Timing belt change

[ccohen5]

FYI, I am at 17 years but only 13K miles without a belt change.  Also looks
in good condition, no seepage etc.  I am going to do it next month but I
think that Audi had mandated these times and miles to deal with a lowest
common denominator problem: high speed, constant accel/decel usage, high
heat environments with some oil/other fluid contamination and too tight a
fitment.  All can add up to more strain than the belt was designed for and
hence earlier failure than spec. conditions on all the above items.

This is NOT an invitation to extend a belt life, but an observation that we
probably have more room than the book would indicate.

Colin