City Auto Works

22/05/2026

More firsts. Never seen this before. Van in for a routine timing belt replacement. Took timing cover off to see this. Apparently it’s because the vacuum pump had been installed incorrectly. Pushed the cam and cracked it. Customer been driving like that for 20k miles. Because of this, it may cost them £2k in repairs.

13/05/2026

A first for me. Lexus 200 2006 timing belt and water pump. Absolute dream to do. Don’t make um like they used to.

30/04/2026

Another 5* review on Google. Still keeping that 5 out of 5 on both Google and FixMyCar. We work tirelessly to insure that we do the best we can.

29/04/2026

Some interesting news regarding Stellantis:

Stellantis has implemented several major updates to the 1.2 PureTech engine line to address long-standing reliability concerns.

Here is the condensed breakdown for 2026:
1. 10-Year Extended Warranty
Stellantis now offers a 10-year / 112,000-mile warranty on older "wet belt" units.

• The Catch: Full service history is mandatory.
• Reimbursement: A portal is available for owners to claim back out-of-pocket repair costs incurred between 2022 and 2024.

2. The End of the "Wet Belt"
The Gen 3 engines (found in the 136hp/100hp 48V hybrids) have finally ditched the belt-in-oil design.
• The Fix: These units now use a timing chain, effectively ending the rubber-in-oil degradation issues that caused vacuum pump and oil pick-up blockages.

3. 2026 Fire Risk Recall
A new recall affects over 200,000 recent hybrid models.
• The Issue: The particulate filter duct is poorly positioned near the 48V starter-alternator.
• The Risk: Friction and humidity can cause electrical arcing. Dealers are currently replacing the protection caps with better-sealed units.

4. The "Firefly" Transition
The "PureTech" name is being phased out. Stellantis is moving toward the Firefly (GSE) architecture globally. By 2030, the PureTech brand will likely be retired to distance the company from its previous reputation.

Do you think Stellantis will finally fix their reputation? Time will tell.

29/04/2026

💎 Premium Ford Transit EcoBlue Timing Belt Service – Starting from £900 💎

If you drive a 2.0L EcoBlue Transit, you know that the "wet belt" is the heart of your engine. Using anything less than the manufacturer’s specified parts and oil isn't just a risk—it’s a gamble with your livelihood.

We provide a no-compromise service using only the highest-grade components to ensure your engine stays protected for the long haul.

🛠️ The "No-Shortcuts" Package Includes:
• 100% Genuine Ford Original Parts: Official Ford timing belt kit (belt, tensioner, and all required torque-to-yield bolts).
• Castrol MAGNATEC 0W-30 D: The specific Ford-spec oil (WSS-M2C950-A) engineered to protect wet belt systems from premature degradation.
• Oil Pump Belt & Strainer Inspection: We don’t just "swap the belt." We remove the sump to inspect and clean the oil pickup strainer—essential for preventing engine-killing oil starvation.
• New Genuine Timing Cover: Often overlooked, but critical for a perfect, leak-free seal.
• Full Oil & Filter Service: Using a genuine Ford filter and a full 10-litre flush.

💰 Investment: Starting from £900
Compared to a £5,000+ bill for a snapped belt, this is the best insurance your van can have.

📍 Why Trust Us?
• Specialist Tooling: We use the correct Ford timing alignment sets for 100% precision.
• EcoBlue Experts: We understand the nuances of these engines and the importance of cleanliness during the procedure.
• Fast & Reliable: We aim to get your tool back on the road with minimal downtime.

📞 Book Your Slot
Don’t wait for the warning light. Message us today with your registration for a firm quote or comment "WETBELT" below and we’ll reach out to you.

28/04/2026

I have to admit, both me and the wife love a Mini. Controversial in the mechanics world. They’re fun to drive which is missing in today’s modern car.

This one in for a summer service. It has 140k on the clock and still runs the original chain and clutch. Unheard of. Keep on top of oil changes, use the correct specification, use quality parts and your car will have less problems. Quite simple.

28/04/2026

Thinking about buying a Chinese EV? Think again. This is not exclusive to BYD.

144K likes, 17K comments. "🚗 BYD : The biggest SCAM of the car industry ?"

26/04/2026

Chevy in for Full service, brakes all round, timing belt. Car had a horrible oil leak from the valve cover. Note the calliper sliders, completely rusted and ceased. Brakes were only replaced last year. Obviously the last garage didn’t bother to clean a grease.

22/04/2026

I haven’t done one of these for a while! Ford Zetec 1.6 timing belt and water pump. The hardest part of the job it getting the drive belts on. Nightmare on your own. New timing kit, 2 x new stretchy drive belts and a valve cover gasket. All for only £450 at your doorstep.