GJ Motors

12/03/2026

🚨 PSA 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech Owners – READ THIS (Wet Belt Issue) 🚨

If you own a car with the 1.0 or 1.2 PureTech engine, this is something you really need to be aware of.

These engines use a “wet timing belt” that runs inside the engine oil. Over time the belt can degrade in the oil, and when that happens pieces of the belt can break down and block the oil pickup, leading to low oil pressure and potentially complete engine failure.

We’re now seeing more and more of these engines coming in with belt deterioration well before the original service intervals.

⚠️ Symptoms can include: • Oil pressure warnings
• Engine management light
• Poor running
• Rubber debris in the oil system

In many cases the damage starts long before drivers realise anything is wrong.

🛠 What we recommend • Check service history carefully
• Using the correct oil grade and specification.
• Inspect the belt condition
• Stellantis/PSA recommend changing the belt 62,500miles or 6 years which ever comes first.

🚗 Vehicles commonly fitted with the1.0 or 1.2 PureTech engine include:

Peugeot – 108, 208, 2008, 301, 308, 408, 3008, 5008, Rifter
Citroën – C1, C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, Berlingo
Vauxhall / Opel – Corsa, Crossland, Mokka, Astra, Combo
DS Automobiles – DS 3, DS 3 Crossback, DS 4S, DS 7 Crossback

⚠️ If you own one of these vehicles it’s worth checking whether the wet belt has been replaced or inspected. Preventative maintenance is far cheaper than replacing an engine.

WE ARE PSA WET BELT SPECIALIST which we only specialise in these engines.

GJ Motors
17 Plough Way
London
SE16 2LS

0207 231 8861

https://www.gjmotors.co.uk/vehicle-servicing/1-0-1-2-puretech-wet-timing-belt-replacement/

14/02/2026

🚨 READ THIS BEFORE YOUR WET BELT FAILS 🚨
Every week we see the same thing…
👉 Wet belts ignored
👉 Engines destroyed
👉 ££££ repair bills
A failed wet belt doesn’t just “break” — it can wipe out your entire engine.
By the time you notice a problem, it’s usually TOO LATE.
⚠️ If your Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall or DS PSA Engine is near interval and you’re “waiting a bit longer”… you’re gambling with your engine.
🔥 FEBUARY IS ALMOST FULL
Only a handful of slots left.
📅 Now booking MARCH— and those spaces are already going.
✅ Wet belt replacements
✅ Failed wet belt repairs
✅ Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall or DS PSA Engine
⛔ No scare tactics. Just reality.
Preventative replacement = controlled cost
Engine failure = big money
📩 Message now and secure your booking before you’re facing a recovery truck and a huge bill.

04/02/2026

PureTech Engine Care We have just taken delivery of a fresh 208L drum of Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 P At GJ Motors, we use this specialist oil because it is specifically engineered for PureTech engine wet belt care, preventing the belt from degrading and protecting your engine from costly failures. This is the manufacturer-approved lubricant for 1.2 PureTech engines and is also a high-performance match for many Toyota, Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall models. Ideally located in SE16, our garage is a 10-minute walk from Canada Water Station and less than 5 minutes by car. We are within easy walking distance of Surrey Quays Station and Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, making us the perfect choice for drivers in Rotherhithe and across South East London. Drop your car at GJ Motors for an MOT, Service, or a specialist Wet Belt repair and enjoy the local shops while you wait!

30/01/2026

✅ Another 1.2 PureTech Wet Belt Done

We’ve just completed another wet belt replacement on a 2015 Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech for one of our long-term customers.

This vehicle was still running its original wet belt after 70,626 miles, and despite natural belt deterioration with age, there was minimal debris in the oil pick-up and the variable valve timing solenoids were clean.

This is a perfect example of what happens when a car is serviced correctly, on time, and with the correct PSA-approved engine oil. Proper maintenance makes a real difference to the lifespan of these engines and helps avoid costly failures.

✔ Regular servicing
✔ Correct oil specification
✔ Long-term engine protection

If you own a 1.2 PureTech, don’t wait for warning lights or engine damage — get in touch for advice, inspection, or preventative maintenance.

https://www.gjmotors.co.uk/vehicle-servicing/1-0-1-2-puretech-wet-timing-belt-replacement/

26/01/2026

Not only does GJ Motors repair cars but also i hire out my garage for photoshoots too!

24/01/2026

2019 Vauxhall Grandland PSA 1.2 Puretech Engine.
The vehicle was presented for inspection and repair of the wet timing belt system.

Upon strip-down and inspection, the wet timing belt was found to be severely degraded, with significant deterioration of the belt material consistent with oil contamination and age-related breakdown. Inspection confirmed loss of belt teeth, with one tooth completely missing, indicating a high risk of imminent belt failure. Continued operation in this condition would likely have resulted in timing loss and severe internal engine damage.

The wet timing belt system was renewed in accordance with PSA manufacturer repair procedures. All replaced components were genuine PSA parts. The engine was correctly locked and timed using the appropriate timing tools throughout the procedure.

Due to the nature of the wet belt system, the engine oil and filter were replaced as part of the repair using PSA-approved Castrol engine oil, meeting the correct specification for this engine. This is critical to prevent premature belt degradation and ensure correct lubrication of the timing system.

Following reassembly, the engine timing was verified, and the engine was started and allowed to reach operating temperature. No abnormal mechanical noises were present, and no fault codes or warning lights were detected. Final operational checks confirmed correct engine performance.

Customer was advised that the timing belt condition was critical and that the failure was imminent. Early replacement prevented potential catastrophic engine failure.

21/01/2026

Wet belt replacement carried out on a 2016 Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech with 73,281 miles on the clock — my third wet belt job this month 👨‍🔧
The vehicle was booked in for a complete wet belt package, using a genuine belt kit including belt, tensioner, idler, associated gaskets, seals and auxiliary components.
As part of the repair, the engine oil sump was removed to allow inspection and cleaning of the oil pickup strainer, ensuring no belt debris was restricting oil flow — a common issue on these engines if left unchecked.
Once cleaned, the sump was refitted and resealed, and the vehicle was left overnight to allow the sealant to cure correctly. The engine was then refilled with PSA-approved Castrol engine oil to the correct specification, along with a new genuine oil filter and sump plug washer.
All work was completed in line with manufacturer procedures, with care taken to protect the lubrication system and prevent future issues.
✅ Wet belt system fully renewed
✅ Oil strainer and Variable Valve Solenoids cleaned and oil flow protected
✅ Correct PSA-approved oil used
✅ Vehicle returned ready for service
These 1.2 PureTech engines really do rely on correct oil and preventative maintenance — getting it done at the right time makes all the difference.

14/01/2026

Another wet belt job wrapped up – second one this year 👨‍🔧

Vauxhall Crosslandx1.2 PureTech, in for a wet belt replacement with just 65714 miles on the clock.
This 1.2 PureTech engine is fitted across Peugeot, Vauxhall, Citroën and DS, and unfortunately we’re seeing more and more of these suffer premature wet belt failure — most commonly due to incorrect oil grade being used.
The customer’s complaint was a low oil pressure warning on the dash.
On strip-down, the cause was clear:
👉 the wet belt had begun to degrade
👉 belt debris had dropped into the sump
👉 debris was then blocking the oil strainer
👉 oil flow through the pump was restricted
The engine was fully stripped down, and every component with oil flow was removed and thoroughly cleaned. A new genuine wet belt kit was fitted before reassembly.
I always leave these overnight to allow the sump sealant to fully cure before refilling with PSA-approved engine oil, which is why this one was ready for collection the following day.
✅ Oil pressure restored
✅ No warning lights
✅ Engine saved just in time
If you own a 1.0 or 1.2 PureTech-powered vehicle, preventative maintenance really is key with these engines.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

1st job of the year 2026
2020 Peugeot Partner 1.2 Puretech
In for wet belt replacement with only 48,371 miles on the clock.
This engine is fitted across the Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and DS ranges.
These are really common for premature failing as incorrect oil grade is used and this customers complaint was low oil pressure being displayed on the dash.
The cause of this is the wet belt degrading, belt debris dropping into the sump and then getting sucked up into the oil strainer, thus restricting the oil flow through the pump.
The engine was stripped down and you can see from the pictures the contaminants, everything that can be removed that has oil flowing through it was removed and cleaned, new genuine wet belt kit and fitted and reassembled ready for collection the next day.
I leave these vehicles over night for the sealant on the sump to set before putting the PSA approved grade engine oil in hence the next day collection.
No more oil pressure issues, looks like we managed to save this one in time.

24/12/2025

Thanking to all our new and old customers who choose us to service, repair and M.O.T your vehicle. We truly appreciate you trusting us with your car and giving us the opportunity to take care of it.
We look forward to seeing you 2026 and appreciate your continued support.