exact interval between timing belt changes will vary based on the make and model.

The RAC added: “When a timing belt breaks, the engine will immediately stop and the steering may start to feel heavy. The brake pedal may also become more difficult to use, with more pressure required to press it down.”