I don't know who to trust

[Mick787]

I have recently posted about trying to get a service plan sorted for my XC60 after moving home to a new area in the UK.

After finally getting some prices, I have been told that the cam belt should be changed at its next service. The car is a MY2016 D5 manual and currently has 45.5k miles on the clock. I estimate it will do 8,000 miles in a year.

I have always been under the impression that the cam belt should be changed at 10 years or 100,000 miles whatever is sooner. That has just been verified by Volvo UK. So why would a main Volvo dealership recommend changing the belt at its next service in April next year?

Have specifications been changed? Does anyone know any different? I know it will do no harm changing the belt, but it does mean the payments will be quite large when starting the new service plan at this new dealership.

I cannot help wondering if someone it trying to rip me off and once again and try to carry out unnecessary work.

Opinions greatly accepted.

[garethXC]

ISTR that its the auxiliary belt and tensioner is sheduled every 54k, not the main cam belt? The aux belt and idler can 'let go' and cause havoc.

Im sure someone will confirm shortly.

[Kev0607]

Its time or miles, whichever comes first. This is important to note.

The cam belt isn’t due until the car is 10 years old or has 108,000 miles (whichever comes first). The aux belt tensioner is also replaced on this big service, as is the auxiliary belt (when the car is 10 years old).

The auxiliary belt is due every five years or 54,000 miles, again whichever comes first.

As your car is five years old, the aux belt is due to be changed (not the cam belt).

For example;

5 years old or 54k (whichever comes first) - Auxiliary belt should be replaced

10 years old or 108k (whichever comes first) - Cam belt, auxiliary belt & auxiliary belt tensioner should be replaced. This is the big service, due every 10 years.

So, the dealership are telling you porkies regarding the cam belt. However, your auxiliary belt should be replaced ASAP.

[Familyman 90]

Provided you have it in writing, trust the Importer. If they're wrong, they're liable.

[Mick787]

Thanks all. I contacted Volvo UK who told me 10 years or 108k miles whichever is first. So to replace the cam belt any early may not cause damage, but it isn't necessary to do it so soon. I also made contact with the dealership I moved to just over a year ago. (We used to take the police cars in there for service/defects). They said exactly the same, so I will drive my car 200 miles back to them for its annual servicing. I trust them. In addition, to do a major service inc cam belt change, they would only need the car for 3 to 4 hours. I can handle that as a day trip. I'd rather do that than be ripped off.

Why is it that you have to check everything these days and can't trust a main dealership?...... Bloody greed!

[Familyman 90]

Is it greed or simple lack of knowledge? I doubt the oerson who gave the erroneous advice would get paid a penny extra if youd3 gone ahead and had it done.

[HDAV]

There is an online service tool it’s possible the person you spoke with mis communicated aux belt replacement and cam belt

Mine is a due a service soon not sure what to do dealer, specialist, trusted mechanic who will do it how I ask ???

Car is 4 years old 55k VEA 4cyl

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by HDAV

There is an online service tool it’s possible the person you spoke with mis communicated aux belt replacement and cam belt

Mine is a due a service soon not sure what to do dealer, specialist, trusted mechanic who will do it how I ask ???

Car is 4 years old 55k VEA 4cyl

If its under warranty, then an independent Volvo Specialist will be far cheaper than the dealer & it won’t effect your warranty because they use genuine Volvo parts. An independent will (or should) have the correct diagnostic equipment for the car too.

If its out of warranty, then there’s no need to really go near the dealer (go to an independent). One bonus to using the dealer for servicing though is you get breakdown cover for a year. If you already have breakdown cover, then this may not be as interesting to you.

Personally, I’d choose an independent over the dealer all day long. Dealerships generally are a rip off.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

If its under warranty, then an independent Volvo Specialist will be far cheaper than the dealer & it won’t effect your warranty because they use genuine Volvo parts. An independent will (or should) have the correct diagnostic equipment for the car too.

If its out of warranty, then there’s no need to really go near the dealer (go to an independent). One bonus to using the dealer for servicing though is you get breakdown cover for a year. If you already have breakdown cover, then this may not be as interesting to you.

Personally, I’d choose an independent over the dealer all day long. Dealerships generally are a rip off.

The only thing I would add, and it's more of question, do the more modern cars require their software updates, which would be done at a dealer service ?
Can this get done elsewhere ?

(My car hasn't seen a dealer in 6 years)

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

The only thing I would add, and it's more of question, do the more modern cars require their software updates, which would be done at a dealer service ?
Can this get done elsewhere ?

(My car hasn't seen a dealer in 6 years)

Yes, modern cars require software updates. Independent Specialists can do them, providing they’re linked to Sweden. That costs a lot of money, so some specialists have the facility to do the updates & some don’t. The particular one I use does, but that may not be the case for other garages.