I have a 2001 Volvo S60 which recently passed 120K miles. I've moved twice in the past 18 months, and as a result I've been to a lot of different mechanics and haven't kept good records of what service it's gotten. I know, that was dumb and I should have kept my records.

I recently took it in to get the brake booster inspected due to a hissing noise, and the guys gave it a thorough once-over. They asked if I'd replaced my timing belt at 105K miles like I was supposed to, and I cannot remember to save my life. So I'm wondering - is it possible to tell the difference between a 10-year-old timing belt that's seen 120K miles vs. a 1-year-old belt that's seen 15K miles? I feel dumb for not keeping all my service documents, but it seems that they should be able to just glance at it and tell the difference without too much trouble.

I don't have any documentation of it being replaced (actually, I don't have any documentation of service except for an oil change 4 months ago) and I can't remember. I've had a few pricey repairs done on the car - replaced a few things after an accident, replaced a bad alternator, and got a warranty replacement of the ETC module a year ago, so this car has been in the shop plenty and I don't remember everything I've had done. I just want them to glance at the belt, take a guess at whether it's been replaced (with that big of a difference in wear, it seems that it should be obvious), and go with that determination.

 

Remove the t-belt cover and examine the belt. If you see cracks or worn out parts, then it has not been changed. Do it ASAP as you are driving on borrowed time, a broken belt will damage your engine and cost thousands to repair.

Replace tensioner and idler roller at the same time as the t-belt.