Quick Answer
Volkswagen and Audi timing belt intervals depend on the engine code, not the model name. Many Golf, Polo, A3 and A4 engines are due between 80,000 and 140,000 miles, or a set number of years, whichever comes first. The water pump is replaced with the belt. A snapped belt on an interference engine writes off the engine.
Belt and pump together
On these engines the water pump is driven by the belt. Replacing the belt and leaving a tired pump in place is how you do the job twice. We fit a kit: belt, tensioner, idlers, pump, and the seals that belong with it.
How to read the table below
These are typical schedules we see on common cars. They are not a substitute for the engine code on your registration. Chain-driven engines (many later EA888 TSI units, for example) are a different job entirely.
- VW Polo 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.4 belt engines: often 4 to 5 years or around 80,000 to 120,000 miles
- Golf 1.4 TSI / 1.6 TDI / 2.0 TDI belt engines: commonly 5 years or 80,000 to 140,000 miles depending on code
- Passat TDI belt engines: similar TDI schedules to Golf, confirm the code
- Audi A3 1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI / 2.0 TDI (belt): treat as the matching VW engine
- Audi A4 2.0 TDI (belt generations): often 5 years or a mileage cap. Later engines moved to chain
If you do not know the engine code
Bring the registration. We look up the belt versus chain, the interval, and whether the pump is due. Do not wait for a ticking noise. A snapped belt on these engines bends valves.
Cambelt work is quoted from the car, not a poster in the waiting room. See the cambelt page and the servicing page for how we price it.