15/09/2026
Volkswagen Audi Group vehicles have had the timing belt intervals changed over the last few years. They REMOVED the requirement to be changed at 5 years old and went with just a mileage interval of 140k miles.
The parts used have not been updated or modified for this change in replacement requirements.
The vehicle in the pictures is a 2019 Audi Q5, with 99k miles on the clock. It has never had a timing belt replacement, it has no signs of contamination, it has no issues with water pump or the tensioner and guide rollers. The belt has simply failed.
This has caused catastrophic damage to many internal engine components - which is going to cost many thousands to put right. The intake and exhaust valves are damaged, the rocker arms are smashed, the hydraulic tappets have broken up, the camshafts are damaged, the housing that holds the camshafts is smashed. And it STILL needs a replacement timing belt kit!
This is the reason we still advise our customers to stick to the original replacement intervals, whilst the short term expense sounds like it’s not necessary as the car still runs, WHEN the belt fails, it will cost significantly more repair.
