Hi,
I have imported a Ford-Escort Ghia 1.6 Estate 1998 from France. The French Service Book indicates that something called "Courroie de distribution" needs to be changed wether the car has been driven for
120000 Kms or more than 5 years.This "Courroie de distribution" could be roughly translated to "Distribution's Belt", but honestly I don't think this is the right way to translate this.
All I know is that this is something rather internal to the engine which, if not replaced on time, can lead to severe engine problems if it fails.
My problem is that I have no clue how it is called in English.
I am worried because I serviced the car in London last year in June, and at this time the car was just 5 years old. The mechanics didn't mention this thing and I don't see it in the bill either. I have been told in France that changing this part usually costs around 130£, so there is no doubt it hadn't been done last year as my Service bill was at around 90£ in total.
So this year I would like to have it changed during the Service.
I have another question. I need to have the car MOTed before registering in UK. Is is better to do this in a Ford garage or doesn't it matter at all ? Is a MOT a fixed-price work in the Country ?
Thanks.