When I was having my brakes done a couple of days ago, the tech told me that I might want to think about getting my timing belt done? I know this is a heated topic at times but I don't think I'm anywhere near getting the belt done. I only have 69k on the car. It's a 2001 A6, 4.2l Quattro. Car runs great. Any opinions?

 

If a mechanic looked at the belt and prescribed getting it changed I would listen to him. A timing belt won't show any signs of performance loss until it snaps and smashes valves and possibly pistons.

 

^ not true ^ chances are he didnt even look at the belt, c'mon, brakes and timing belt are in totallly different areas. go by the manual, im not sure about the 4-2 but most VAG engines are either 80k or 100k. This is the nature of the flat-rate technician. i've done this before when i used to work for VW, some timing belts are really easy to do and pay really well, and ive tried selling them prematurely. flat rate makes technicians dishonest and causes them to advise on repairs that do not necessarily need to be done at that moment in time. RTFM!

 

I understand that they try to sell things to you prematurely but just because they are in totally different locations doesn't mean he didn't do a quick check on some of the vital parts like a timing belt. I would call the shop and ask the technician why he thinks you need a timing belt.

 

Get a second opinion from another trusted mechanic is always a safe bet. But I've read nothing but horror stories about timing belts - but if you're not racing yours around you should be able to make it to the recommended change period. But if you're constantly testing your girl's limits - change it sooner

 

That's some more good advice.

 

He didn't look at it. He was just telling me that I might want to change it. I really don't think it's time. I treat her like a queen, so it should make it to the recommended time. I'm not too worried.

 

Well if you don't beat it and he didn't look at it than I think he was just trying to sell you something.