Modern engines from Ford, Peugeot, and Citroen are much quieter than they used to be. This is mostly because of a wet belt system. At Regency Autos, we want to explain how this works so your car lasts longer. People often ask us ‘what is a wet belt’ and if it is good for their car. The reality of these systems is that it makes the drive better but it does need specific care.

How the wet belt works

Manufacturers started using wet belts around 2013 to improve engine performance, reduce emissions and provide better fuel economy. You may have heard of the term ‘timing belts’ which are dry and sit outside the engine. But if you wonder what is a wet belt in comparison, it lives inside the engine and stays covered in oil. This reduces friction and makes the engine work less. It saves you money at the petrol pump and the engine runs a lot quieter on the motorway. But these belts have some risks as the car gets older and they need a strict service plan.

Maintenance for your engine

It’s important you follow the latest manufacturer rules to keep your car healthy over the years. Traditionally timing belts would cost £300-£500 to replace and as a serviceable item they should be replaced every 10 years or 120,000 miles. In comparison, wet belts cost between £800-£1400 to replace and manufacturers like Ford are now saying they should be replaced every 6 years. Therefore you should always check your manual to be sure or you can give us a call and we can take a look into whether your vehicle requires a wet belt replacement.

Avoiding engine damage

Changing the wet belt at 6 years is important because the rubber can break down in the oil over time. What happens is little bits of rubber flake off the belt as it gets old and these bits float in the engine oil. This debris can then get stuck in the oil strainer which is a small mesh screen. If the screen gets blocked then oil cannot reach the rest of the engine which then causes further issues such as engine failure. When customers ask what is a wet belt we always explain this risk, so you know how important it is to keep up with regular servicing 

Tips to keep your car running

Keeping these types of engines working is mostly about using the right oil. Since the belt sits in the oil you must use the exact oil the manufacturer says to use. These oils have special chemicals that keep the rubber strong and stop it from degrading as quickly. We tell our customers that regular oil changes are the best way to help reduce risk. 

Help from Regency Autos 

Our specialist technicians are experts in wet belt maintenance, ensuring the entire oil system is thoroughly flushed before installing an Original equipment replacement. Whether you’ve recently purchased your vehicle or are approaching the critical six-year milestone, we’re here to help. We can review your service history and create a tailored maintenance plan to keep your engine running smoothly.

Modern cars are great because they are efficient however they do tend to come with more maintenance needs. If you look after the wet belt your car will stay reliable. It is about being smart and using a garage that understands wet belts and how to fix them. If you have questions you can call us on 01223 324050 or fill in our online form. We are happy to help local drivers keep their cars in good shape.