Timing Chain Repair | Book a Timing Chain Repair in Watford| RAC

£521.74

Average price for this repair in Watford in the last 30 days^

Why choose the RAC for a timing chain replacement?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Book a timing chain repair

A timing chain keeps your engine running smoothly and avoids serious damage. If you're hearing unusual noises or experiencing performance issues, it could be a sign of a worn timing chain and it’s time to get it replaced.

Quality work

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.

Exceptional customer service

We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

Diagnostic check

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just timing chain replacements that we do in Watford

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

View all garages

Brookdene Service Centre

4.8/5

Brookdene Motors has been established for over 25 years, offering general repairs and servicing to Watford and the surrounding areas. We are specialist in VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Reputation and trust are key business tools for any independent garage and at Brookdene motors in New Road, Watford, its part of the firm's philosophy. Reputation is a very important word for the team - which explains why Brookdene Motors is celebrating over 25 years in the industry. We are also now proudly part of Elite Remaps. If you need further endorsement, many of our huge database of loyal customers have been using the garage since its very early days when it was situated in Carpenders Park. Now our location is ideal, situated at the edge of Waterfields Retail Park just behind Tesco and only three minutes walk to The Harlequin and Lower High Street Station. Brookdene Motors offers a full range of services and our busy and highly competent staff are all long-serving, With the senior technician being with the garage for over 24 years. We have invested heavily in the latest diagnostics equipment and the facilities also include an automatic tyre charger and a computerized wheel balancer. All our parts come with a standard manufacturer warranty and our labour is guaranteed for 1 year.

10-12 New Road, Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2EX

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.

Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

The MOT Centre

4.3/5

Based in Hatch End, The MOT Centre has a team of expert mechanics on hand to deal with all your car repair requirments. Our repair service uses the most up to date tools and equipment to repair any make and model of car. We keep most a range of parts in stock, or parts can be delivered within the hour by one of our suppliers, so most work can be done while you wait. We can undertake insurance work and also offer sub-contracted work.

Cornwall Road, Hatch End, Piner, HA54LS

Johnson Motors

4.3/5

We are the approved dealer for the community-áKeep Spending Local Scheme for Watford. We have been providing a first class service for the Watford and surrounding areas for a many years offering service and repair to all makes of cars and light vans, to corporate, fleet and the private sector. Over the years we have built an excellent reputation for our quality workmanship and friendly service. All our fitters and technicians are fully trained and are constantly updated with changes or enhancements made by car manufacturers of all makes. Our team pride themselves in the ability of diagnostics and fault finding, saving you expensive exploratory time that may be incurred at some other garages." We are the only RAC Approved garage in Watford (we service the RAC patrol vans ) we are also AA approved Warranty repairer so the standard of our work is very high.

Unit 5 Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9SP

Junction Motors

3.7/5

Welcome to Junction Motors - Watford’s leading Vehicle Repair Specialists. We provide MOT testing, servicing, wheel alignment, diagnostics and many more services for cars, LGV’s, Mini-buses and larger vans. Our state-of-the-art workshop in Watford stocks the latest in modern technology and diagnostic equipment to ensure your vehicle gets the correct service it needs and that it is performed to an impeccable standard. Our highly skilled technicians are able to provide servicing, fault troubleshooting and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Between them they have fixed thousands of vehicles so your one will be in safe hands. Did you know our staff are fully qualified to service and repair all hybrid and electric cars? Unlike petrol & diesel models, hybrid & electric cars require a different type of care and service due to the difference in the way these cars are built and function. Not only are our staff fully qualified to look after these cars, but we also have all of the latest equipment to ensure these cars are looked after to the best conditions possible.

1A Garnett Close, Watford, WD247GL

Frequently asked questions about a timing chain replacement

What does a timing chain do?

The timing chain links the crankshaft and camshaft to open and close the engine valves at the right times.

How complex is a timing chain repair?

Fixing a timing chain is complicated and means taking apart engine parts. It's not a good DIY project because it needs special tools and know-how. Let a skilled mechanic handle it.

What will happen if my timing chain breaks or is damaged?

If a timing chain breaks or is badly damaged, it can cause serious engine problems like bent valves and damaged pistons. The car may stop running and need major repairs.

Is it worth replacing a timing chain?

Yes, replacing a timing chain is worth it, especially if it's worn or due for replacement. It can prevent costly engine damage.

When should a timing chain be replaced?

A timing chain usually needs replacing between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you hear engine noise or misfires, think about replacing it sooner.

What are the symptoms of a timing chain going bad?

Signs of a bad timing chain include engine rattling, misfires, poor performance, metal shavings found in oil, and the engine light coming on. These signs show that the timing chain may need checked or replaced.

What can I do to prevent timing chain problems?

Regular maintenance prevents timing chain issues. Change oil regularly, use good quality oil, and check the engine for wear signs. Keep the engine lubricated and avoid rough driving to make the timing chain last longer.

What is the average cost to replace a timing chain?

Replacing a timing chain varies in cost based on your vehicle's make, model and its complexity. Prices range from hundreds to over a thousand pounds. Get an estimate from your service provider for a clear idea of the cost.