Cars can be costly to run and maintain, but slacking on maintenance can cost you even more in the long run and can actually be dangerous.
A cambelt is the belt that drives the cam which synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft so that the engine’s valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes.
The majority of cars and vans have a rubber cambelt but some are fitted with a chain. Over time the rubber belts will loosen and become warn out, which means they will need replacing or tensioning over every 60 – 80, 000 miles. If this is not done you run the risk of the belt snapping or loosening too much and causing internal damage to the engine, which can often be enough damage to make the car unworthy of repair. The broken cam belt will often ruin pistons and often can make the engine worthless.
The job of changing the belt can be costly especially as some cars also need the water pump replacing at the same time but it is still not
When looking to buy a second hand car always check if the cam belt has been changed, if you are in any doubt I would recommend changing it as soon as you can.