Mike VW up! Hatchback (121, 122, BL1, BL2)

You'll need to lift the front of the car and remove the wheel arch liner first - there's about 11 T20 bolts holding it, then you can access the belt from underneath. Use a 16mm spanner on the tensioner pulley, pull it aside to release tension, slip off the old belt and route the new one the same way.

Mate, I changed mine last year on my Up - honestly easier than I thought! The tricky bit is getting to it from below. After you pull the tensioner with the 16mm wrench, make sure the new belt sits snugly on all pulleys before releasing tension.

Did this job last month, took me about 45 mins total. Don't forget to check the tensioner pulley condition while you're there - mine was squeaking a bit so replaced it at the same time.

@m.k. I'd recommend using jack stands, not just a jack for safety. Once you've got the liner off, you'll see the alternator and tensioner clearly. Route the belt around all pulleys except the tensioner, then pull the tensioner and slip it on last.

take a photo of the belt routing before removing the old one! Saved me so much headache.

@Ethan_Scott Good shout! Though on the Up there's usually a diagram under the hood showing the belt path. I used that when I did mine.

The wheel arch access is key here. I tried doing it without removing the liner first - what a mistake, couldn't get proper leverage on the tensioner at all.

@CharlieDavies Same experience! Spent 20 minutes struggling before I just took the liner off properly. After that, 10 minutes and done.

If your belt hasn't been changed since 2012, definitely replace it mate. They should be done around every 60-80k km or so, even if they look okayish.

I had a friend whose Up belt snapped on the motorway - no power steering, no alternator, scary stuff. Better to change it before it fails.

@m.k. One more thing - after you install it, start the engine for a few minutes to make sure everything runs smoothly and there's no weird noises. Then double-check the belt is still seated properly on all pulleys.

Got mine done earlier this year, belt cost me like 15 quid. Way cheaper than a breakdown! The job itself isn't complicated once you have access.

@Archie Adams Is the fender cover really necessary? Never used one myself but I see it mentioned in guides.