SCC are specialists in the replacement of wet timing belts fitted to the 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines, as used in Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall vehicles.
We are one of only a small number of independent garages in the local area with the correct tools, technical knowledge and experience required to carry out these replacements professionally and efficiently. As a result, we are carrying out multiple PureTech wet belt replacements every month.
PureTech engines use a wet timing belt, which runs inside the engine and is lubricated by engine oil, unlike a traditional timing belt which runs externally and stays dry.
Over time, the belt material can degrade when exposed to engine oil, particularly if servicing has been missed or incorrect oil specifications have been used. As the belt deteriorates, debris can break away and contaminate the oil system.
Manufacturers originally quoted long replacement intervals, however real-world experience has shown that these belts often fail well before the recommended mileage or time limits.
If a wet belt fails, or belt debris blocks the oil pickup, there is a high risk of severe engine damage, often resulting in the need for a replacement engine.
Due to the number of premature failures we are seeing, we strongly recommend replacing the wet belt earlier than the original service schedule.
In many cases, we advise replacement at approximately:
This preventative approach significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic engine failure and costly repairs.
The 1.2 PureTech engine was introduced around 2014, meaning many vehicles are now due or overdue for wet belt replacement.
These engines are fitted to a wide range of models including:
Yes — replacing a PureTech wet belt is a major and labour-intensive repair.
The wet belt is located inside the engine, meaning we must strip down multiple areas of the engine to gain access. This includes removal of covers, ancillaries and the sump, and the use of manufacturer-specific timing tools to ensure precise engine timing.
Specialist tools are essential, including:
This is not a job that can be carried out correctly without the proper tools, training and experience.
For peace of mind, SCC replace all critical components when carrying out a PureTech wet belt replacement.
1.0 & 1.2 PureTech Petrol
Important:
✔ We always remove the sump
✔ We inspect and clean the oil pickup strainer
✔ Any belt debris is fully removed to prevent oil starvation
This step is absolutely critical on PureTech engines and is often skipped by non-specialists.
Absolutely YES.
A PureTech wet belt replacement is not a cheap job, typically taking 8+ hours of labour, but the alternative is far worse.
If the belt fails or oil flow becomes restricted, the result is often complete engine failure, costing thousands of pounds.
Preventative replacement is the only safe and sensible option.
To book your vehicle in, please get in contact with us today.
