Put it like this, a new belt will cost about a tenner.

If the old one breaks whilst you are out and you need recovering it will cost you far more, even more if it causes engine damage through overheating.

I accept that there is no 100% guarantee that the new one won't fail but its unlikely.

Since the same chap would be refitting the old one or fitting a new one I think we can ignore any additional risk from bad workmanship.

The poly-V belt on our old Focus lasted the life of the car (21yrs and 162,000 miles)

The poly-V belt on our 2005 Focus TDCi was badly cracked after 4 years. Against my better judgement had the garage replace it, far too much in the way on modern cars. Cost for part and fitting was just over £30 at the main dealer.

(and the cambelt)

A mechanic bought our Focus and after 12 years the cambelt broke totalling the engine.

Edited by skidpan on 18/07/2024 at 17:31