My 1999 peugeot 206 1.4 automatic had 59K on the clock. Peugeot main dealers have just sent me a reminder that the timing belt and related bits need to be changed! Can I do it myself - not very mechanical minded or at least can I check it?

Loretta, February 2012

Hi,Loretta

I strongly suggest sticking to your service schedule,

keep the cars history up to date,trust me it will be worth more when you decide to sell it,

cambelt replacement should be taken seriously,and be replaced according to service history schedule or milage

if the belt snaps it will ruin the engine,

you cannot inspect the belt visually,although the belt stretches and this can be easily felt.

If you want to learn how the cambelt replacement is done, and also the tools and engine alignment tools needed,then get yourself a haynes manual from halfords.

hope this info helps.

paul, February 2012

not a job to do yourself unless you have good idear how to do one. they only take about 1.5 hours and a good belt is about £25. a small garage it will cost you about £100 inc vat.make sure its not been done already at this age

bob, February 2012