my car is an 08 V50 2.4i, it's got 113000 miles on it. I dont have a carfax on it or any history records at all for that matter. where should I look to see if the timing belt has been done? if it hasn't, it's due and I need to take it in which is a spendy job so I need to arrange the money. thanks

 

Look for a sticker or some other writing on the engine - typically on the timing belt cover. Most shops will do something when they do the work. Your car is due at 10 years or 120K miles (whichever comes) first so its due for its first change. I'd also pop the timing belt cover off (if its like my older cars there's one bolt in the center and then it slides up and out) to see if the belt etc looks new. Usually a mechanic will highlight the timing marks on the gears with some chaulk or a white sharpie to make them easy to see so that's also an indication of any past work.

 

Thank you, I'll have a look around. how long is the car "safe" to drive at this point. the job is expensive and I would need to save a bit up, I know its cheap if you do it yourself but I dont trust myself enough for that. thanks again



Edit: I took a look around the engine bay and couldn't find anything that would indicate a timing belt change. I might run a carfax on it and see if there are any records of it. I'd not should I baby the car till I can afford it or just not drive it really at all?