Ask an expert

Hi, My 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante had a new cam belt at 117,000km's. Currently doing 198,000km's, should I consider replacement soon or wait until closer to the 100,000 usage. Thanks in advance, Marxby

When my car came into NZ it had 48,000km on the clock, but got them to replace it anyway cause you never really know what you get coming out of Japan (cost about $350 from memory). I've just had it replaced again now I've done 140,000 and cost over $800 !!. They say between 90 and 100,000 it should be replaced. I guess it depends if you thrash your car or not. Mine was still fine when they replaced it but its nice to know its good for another 90-100,000 now. If I was you, I would probably look at replacing it around 209,000 for safety purposes. But I'm no expert, just giving my opinion. Good Luck there.

I'm no expert either and I agree, trying to get a few more kms out of it might end up costing a lot more in the long run. There is never really any clue it about to go.I wouldn't go more than 100k without replacing it,

Thank you both, cheers.

Replace absolutely. The mess left by a broken belt can amount to more than the value of the car. The unexpected noise of a cam belt breaking caused the driver of a car in the UK to jump and accidently swerve her car into the path of a lorry she was overtaking, in turn causing her to suffer severe injuries.