Can I ask garage for full cost of repairs after car broke down due to a part they'd replaced?

[Katisha]

I was advised by my garage to get the cam belt replaced a few months ago, which I did for £250.

Went abroad last week and lo and behold the new cam belt went and caused huge damage to the engine , cue repair bill of about £1600, paid to French garage to get us home again.

When I go back to my original garage what's the best way to proceed? And can I ask them for the full £1600?

I think you're unlikely to get the full amount if it was several months ago and you'd used the car since then.

How old was the previous cam belt? Was it due to be changed or do you think the garage were suggesting unnecessary work?

To be honest, regardless of the above, I don't think you have any come back at all.

If the 'new' cam belt was incorrectly fitted then either the car wouldn't have started at all or you would have at least discovered problems very quickly.

Cam belts go. Sometime with unfortunate consequences to your engine. I think you have to just chalk it up to bad luck, sorry.

The cam belt will have a manufacteres warranty, if it failed you will be able to claim, the usual old carrot is, something else has caused the cam belt belt to snap -water pump, or tensioner, although it;s the belt that caused the damage to the engine, it won't be covered

The original cam belt was old and due for replacement which they suggested they do. The one they put in completely shredded and broke the engine three months later. (I wish I'd left the old one in frankly.) Surely that's not "just one of those things" after three months and only about 1,000 miles?

did they also renwe the tensioners

NOt sure - just looking at receipt which says "supply and fit cambelt kit."

£250 is cheap for a new cam belt ime. It may have a guarantee so worth asking