Would you drive it?

[Chris]

Ok, my recently bought HGT has just been booked into Powerfiat to have a much needed cambelt change. The thing is the earliest they can do it is Wednesday 6th July, so a good couple of weeks away. The problem I have is that my 98 HGT has knocked up 84,000miles and is still on its original belt. Would you still be using it if it was yours for small journeys, or would you have it parked up until the belt has been changed?? Im still using it on the odd occasion but not driving it above 2000rpm!! Im begining to forget what the 5cylinder beast sounds like now.

Cheers. Chris

 

[KeithR]

I had the same predicament when i got mine, and i did drive it because i really had no other choice, but i was pooing myself for the first two weeks, didnt dare open her up properly until i had the belt changed.

I wouldnt like to say, chances are it wont snap in the two weeks you have to wait, BUT what if it does.........

KeithR

 

[Chris]

Hehe, exactly the same thoughts as myself. Everytime i get in it lately im half expecting it to break down on me, never driven a car so cautiously before, not my style. The thing is ive had a belt go in a Vectra ive owned in the past and remember how much it cost me to get it back on the road. Like you said its not likely to break within the 2 weeks but it is a gamble.

I might just wash it again and watch it sit there on my drive

 

[KeithR]

If you have the option not to drive it, then i would just leave it, it will bug you just sitting there but it would bug you even more if it was sat there for a few month with a snapped belt n f**ked engine....

KeithR

 

[Tommy K]

Don't drive it... cos it doesnt' matter if u open it up or leave it ticking over.. if it snaps.. it will bend summit!!

My dad bought a timing belt for my mums old car, was going to fit it but was called away and the next day it snapped on her car going to work.....

Park it up, admire it... even sit in it and make brum brum noises.. just don't start it up and drive it... better safe than sorry!!

 

[rsmallwo]

cost analysis

do a cost analysis of the options

you have cost of a broken belt and new engine/fix engine job vs fact that it might not break

cost of using public transport (time and money)

cost of a hire car

cost to "borrow" someones car (yes, very vague i know)

cost to have cambelt changed quickly at another garage.


weigh up all the costs and then go for the cheapest or what seems the best value for money.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: cost analysis

Drive it you big wuss

 

[bravoturbo]

Re: cost analysis

I had a peu£$%t once which was in (obviously) in need of a cam belt, booked her in, the garage coundnt do it for 3 days. Left her on the drive, started her up to take her to the garage and............. it snapped, whilst starting!! only a small bill tho' £1500.00!!!!!
new head, cam etc etc. the cam was snapped in 3 places!
just take it to the garage and be lucky!!

 

[mick]

dont drive it

Dude, dont do it, mine went yesterday while driving and f**k no's how much it's gunna cost, local garage have said it's cheaper to buy another engine

 

[Chris]

Re: dont drive it

Im gonna try and leave it sitting on my drive for the next week or two. I used it last night for a mile round trip making sure not to rev it, but i suppose even that is risking it. I dont really need to rely on my car as i only use it for social perposes, sure a bit of walking wont do me no harm.

Cheers for the advice!

 

[Mr AL]

Re: dont drive it

I chanced it.... and blew the cambelt

Mr Al.

 

[Andy Vee]

Re: dont drive it

Biggest strain on the belt is when you start it !