Aux belt question

[ThePea]

How important is an aux belt change on a 1.2 16v engine. If it snaps, will it be a minor inconvenience (no alternator & air con) or will it bite me on the arse and then rape it?

The reason I ask is that I have booked my car in for it's 5 year cam belt change today; the whole lot including a new water pump etc. Unfortunately the bloke at the garage told me that the quote does not include renewing the auxiliary belts and their tensioners, although he said he will replace the belt if looks worn.

Is it easy to replace myself?
Shall I bite the bullet and pay the extra?

 

[sideways danny]

on a 1.2 it's about £6 extra, no tensioner to change. Only difference is if it's an Aircon model which runs 2 belts I believe

 

[ThePea]

on a 1.2 it's about £6 extra, no tensioner to change. Only difference is if it's an Aircon model which runs 2 belts I believe

Yeah, mine has two belts. According to my Haynes manual, the aircon belt does have a tensioner though.

Sod it, I'll ask them to fit new aux belts as well. I find it difficult fitting a belt in my jeans, let alone putting one on a car!

 

[Kiwi172]

might as well get it all done at the same time

 

[Sean6545]

Danny is right, two belts. Aircon has a tensioner and the alternator does not.