A top motoring mechanic has warned of an "unfixable" issue on most second-hand petrol and diesel cars sold after 2017. Dave Harrison, a spokesperson for 911 Auto Repairs, stressed the issue could become the "next big scandal" in a major blow to those securing a model built in the past eight years.
Dave explained that timing belts were replaced with wet belts in 2017 because they are believed to be "more efficient". However, HE stressed the wet belts will likely only have a 10-year lifespan, meaning issues could start to arise in the next couple of years. Despite knowing about the issue, Dave stressed that repairs are “very difficult” with motorists likely to be slapped with costly bills.
Dave explained: "The next big scandal - wet belts. They replaced timing belts with wet belts on a lot of models after 2017, supposedly they’re more efficient.
"The wet belt is a big problem because it only has a 10-year interval and then it breaks. It deteriorates and it can stop your brakes working. But if it breaks after nine years, they don’t want to know. And when it does [break], it’s very difficult to fix. It takes twice as long as a normal belt to fix and it costs more to replace."
Wet belts are also known as the belt in oil (BIO) system. It means the part has been moved from the outside to inside the engine's crankcase where it is lubricated by engine oil.
According to GEM Motoring Assist, wet belt systems are said to reduce drag by 30%, which could provide emission benefits as well as save fuel.
GEM confirmed that they have heard cases of wet belts "failing prematurely" with brands reducing their replacement intervals.
GEM explained: "Common problems with BIO timing belts include swelling, delamination and tooth shredding. All of these parts end up trapped within the engine and must be removed manually.”
However, Dave warned of the potential long-term impacts with the high costs, meaning road users are likely to have to ditch their vehicles altogether.
He added: "That’s one that makes your eyes roll when you see it - oh god, it’s got a wet belt. They say it's better but it ends up costing double to fix or it's unfixable and makes the car basically worthless."