Car repairs by an unestablished garage

[kwicky]

MY car had done sufficient mileage to change the cam belt plus some other items. The bill was in excess of �300 mostly labour charges with the cam belt replacement eating up a large proportion. Should you put complete trust in the repairer as you hear some bad experiences? If not what steps can you take to ensure that you have not been ripped off? For instance how can I be sure the cam belt has been changed as a failure could result in a ruined engine.

The obvious answer, I know, is to go to a reputable dealer but when they charge nearly �200 just to change the oil and filter and do a check of your components it seems a rip off in itself. Also has anyone had a bad experience of dodgy people?

[Batman7070]

I agree with your concerns - Car owners today are held to ransome by garages. You just have to go to the garage and trust them to do the work an pay through the nose for it.
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If a cam belt change has been done properly you can usually tell the difference when you next drive the car as the engine sounds quieter and may even drive smoother..

On some cars because the cam belt cover is flimsy it is possible to ease the cam belt cover to one side revealing the belt, before the car is taken to the garage paint a blob of white correction fluid on the belt (the engine must be switched of off first of course) .Ask the garage to leave the old belt in the car when you come to collect it. the old belt should still bear the white mark thus proving it has been changed and taken from your car. keep the garage invoice for future proof should you have any trouble with the belt in the future (within specified service intervals).

[twazerk]

"If a cam belt change has been done properly you can usually tell the difference when you next drive the car as the engine sounds quieter and may even drive smoother.. "

FPMSL

[david1702198]

cant say that changing the cam belt on any engine would result in a smoother quieter ride!!! certainly not in any of the cambelts ive changed anyway. the only way you woud have noise reduction is if the tensioner or roller was worn. but it wouldnt result in any noise reduction or performance difference. a cambelt is the same as most other car parts in that it deteriorates throughout time and requires replacement at a certain interval.