Frequently Asked Questions on Wet Belts
At EDH Wet Belt Centre, we specialise in the replacement of internal timing belts — known as wet belts — found in popular engines like the Ford EcoBoost, Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall. These components are critical to your engine’s health, and we’re here to help you spot the signs and take action before damage occurs.
Quick checks — is my belt at risk?
- Rattle/ticking at cold start or idle
- Poor MPG or loss of power under load
- Black, gritty oil or sludge under the filler cap
- Intermittent warning lights or rough idle
- Service intervals missed or long-life oil used repeatedly
- Range extender noise: brief chirp/squeal after start
Tip: avoid topping up oil to “quieten” noises — it can mask symptoms and affect warranty decisions.
Free wet belt check — what we do
- Oil condition review and filler-neck inspection
- Scan for fault codes and live data anomalies
- Listen test on cold/warm idle for characteristic tones
- Visual access checks; endoscope where appropriate
- Written notes with risk level and next-step guidance
Allow ~15–20 minutes. No obligation; clear findings and options provided.
What helps us quote accurately
- Registration (number plate) and current mileage
- Model/engine size and year (e.g., 1.0 EcoBoost 2018)
- Service history: last oil change date/spec
- Symptoms you’ve noticed (video is useful)
- Any previous wet belt or oil system work
Photos of the service book/invoice help us confirm intervals and oil specs.
Engines we cover
- Ford EcoBoost: 1.0L / 1.1L / 1.5L (and others)
- Peugeot-Citroën (PSA) PureTech 1.2 (110/130)
- Vauxhall/Opel 1.2 Turbo (selected models)
- Other wet-belt engines by confirmation
We verify engine/parts against your registration to ensure correct kit and procedure.
Typical turnaround
- Day 1: assessment, oil system prep, parts verification
- Day 1–2: wet belt kit, tensioners & ancillaries fitted
- Oil/filter change with OEM-spec oil
- Road test & post-checks before handover
Times can vary with seized fasteners, prior repairs, or additional faults.
Warranty reminder
We only offer a Wet Belt Parts & Labour warranty if your vehicle is serviced exclusively by E.D.H Wetbelts Ltd — including all oil changes. Adding your own oil at any time voids the warranty. See full Warranty terms.
Understanding Wet Belts
What is a wet belt?
A wet belt is a timing belt located inside the engine and lubricated with engine oil. It controls the timing of the engine’s internal components to ensure smooth operation.
Why do wet belts wear out?
Over time, oil contamination, high temperatures, and normal wear can cause wet belts to degrade, delaminate, or break.
Which engines are most affected?
Ford EcoBoost engines, especially 1.0L and 1.5L variants, are most commonly affected. Wet belts are also found in some Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall models.
What are the warning signs of a worn wet belt?
Look out for engine rattling, loss of power, poor fuel economy, excessive oil sludge, warning lights, or unusual ticking sounds from the engine.
Can a worn wet belt cause engine failure?
Yes. A failed wet belt can cause valves and pistons to collide, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage.
When should I replace my wet belt?
Ford recommends every 100,000 miles or 10 years, but many wet belts fail earlier — especially with poor servicing history.
Our Wet Belt Services
Do you offer free inspections?
Yes. EDH Wet Belt Centre offers free wet belt condition checks for peace of mind and early detection.
Do you only work on Ford engines?
No. While we specialise in Ford EcoBoost models, we also service wet belts on Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall vehicles.
How long does a wet belt replacement take?
On average, 1–2 working days. We’ll confirm an exact timeline once we’ve assessed your vehicle.
What does your service include?
We replace the wet belt, tensioners, oil pump belt (if fitted), oil filter, flush the oil system, and refill with fresh OEM-spec oil.
Do you flush the engine oil system?
Yes. We thoroughly flush the oil system to remove sludge and belt particles before installing new components.
Do you use genuine or OEM parts?
We only use genuine or OE-equivalent parts that meet or exceed manufacturer standards.
Can I drive if the belt is worn?
Driving with a worn wet belt is highly risky. Failure can happen without warning, leading to engine failure.
What’s the cost of a wet belt replacement?
Prices vary by vehicle. We’ll give you a clear, itemised quotation once we’ve identified your exact engine and parts kit.
Will you notify me if other issues are found?
Yes. If we discover any additional problems, we’ll always contact you before proceeding with further work.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. All our wet belt replacements come with a full parts and labour warranty. See our Warranty and Terms & Conditions.
Can you repair engine damage caused by a failed belt?
Yes. We can assess and repair engines that have suffered damage from wet belt failure, depending on the extent.
Booking & Contact
Where are you located?
You’ll find EDH Wet Belt Centre at Unit 5, Victoria Enterprise Est, Victoria Avenue, BN10 8HJ. We serve Sussex and surrounding areas.
How do I book an appointment?
Please call 01273 030989 or email team@wetbeltcentre.co.uk to book. We’ll confirm availability and next steps.
Do you replace the oil after fitting the new belt?
Yes — we include a full oil and filter change with every wet belt replacement to ensure the engine stays clean and protected.