Servicing after warranty expiration

[newbie69]

After 3 great years since bought new, warranty has ran out and I am thinking whether I should stick to my dealer's "at least once per year" quote or switch to something like "every 15-20.000KM". That is of-course apart from the major services of 60 and 90.000KM. Also, I have now clocked 53K km and have I had my last service exactly one year and 12K km ago so in theory I should be booking another service soon but would I be ok delaying it for another 7K until the 60K major service? I monitor the car closely, I have recently changed the plugs and check the oil and other fluid levels but then again I am no car mechanic.

Edited 6 November, 2014 by newbie69

[Rooted]

You just go with how you use the car & engine.

Just normal road use go with the 10,000 miles regimes,

& if it is sporting use, maybe more often.

You are trying to keep reliable & you decide how much and how often you want to spend.

 

Oil & Filters, including Air & Pollen changed, & plugs changed as and when you think.

Brake fluid at least every 2 years or check moisture content.

Inspections of Brakes etc regularly.

& enjoy the car.

 

george

[fabiamk2SE]

After 3 great years since bought new, warranty has ran out and I am thinking whether I should stick to my dealer's "at least once per year" quote or switch to something like "every 15-20.000KM". That is of-course apart from the major services of 60 and 90.000KM. Also, I have now clocked 53K km and have I had my last service exactly one year and 12K km ago so in theory I should be booking another service soon but would I be ok delaying it for another 7K until the 60K major service? I monitor the car closely, I have recently changed the plugs and check the oil and other fluid levels but then again I am no car mechanic.

I think id just change the oil. The rest can wait till the big service.

[Rooted]

??

What is involved & needing doing at this 'Big Service' or 'Major Service' on a 1.4 TSI Twincharger,  & what gets done at these services,

If Spark Plugs and Air Filters are being replaced as needed ?

 

The car is Remapped & you are not going to be doing Software Updates,

You check the Antifreeze Strength,

you need to find out if the new Mineral Oil in the DSG means there are now service intervals on that.

The Alarm Siren is supposed to be changed at 5 years,

& its all just common sense after that.

Edited 6 November, 2014 by goneoffSKi

[fabiamk2SE]

??

What is involved & needing doing at this 'Big Service' or 'Major Service' on a 1.4 TSI Twincharger, & what gets done at these services,

If Spark Plugs and Air Filters are being replaced as needed ?

The car is Remapped & you are not going to be doing Software Updates,

You check the Antifreeze Strength,

you need to find out if the new Mineral Oil in the DSG means there are now service intervals on that.

The Alarm Siren is supposed to be changed at 5 years,

& its all just common sense after that.

Fair shout.

I was just thinking itd be better to get the oil done. Im a big believer in regular oil changes.

Like you say though, if theres not much else to do. Might aswel get it all done early?

[Rooted]

The thing is, when out of the Manufacturers Warranty & on an Extended Warranty you need to adhere to the T&C's 

Service Schedules or Guidelines to protect the Warranty Cover.

 

If you own a car & it is a keeper, & there is no Warranty Running,

then you follow your own Schedule.

Service Stamps mean nothing and neither does Main Dealer Servicing.

If you are concerned about selling the car sometime, receipts & records of your Service Regime is worth keeping,

especially with a modified vehicle.

 

It is down to Location Location Location, Climate/ Weather and the way the car is used.

Edited 6 November, 2014 by goneoffSKi

[newbie69]

I think the car can serve us for at least 3 more years if not 5. If I do change before that it is only going to be because I fancied a change, not out of actual need of more power, space or anything like that, it's doing fine in those areas. So even though it may get sold after that time, I guess you could say it is a keeper.

 

Now since plugs were changed recently and I am currently at 53K, I agree that an oil change could be enough to get me going for another 7K until the 60K service. And then after that I'll probably do 75 and 90K. Just wanted to know how religiously should the "absolutely once per year" dealer's quote be respected for our cars. The use I do is rather 80-20 normal road-thrashing, even 90-10 lately... 

[Rooted]

Are you using Castrol Oil?

 

I would not go over 10,000 miles with it, even when it is 5w 30 VW 504 00

 

Maybe buy a better performance oil and change as and when required.

 

The Oil might last a long time,

The Standard OIl Filters on the Engines are cr4p & i never let them go past 5,000 miles.

You can change the Oil Filter on the 1.4 TSI without replacing the oil.

Edited 6 November, 2014 by goneoffSKi

[newbie69]

On the receipt of the last service where an oil & filter change took place I read "Magnatec 5W40" so yep, Castrol. Why do you dislike it so much though? I thought it was a good choice, it's also the official oil VW/SKoda are recommending. I was thinking Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 as my next choice.

[Rooted]

Skoda / VW can recommend what ever,

they recommend changing Spark Plugs at 40,000 miles & the DSG is sealed & requires no Servicing.

 

20% or more 1.4 TSI CAVE 132 - 136 kW Engines have been replaced,

because VW / Skoda / Seat / Audi got things wrong,

They have never said what they got wrong.

&

they never changed servicing Schedules or Guidelines, & they never make that clear the Prescribed fuel is Super Unleaded 98 ron.

VORSPRUNG DURCH TECHNIK

 

Yes i would use Mobile 1, and i do.

& i change the Oil filter more often than Oil.

& i use DENSO Spark Plugs and they last very well.

 

The extra cost is virtually nothing and the car runs better.

[newbie69]

Well we all know VW/Skoda have got many things wrong with that engine, no arguing on that. But then again, this doesn't mean everything they say is wrong. My question was has the Castrol been proven to perform bad in comparison to other oils in this engine and in what way? I'm buying Mobil 1 next anyway for a change, it is more out of curiosity how has Castrol under-performed.

 

Do you also suggest a different oil filter than the stock one?

[Rooted]

Jabozuma might see the thread and comment.

He had oil analyzed.

I just go on past experiences.

 

I am just buying OEM Filters from the VW Dealership Parts desk and changing them at 5,000 miles.

But changing the oil when i think it is dirty.

It is not getting changed when Mobile 1 until 10,000 miles because it is not dirty,

& also not being used hard.

[stratosg]

Well if I may...

 

George what is your opinion about Liqui Moli oil? Here in Greece dealers uses Valvoline 5w-40 oil but I am asking them the 5w-30 one. I am thinking that next time (in about 6.000Km) I will use mobil 1 esp 5w-30, because my car (in my avatar) use to burn about a litre from change to change or 600ml every 6.000 Km.

 

Newbie69, I think that audi's SSP for the 1.2Tfsi (the same as mine 1.2Tsi both coded CBZB) states that air filter must change at 90.000Km, spark plugs every 60.000Km and fuel filter life long. Last Easter time I performed the 60.000km service (my demand) when my clock was 54.000Km. Spark plugs were not at their best. Then I asked for fuel filter and asked the used one to get connected to dealer's air compressor. Black marmalade came off of it, so definitely not life long part. And of course cabin filter.

 

So I paid 210 euros for :

 

5lt of valvoline 5w-30 (almost 4 used plus 1 for the trunk).

oil filter

cabin filter

spark plugs

emission's card.

The air filter was as clean as the new one, so they did not change it, even if I asked for it.

 

I'm thinking that next time I will prefer an independent VAG specialist (former Skoda service technician).

[Jabozuma]

I did indeed get my oil tested at the lab. All was within norm and I was looking for specific metal contents to see if there is any problem with rings, bores, crank shaft bearing or valves. All was fine. I was also trying to get the diluted fuel content in oil measured but was told that very few labs in UK do that.

One thing which came out was high silica content on the oil. This was consistent with very dusty environment my car was driving in => get your air filter changed as often as you can and minimum once a year irrespective of use. I change mine every 6 months and sometimes more often.

With regards to engine oil and which one to go for you need to compare spec sheets I am afraid. What you are mainly looking for is viscosity index, the higher the better. My fav oil, MotulSport 5W-50 Ester oil (Ester based oils are the truly fully synthetic oils with molecules specifically designed for certain properties) has it at 186 ( http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-68893-motul-sport-5w-50-engine-oil.aspx ). Castrol has 169 and Mobile1 164. It also has HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) at the right level to provide excellent protection without too much friction loses. Plenty of oil info around if you are interested into getting deep into the subject.

For me it is important to have top quality oil as I track the car and it gets sustained top end use and I want the oil to be able to protect it in those conditions. The second number 5W-50 is an indication of the oils ability to protect the engine at high operating temps. Twincharger vRS motors can get very high engine oil temps, above 130C. It does not mean the higher the second number the better, you might simply not need it if you never get your oil above 100C - horses for courses . Another thing about VW 507.00 oil spec is its property to produce very low ash. It may help with keeping your plugs clean for longer but this is debatable as this property is mainly for environmental reasons.

I hope I did not muddle the picture even more

[newbie69]

Newbie69, I think that audi's SSP for the 1.2Tfsi (the same as mine 1.2Tsi both coded CBZB) states that air filter must change at 90.000Km, spark plugs every 60.000Km and fuel filter life long. Last Easter time I performed the 60.000km service (my demand) when my clock was 54.000Km. Spark plugs were not at their best. Then I asked for fuel filter and asked the used one to get connected to dealer's air compressor. Black marmalade came off of it, so definitely not life long part. And of course cabin filter.

 

Fuel filter check - Noted!

 

 

I did indeed get my oil tested at the lab.

[...]

 

I hope I did not muddle the picture even more

 

Not at all. I am also a fan of feeding the car the best possible "consumables" like premium fuel, oil, plugs, especially a performance-oriented car like a (tuned) vRS. To be honest, after the FMIC upgrade I don't think I have seen temps above 105 C even after prolonged Autobahn thrashing so I don't know If I need the Motul Sport 5W-50 for its "50" rating but rather for the rest of its characteristics (low ash). My question is would such an oil be ok for everyday "cold" use as well (maybe 80% of my driving nowdays is unfortunately boring slow driving) and is it possible that it may have an adverse effect under these conditions compared to "humbler" oils such as Castrol and Mobil 1 ?

 

The thing is, touch wood, my oil consumption seems to have dramatically dropped to 1/5 of what it was during the last 7000 KM so I don't even need to top up yet but I am surely doing an oil change soon as a precautionary measure waiting for the 60K service.

[Jabozuma]

One thing I forgot to mention before is that the Motul oil has significant resistance to fuel dilution, which is important for our twinchargers. This reduces the risk of bore wash and resulting wear/damage. Mind you, it only happens at high loads as well, above 5.5k rpm where AFR drops to 10.5:1 instead of normal 14.7:1 - they run very rich at the top end. In a daily use where you do not stress the engine at all such oil is perhaps not exactly necessary but as you said, high quality consumables do matter in the long run. Those better oil have also much higher resistance to shear degradation and keep protecting you engine for longer maintaining that last high pressure protecting layer of oil between mating surfaces. Worth to remember that even at low revs when you put your foot down a bit both turbo and supercharger work at the same time producing the highest boost pressure in the cylinders .

You may also use Castrol and change it every 6 months and you will be fine:)

[newbie69]

Can anybody check their servicing book and report the list of actions that are foreseen for the major 60K km service? (probably something like 40 or 45K in miles). It's the one that foresees the first spark plug and brake fluid change. I happen to need this in English so I'm able to cross-check them with the garage, thanks!

Edited 17 November, 2014 by newbie69

[Rooted]

The Service Manual in English is a generic one & for Fabia & Roomster and Petrol & Diesels.

 

It is all about Use , Location, Conditions.

Nothing is set in stone.

 

The Servicing on fixed is at 9,400 miles, or within 372 Days.

Minor & Major time about. (they accept 10,000 miles)  Major Services are Inspection Services.

 

The Pollen Filter is 2 Years by the Guidelines.

The Brake Fluid at 3 years then each 2 years.

The Spark Plugs are at 40,000 miles.

Fuel Filter changed (no given mileage for a Twincharger)

Alarm Horn @ 5 years

etc etc

 

Antifreeze / Summer Coolant can be checked.

Wiper Blades, Tyres, Brakes, suspension, steering etc examined and maintained.

 

I can maybe take & send a better copy of pics i have the sheets that VW Dealerships print off for services.

But maybe go into a VW or Skoda/Seat/Audi Dealership and they can print them off.

[Rooted]

I will try later to take 'clear pictures'  of a 40,000 mile Major Service List.

this is a 44 point Major Service @ 2 years, and the same.

(I know i have a cr4p camera, or cr4p ability with it.)

[newbie69]

Thanks George. Actually I've already been to a dealer nearby and got the list printed, thing is it is in Swedish so I have to Google Translate... What I can deduct so far is:

 

==========================================

Inspection ***  What does that mean exactly? it is the most expensive "item" of the service at around 200 gbp alone...

Oil change  *   Will be done from me

Oil filter *   Will be done from me

Spark plugs *   Already done from me

Air filter change *   No need for this due to ITG cold air intake (will need to clean this in around 6 months time)

Brake fluid change *   I'll take the opportunity to chuck in some Motul RBF 600/660 instead of the stock fluid

"Fresh air" filter change *    Is this the cabin filter?

============================================

 

I think I'll add fuel filter to that list.

[Rooted]

Inspection, is Visual of Mechanicals, Drivetrain, brake pads / discs etc etc & Body work.

 

Air Cabin is Pollen Filter,

 then there is Air Filter Engine, but you have upgraded.

Edited 17 November, 2014 by goneoffSKi

[newbie69]

Yes, I told them I don't need air filter as I have a permanent one on but there must have been something lost in translation and they said ok, but then you need the "fresh air" filter and I thought maybe this is something to do with the cabin? but that's pollen as you say. How many air filters does that car have anyway...!

 

Anyhow, their quote for all that's listed above was hugely ridiculous (850 euros), 2 times more expensive than France so I'm already looking at independent garages for the brake fluid, fuel filter and "general" inspection and the rest will be done from me.

[Jabozuma]

I am aware two air filters in vRS - engine intake air filter and cabin intake air filter. Both 5 min jobs with parts costing around £30-£40 in UK.

[Rooted]

Cabin Filter  / 'Pollen Filter' in the UK £16.89 plus VAT  About the same in Euro.  

W6Q0 819 653 B

As fitted to some other VAG vehicles.

Edited 17 November, 2014 by goneoffSKi

[savaphil]

Just to throw this out there....

 

I appreciate that your car is out of warranty, however, large companies (Toyota and Specialized) have been known (those 2 are my experience, there must be others) who will do work as "good will" if the service schedule has been followed and with the main dealer. It's not a guarantee but it may be worth considering.

 

My thoughts are to run my car until the warranty is up, then if it has been performing well, start taking it to my local man and if it's not been plain sailing with it, either trade it in or keep servicing with the main dealer in the hope that they would honour or do a "best deal" if anything went wrong. From my limited experience this could work out but could also just be a massive waste of money and be hugely optimistic. Skoda seem to have been fair with me so far, hopefully they'll continue to be so as the years pass...