Mechanic warns drivers over common car part which is 'an engine killer'

A mechanic has issued an urgent warning over an "engine killer" in a popular vehicle as drivers face "costly repairs" amid the Cost of Living crisis. As the winter months continue in the wake of Christmas, a mechanic has sounded the alarm.

Experts warn that some cars produced and purchased between 2012 and 2021 could contain a "common component" that could cause serious issues within the vehicle: wet belts. A wet belt timing belt, also known as a wet cambelt, is a belt that runs inside an engine and is lubricated by engine oil. It's a vital component that synchronizes the top and bottom of the engine.

Mark Barclay, head of e-commerce at My Motor World, said: "Without regular inspections and proper maintenance, wet timing belts can be an engine killer. To avoid costly repairs, owners of cars with this type of belt really have to be on it with their maintenance schedule.

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"It might be annoying and expensive to keep checking and replacing the timing belt and changing the oil, but it's still cheaper than a new engine - or even a new car. It's a case of spending little and often to avoid spiralling costs further down the line."

Mr Barclay added: "My advice would be to get regular inspections at a garage that's familiar with them, replace the belt at the first sign of deterioration, and keep that engine oil as clean as possible. And only ever use the exact type of oil that the manufacturer recommends."

Wet belts are lubricated by oil, which reduces friction and wear. This can improve engine efficiency and make the engine run more smoothly - but they are exposed to heat, oil, and other environmental factors, which can cause them to degrade over time. This can weaken the belt and lead to failure.