How One Lucky Customer Avoided Total Engine Failure!

31.01.2025 14:01 - By Terry

At Thurton Auto Centre, we recently had a very lucky customer who narrowly escaped a complete engine failure on their Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost. What we found when carrying out their wet belt service was shocking—and it highlights just how crucial regular servicing is!

The Shocking Discovery

As part of our wet belt service, we stripped the engine and were met with a disaster waiting to happen. The wet belt had started degrading so badly that the teeth were literally falling off in our technician's hands. To make matters worse, the oil filter was completely blocked, starving the engine of vital lubrication. Had they continued driving for much longer, the engine could have suffered irreversible damage, leading to a costly replacement or even a full engine rebuild! 💸

Why Does This Happen?

Many modern engines use wet timing belts, which run inside the engine oil for quieter operation and improved efficiency. However, over time, these belts degrade due to: ✅ Oil contaminationHeat and wearBreakdown of belt material

When the belt begins to degrade, bits of rubber mix with the engine oil, leading to blockages in the oil pump and filter, which in turn starves the engine of oil—a recipe for disaster!

Common Vehicles Affected

It’s not just Ford EcoBoost engines that suffer from wet belt issues. Other vehicles, including those fitted with Ford EcoBlue, PSA (Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall) engines, and even Toyota ProAce City models, are also known to be affected. If you own any of the following vehicles, you should seriously consider a wet belt inspection:

Ford Vehicles:

🚗 Ford Fiesta
🚗 Ford B-MAX
🚗 Ford EcoSport
🚗 Ford Focus
🚗 Ford New C-MAX
🚗 Ford Mondeo
🚗 Ford Transit Tourneo Connect
🚗 Ford Transit Courier
🚗 Ford Transit Connect
🚗 Ford Transit Custom
🚗 Ford Transit 350
🚗 Ford Kuga
🚗 Ford S-MAX
🚗 Ford Galaxy

Peugeot Vehicles:

🚗 Peugeot 108
🚗 Peugeot 208
🚗 Peugeot 2008
🚗 Peugeot 3013
🚗 Peugeot 308 II
🚗 Peugeot 408 II
🚗 Peugeot 3008
🚗 Peugeot 5008

Citroën Vehicles:

🚗 Citroën Berlingo III
🚗 Citroën C1 II
🚗 Citroën C3 III
🚗 Citroën C3 Aircross
🚗 Citroën C3-XR
🚗 Citroën C4 Cactus
🚗 Citroën C4 Picasso
🚗 Citroën DS: 3, 3 Crossback, 4S, 7 Crossback

Toyota & Vauxhall Vehicles:

🚗 Toyota ProAce City
🚗 Toyota Aygo
🚗 Vauxhall Combo E
🚗 Vauxhall Corsa F
🚗 Vauxhall Crossland
🚗 Vauxhall Grandland
🚗 Vauxhall Mokka

How Can You Avoid This Problem?

💡 Regular servicing is the key to preventing catastrophic failures. Here’s what you need to do:

✔️ Get your wet belt inspected regularly—check your manufacturer’s service schedule for guidance. ✔️ Book a wet belt service if your vehicle has reached the recommended mileage or age. ✔️ Don’t ignore warning signs such as engine rattling, oil pressure warnings, or reduced performance. ✔️ Use only quality oil and filters to minimize belt degradation.

Book Your Wet Belt Service Today!

If you own a Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Toyota, or Vauxhall with a wet belt engine, don’t wait until it’s too late! Avoid expensive repairs and potential breakdowns by booking a wet belt inspection and service with our expert technicians.

📍 Thurton Auto Centre
📞 01508501160

Stay ahead of costly engine failures—schedule your wet belt service today! 🚗🔧

Terry