Wet belt replacement in Stevenage
Ford EcoBoost, Ford EcoBlue, Peugeot / Citroën / Vauxhall PureTech and Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo. It is the job we do most. Fixed prices, the oil strainer cleaned on every job, and a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
500+ wet belt jobs | 140+ five-star Google reviews | 0% finance available | Unit 8, Chells Industrial Units, Stevenage SG2 0LQ
Choose your engine
Pick your car for what is included, the fixed price and the full details. Not sure which engine you have? Send us your reg and we will tell you.
Ford 1.0 EcoBoost
1.0 litre 3-cylinder petrol
£1,100
- Fiesta, Focus, B-Max, EcoSport, Puma
- Wet belt and oil pump drive belt
- Water pump, tensioner and seals
- Oil strainer cleaned
- Ford-spec 5W20 oil and filter
- 12-month warranty
Ford 2.0 EcoBlue
2.0 litre diesel
£1,050 to £1,250
- Transit, Transit Custom, Ranger
- Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX, Galaxy
- VW Transporter T7
- Price depends on drivetrain
- Correct-spec parts and oil
- 12-month warranty
PSA PureTech
1.0 and 1.2 litre petrol
£580
- Peugeot 108, 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008
- Citroën C1, C3, C4, C5 Aircross
- DS3, DS4, DS7, Vauxhall Corsa, Crossland, Grandland
- New sump pan included
- PSA-spec 5W30 oil and filter
- 12-month warranty
Honda 1.0 VTEC Turbo
1.0 litre 3-cylinder petrol
From £950
- Honda Civic (2017 to 2022)
- Both wet belts replaced
- Full oil flush and strainer clean
- Honda-spec 0W-20 oil and filter
- 12-month warranty
How much does wet belt replacement cost in Stevenage?
At TGPP-Autocare in Stevenage, a wet belt replacement is £1,100 on a Ford 1.0 EcoBoost, £1,050 to £1,250 on a Ford 2.0 EcoBlue depending on the drivetrain, and £580 on a PSA PureTech 1.0 or 1.2. Prices include VAT, parts, labour, and the correct oil and filter. Every job has a 12-month parts and labour warranty, and 0% finance is available through PaymentAssist. The Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo is from £950, with both belts replaced. We are at Unit 8, Chells Industrial Units, Chells Way, Stevenage SG2 0LQ.
What is a wet belt, and why does it need replacing?
A wet belt (also called a belt-in-oil or wet cambelt) is a rubber timing belt that runs inside the engine, soaked in engine oil. It keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in time so the valves open and close at exactly the right moment.
The idea was less friction, less noise and better economy. The problem is that hot oil slowly breaks the rubber down. As the belt ages it softens, swells, frays and sheds small pieces into the oil.
A normal (dry) cambelt
Sits outside the engine under a cover. When it gets old it wears, and it can snap, but it is not sitting in oil.
A wet belt
Sits inside the engine in the oil. As it breaks down, bits of rubber travel around the oil system and can block the oil pick-up strainer in the sump.
Why it matters: if the strainer blocks, the engine can run short of oil very quickly. If the belt itself fails, the engine loses its timing. Either can wreck the engine, and a replacement engine can cost thousands of pounds. Changing the belt in time costs a fraction of that.
Why wet belts fail earlier than expected
The first service intervals promised long lives. Real-world experience has been different, and manufacturers have revised their intervals since. These are the things that shorten a belt's life.
Oil that has aged
Oil that is overdue a change, or the wrong specification, attacks the rubber. The correct oil, changed on time, matters.
Short journeys
If the engine rarely gets fully hot, moisture and fuel build up in the oil and sludge forms faster.
Heat and time
Rubber hardens and weakens with heat cycles, whatever the mileage. A low-mileage car can still have an old belt.
Debris in the oil
Rubber fragments collect at the oil pick-up strainer, restricting the oil supply to the engine.
Warning signs to watch for
Many wet belts give no warning at all before they fail, which is why we recommend replacing them on age and mileage rather than waiting for symptoms. If you notice any of these, get the car checked as soon as you can.
Low oil pressure warning
Stop driving as soon as it is safe. Debris may be blocking the oil supply. Do not carry on to see if it clears.
Engine management light
The engine computer can flag a timing fault. Do not ignore a light that comes on with rough running.
Rattling or ticking on a cold start
Can point to a worn belt or tensioner, especially if it is new or getting louder.
Misfiring or rough running
If the timing is slipping, the engine can hesitate, stumble or lose power.
Hard starting
A badly stretched or damaged belt can make the engine slow or reluctant to start.
Black rubber in the oil
Flecks or lumps of black rubber on the dipstick, filler cap or oil filter mean the belt is breaking up. Get it replaced now.
When should a wet belt be replaced?
Manufacturer intervals have been changed more than once, and many belts have failed before the original figures, so we go by age, mileage and the condition of the car. As a rule of thumb for the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost:
Under 8 years and 75,000 miles
Usually fine. Keep your oil changes on time and keep an eye on the car.
8 to 10 years, or 75,000 to 100,000 miles
Plan the job. This is the window where it makes sense to book it in, before it becomes urgent.
Over 10 years or 100,000 miles
Overdue. The risk goes up every month. Get it checked and booked.
Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo
Honda's own interval is 5 years or 100,000 miles. We recommend 4 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, because failures have been reported much earlier. If your car had the Honda recall work done, the clock restarts from that date.
PureTech, EcoBlue and others
The right timing depends on the engine, the age and how the car has been used. Send us your reg and we will tell you what we would do. For PureTech there is also a timing chain conversion, covered in our guide below.
Not sure where your car stands? Send us your registration on WhatsApp or call 01438 232556. We will tell you what engine you have, how old the belt is likely to be and what we would do. You can also try our free Ford EcoBoost wet belt risk checker.
Which cars have wet belts?
These are the cars we replace wet belts on. Tap through to the page for your engine for full details and the fixed price. If yours is not on the list, send us your reg and we will check.
Ford 1.0 EcoBoost
- Ford Fiesta (2012 to 2023)
- Ford Focus (2011 to 2018)
- Ford B-Max
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Puma
Fixed price £1,100
EcoBoost wet beltFord 2.0 EcoBlue
- Ford Transit and Transit Custom (2016 on)
- Ford Ranger (2019 on)
- Ford Kuga
- Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy
- Volkswagen Transporter T7
£1,050 to £1,250 by drivetrain
EcoBlue wet beltPSA PureTech 1.0 and 1.2
- Peugeot 108, 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008
- Citroën C1, C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Picasso, C5 Aircross
- DS3, DS3 Crossback, DS4, DS7
- Vauxhall Corsa, Crossland, Grandland, Astra, Mokka
- Toyota ProAce City
Fixed price £580
PureTech wet beltHonda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo (2017 to 2022)
From £950 inc VAT
We replace the wet belt on the Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo. It is the same problem as the Ford and PSA engines: a rubber belt running in the oil that ages, breaks down and can shed pieces into the oil system. On the Honda there are two of them.
- Both belts replaced: the main timing belt and the oil pump drive belt underneath it, not just the top one
- Full oil system flush and oil strainer clean
- Honda-spec 0W-20 oil and a new filter
- 12-month parts and labour warranty, and 0% finance if you want to spread the cost
Only the Civic. The Jazz and HR-V do not use this engine, so they do not have this wet belt. The Civic with the 1.5 litre turbo is chain-driven and is not affected either. If you are not sure which engine you have, send us your reg.
Honda recall 6NK covered certain Civics with this engine. You can check your car at gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall. The recall does not make the belt permanent, so it will still need replacing again. Our Honda guide explains how that affects when yours is due.
Other makes with a wet belt? Some other cars use belt-in-oil systems too. Send us your registration and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.
Wet belt guides
Want the full story on your engine? These guides go into more detail on when each engine changed, which cars are affected and what your options are.
When did Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engines stop using wet belts?
The changeover from wet belt to timing chain, and which Fiestas, Focuses and Pumas are affected.
Read the Ford guidePureTech wet belt engines: which cars and when did they switch to chains?
Which Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Vauxhall and Toyota models have the 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech wet belt engines.
Which PureTech carsThe PureTech wet belt problem is finally fixed
The timing chain conversion for PureTech engines and what it means for owners.
Read about the chain fixHonda 1.0 VTEC Turbo wet belt guide
Both belts, the recall, and when your Civic is due. Only the Civic is affected.
Read the Honda guide
How we do a wet belt replacement
A wet belt job is more than swapping a belt. The oil pick-up strainer has to be cleaned too, otherwise old debris is left behind to cause the same problem again.
Check before we start
We look at the engine and the oil for existing contamination or damage, and tell you what we find.
New belt kit
New belt and tensioners, plus the parts that go with them on your engine. On the Ford EcoBoost that includes the oil pump drive belt, water pump and seals. On the Honda it is both belts.
Old oil and debris cleared
The old oil goes out and any belt debris is cleared. A full oil system flush is part of the Honda job, and an engine flush is available on the Ford.
Oil pick-up strainer cleaned
This is the part that blocks when a belt breaks down. It is cleaned on every job, because a quick belt swap can leave it clogged.
Correct oil and a new filter
The exact oil specification your engine needs, with a new filter.
Seals, bolts and gaskets
Single-use bolts, seals and gaskets are replaced to the manufacturer's specification.
Timing checked and tested
We confirm the timing is correct, run a diagnostic scan and test the engine before it goes back to you.
Written record
You get a record of what was done for your service history.
Had a wet belt done elsewhere? If you are not sure the oil strainer was cleaned, ask us. We can check.
Why get your wet belt done here
TGPP-Autocare is run by Tom and Pat. Wet belts are our speciality, not an occasional job.
It is what we do most
More than 500 wet belt replacements on EcoBoost, EcoBlue and PureTech engines, and now Honda Civics too.
Fixed prices
You know the price before you book. It includes VAT, parts, labour and the right oil and filter.
The full job
Oil strainer cleaned on every job, and the right oil for your engine.
12-month warranty
Every wet belt replacement carries a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Spread the cost
0% finance through PaymentAssist, no minimum spend, over 3 to 9 months.
Book your wet belt replacement
Pick a slot below. Not sure what engine you have? Send us your reg on WhatsApp first and we will confirm and quote.
Spread the cost at 0%
A wet belt replacement is a big bill. With PaymentAssist you can pay over 3 to 9 months with no interest and no minimum spend.
Wet belt questions
Tap a question to open the answer.
A wet belt, also called a belt-in-oil timing belt, is a rubber timing belt that runs inside the engine, bathed in engine oil. It keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in time. Over time the oil breaks the rubber down, and bits of belt can block the oil pick-up strainer and starve the engine of oil.
At TGPP-Autocare: Ford 1.0 EcoBoost £1,100, Ford 2.0 EcoBlue £1,050 to £1,250 depending on the drivetrain, and PSA PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 £580. Prices include VAT, parts, labour, and the correct oil and filter. The Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo is from £950 including VAT, with both belts replaced. 0% finance is available.
The common ones are the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost (Fiesta, Focus, B-Max, EcoSport, Puma), the Ford 2.0 EcoBlue (Transit, Transit Custom, Ranger, Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX, Galaxy), the PSA PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Vauxhall and Toyota ProAce City) and the Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo from 2017 to 2022.
The engine can lose its timing or run short of oil. The result is often severe engine damage, and an engine replacement can cost thousands of pounds. Replacing the belt in time costs far less.
Manufacturer intervals have been revised and many belts have failed early. As a rule of thumb for the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost, under 8 years and 75,000 miles is fine, 8 to 10 years or 75,000 to 100,000 miles means plan it, and over 10 years or 100,000 miles is overdue. Send us your reg and we will tell you where your car stands.
Yes, on the Civic with the 1.0 VTEC Turbo engine (2017 to 2022). It is from £950 including VAT and we replace both belts: the main timing belt and the oil pump drive belt. The Jazz and HR-V do not use this engine. Call 01438 232556 or WhatsApp your registration to confirm yours.
Yes, on every job. The oil pick-up strainer is cleaned so old debris is not left behind, and we fit the correct oil and a new filter. A full oil system flush is part of the Honda job, and an engine flush is available on the Ford.
It is a long job, not a quick fix. On the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost it is around 8 hours of labour, and we keep the car overnight so the sealant cures before the engine is started. Other engines vary, so ask us for your car when you book.
Yes. Every wet belt replacement carries a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Yes. We offer 0% finance through PaymentAssist with no minimum spend, over 3 to 9 months. Ask us when you book.
Find us in Stevenage
TGPP-Autocare Ltd
Unit 8, Chells Industrial Units
Chells Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire, SG2 0LQ
01438 232556 (phone and WhatsApp)
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: by appointment, please call
- Sunday: closed
Wet Belt Problems Making Headlines
The widespread wet belt issue has gained significant media attention. The Daily Express published an article titled 'Full list of popular cars with engine killer fault' highlighting the growing concern around wet timing belts in modern vehicles.
The article listed affected vehicles from Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall — reinforcing the critical importance of proactive replacement before costly engine damage occurs.