Clear advice, price in advance

Timing belt replacement in Rotterdam

On many engines a broken timing belt can cause serious engine damage. We replace the timing belt on all makes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You hear in advance what it costs for your car.

Family business in Rotterdam since 1979  |  4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews

The short answer: Autobedrijf Willemsbrug replaces the timing belt on all makes in our own workshop at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You hear in advance, by phone or in the workshop, what the replacement costs for your car, and we only carry out extra work once you agree. We replace the water pump and the tensioners at the same time if that is sensible for your engine, so you may avoid paying for the labour a second time later.

Call with your registration number on +31 10 479 00 00. Does the belt in your engine run in oil? Then read our page about the wet timing belt (belt-in-oil) (in Dutch).

Why replace the timing belt on time?

The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and the camshaft precisely in step with each other. If the belt breaks while you are driving, that timing can be lost. On many engines the valves and pistons can then hit each other, which causes serious engine damage.

Replacing it on time is often much cheaper than a repair after the belt has broken. Our mechanics look up the specified replacement interval for your engine. They also discuss with you whether the water pump, tensioners and other parts should be replaced during the same job. That way we agree clearly in advance on the work and the costs.

Does your engine have a timing belt that runs in oil, such as certain PureTech engines from Peugeot and Citroën? Then read our page about the wet timing belt (in Dutch). Would you first like to know how to recognise the signs? Then read our guide to problems with PureTech engines (in Dutch).

Mechanic replacing the timing belt of a car in Rotterdam

Since 1979

We are a family business in Rotterdam.

Price in advance

You hear the price by phone or in the workshop.

Extra work

Extra work is only done with your approval.

When does the timing belt need replacing?

A timing belt can wear without you noticing clear signs beforehand. That is why the manufacturer’s replacement interval is the most important guide. Also look out for these signs:

  • The specified interval has been reached: your car has reached the mileage or age the manufacturer specifies. This differs by make, engine and year of manufacture.
  • A squealing or rattling sound: a noise from the engine can point to a problem with a tensioner or another part. Have the cause investigated as soon as possible.
  • Visible damage: during an inspection the mechanic sees fraying, small cracks or other damage on the belt.
  • Oil on the belt: oil can attack the material of the belt. So have the cause of the leak checked as well.

Not sure? Call us with your registration number on +31 10 479 00 00. We look up the specified interval for your engine and tell you in advance what the agreed work costs.

Is a service also due? Then we can often replace the timing belt in the same visit. Read what happens during a service for your car and what a major service includes (in Dutch). With a major service, the APK (MOT) is free, except for Tesla and Polestar. Do you drive a Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Jumper? Then read our page about the timing belt on the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper.

New timing belt and water pump ready for fitting
  • We can often help you quickly.
  • Our mechanics work on all makes.
  • You hear in advance what it costs.
  • We use parts from well-known brands.

A specialist who gives you sound advice.

Clear advice in plain language

Frequently asked questions about timing belt replacement

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The price depends on the make, model and engine of your car, and on the parts that the manufacturer says should be replaced with it. It also matters whether the water pump, the tensioners and the idler pulleys are included.

You hear the price in advance, by phone or in the workshop. That price includes the parts, the labour and the VAT. If we find anything else during the work, we call you first. We only carry out extra work once you agree. Call with your registration number on +31 10 479 00 00.

When should the timing belt be replaced?

The replacement interval differs by make, engine, year of manufacture and use. Often there is a maximum mileage and a maximum age. Whichever comes first counts. The manufacturer’s instructions are what count.

Not sure of the interval for your car? We look it up using the factory data for your engine.

What happens if the timing belt breaks?

If the belt breaks, the timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft can be lost. On many engines the valves and pistons can then hit each other, which causes serious engine damage. That repair is often much more expensive than replacing the belt on time.

A timing belt can wear without a clear warning. So do not wait for noise or visible damage, but stick to the specified interval.

When are the water pump and the tensioners replaced as well?

On some engines the timing belt also drives the water pump. Then it is often sensible to replace the water pump and the tensioners at the same time. That way you may avoid paying for the labour again later for the same job.

We look at what your engine needs and explain in advance which parts we recommend. If a new water pump is not needed, we tell you that too. Read more about water pump replacement.

Does my car have a timing belt or a timing chain?

That differs by engine. On many engines a timing chain has no fixed replacement interval, but it can wear and then need maintenance or replacement.

Does the timing belt in your engine run in oil, as in certain PureTech engines from Peugeot and Citroën? Then read our page about the wet timing belt (in Dutch). Not sure which system your car has? We look it up for you.

Can I have the timing belt replaced during a major service?

Yes. We often combine the timing belt with a major service (in Dutch), so your car only has to come to the garage once. With a major service, the APK is free, except for Tesla and Polestar. Does your car also need its APK? Then we do the APK in the same visit.

How do I make an appointment?

Call us on +31 10 479 00 00. You can bring your car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am. We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 17.30 and on Saturday from 9.00 to 15.00.

Where can I find Autobedrijf Willemsbrug?

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away and the Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is nearby. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space. On match days, allow for crowds around De Kuip.

Drivers from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel and Krimpen aan den IJssel can also reach us easily.

What customers say about our service

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews.

Read real customer reviews of our service and our work.

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