SouthernComfort

Interesting. On my MY23 1.4TSI I haven't done any intermediate oil changes since I'm covering well below average kilometers in this particular car, only completed the dealer services as per annual schedule. I looked back on the invoices for the three services so far and the first one shows Valvoline Longlife 0w-30 was used. The following two services show VL again but no viscosity rating specified, so I don't know which they used. Anyhow, it's prompted me to ask when due for service again at the end of the year. Label under the bonnet specifies VW 508 00, so maybe they all have the same label regardless of region? My previous mk7 Golf was the same.

Before anything else, check the 12v battery condition. Even a slight drop in voltage can cause a variety of intermittent electrical gremlins in these cars.

They do, but I've worked out it's more speed related than proximity alone. Back up to an obstacle too quickly and the 'emergency' stop will happen.

The birds either like (or dislike) Skoda's just the same as any other brand. The rest of it is just tech that you'll get used to. The speed at which you approach a potential collision obstacle, whether forward or in reverse, determines the collision warning and braking trigger - it's a fine tolerance.

When you get a fresh battery, also get hold of a smart charger to keep it trickle charged if your driving is infrequent or mostly short distances. Depleted 12v batteries are not uncommon in these cars, they soak up a LOT of electricity and the alternator needs help if the car is to be left standing around. It's not unique to Skoda either, or hybrids. Many modern makes including ICE models are in the same boat.

Being a bit whimsical today, but on the anniversary of my Mk4 turning 3, I thought I'd comment on how pleasurable and faultless this car has been since the day I collected it 3 years ago. It has genuinely given me nothing to complain about at all. No faults, knocks, rattles, creaks, no performance or system issues. In fact the only minor thing I can think of was the mirror USB socket slipping back into the casing when connecting a dashcam, which I fixed easily. Overall, this car is a calm and relaxed place to be, very comfortable on long journeys and I just enjoy getting behind the wheel. The turbo TSI is smooth and responsive, pulls from the mid range to overtake as quickly as any of my dinosaur V8's from the old days. The 8 speed Aisin auto is perfectly mated, and I have to say much smoother than the DSG in my previous Golf. Given that forums like this are usually used to report or seek help with faults and other issues, maybe I've been lucky, but based on my own experience I feel the Mk4 deserves a positive review. My car gets looked after meticulously, and it seems to be doing the same for me. Looking forward to the next 3 yrs and beyond, I have no intention of swapping it despite being badgered by the dealer every 5 mins to trade in and update!

I don't like like the look of many dashcams, some being downright ugly and obtrusive. A coupIe of years ago I bought the Garmin Mini 2, very tiny and virtually unnoticeable yet with great resolution. Plugs straight into the C mirror socket with a short lead. The only niggle is the USB mini socket on the unit, but the newer Garmin Mini 3 has been upgraded to a C port - better.

I don't know if it's consistent across all regions, but mine is an EFB+, not AGM. I use a CTEK CT5 stop/start charger, but it has auto detection of battery type and is suitable for all lead acid type batteries including Wet, Gel, and optimized for EFB & AGM. Maybe the setting isn't too critical? Is there no indication of type on the battery itself?

The Mk4 needs the battery to be in peak condition, it doesn't take much of a drop to cause random codes. Obviously, ignoring codes is a potentially dangerous practice, so you're always obligated to check them out and determine whether genuine or phantom. About 12 months ago I started the habit of connecting my smart charger when the car isn't in use for more than a few days, since then I've never had a code appear.

On two other forums I'm active in (non-Skoda), new sections are created only for complete new models, not FL changes. One of them covers my particular model that ran for for 9 years with at least three iterations in that time, all in one section. People learn to understand which they're driving and rarely post without clarifying model year etc. If a separate section for 4.5 did exist, those who don't know what model they have will still possibly post in the wrong section.

Well found! I hadn't thought of that setting being the likely cause 🙄

Speaking from my own experience and FWIW, I think it's unfair to generalize the MK4's reliability issues. I would argue 4.5 being a 'very different' animal, or the 4.0 being 'dreadful'. My '22 build (MY23) 4.0 has been a great car, no infotainment glitches, in fact nothing other than an occasional bulb failure warning which is entirely due to a slight drop in 12v battery voltage, not a blown bulb. If anything, either the batteries or the alternators could have been a bit beefier for these cars and I see no evidence of that being different with the 4.5. Notwithstanding the teething problems some owners experienced with the 2020/21 builds, I rate this car as one of the smoothest and nicest driving cars I've owned.

So are mine. @Missyoctober I think your lights may be faulty?

Same as @Stonekeeper above, it happens to me very occasionally. I don't worry about it since I won't place the key in the car and risk jumping out without it (self-locking risk, etc). I always keep it in my right pocket. Batteries are replaced regularly, plus I rotate the 3 keys every 4 months.

I decided to make a habit of disabling start/stop a while back for the same reason. I alternate between 3 cars, which means the Skoda isn't used every week. I have 2 smart chargers permanently set up in the garage and always connect the cars not in use to keep the batteries up to spec.