Our Octy VRS (Date of registration 14/03/08) has done 6,700 miles. The maxidot display shows 3,900 miles with the spanner icon.

The data sticker in the service schedule states that the car is on a variable service schedule - QG1. The service book however states that the next inspection service is due at 10,000 miles or 12/03/2009 (whichever comes first or according to Service Interval Display).

I assume therefore that the car is actually on a fixed service schedule and not variable (even though QG1 on the data sticker)? If so, should I have the car serviced with such a low mileage albeit being a year old? If I do have it serviced now do people suggest changing the interval to variable or is a fixed service schedule better?

Even though I am based in London, quotes for around £250 seem quite steep especially as the service seems relatively simple (see service schedule below that I have received from a Skoda dealer according to a flexible service interval display QG1). Is this very expensive? Are fixed interval services generally cheaper than variable interval services? Do I invalidate the warranty if I don't have it serviced by the next inspection service date stated in the service book?

Vehicle system test: Perform test

Service interval display: Reset

Check function of lock cylinder

Engine oil: Drain or extract; renew oil filter

Engine oil: Replenish (after replenishing top-up to max. mark if necessary), VW standard VW 503 00, VW 504 00; Fill quantity 4,70 litre

Battery: Check with battery tester VAS 5097A (always see workshop manual)

Plenum chamber: Check for dirt, clean if necessary

Front and rear brake pads/linings: Check thickness

FL wheel: Check condition and wear pattern of tyre; enter tread depth

FR wheel: Check condition and wear pattern of tyre; enter tread depth

RL wheel: Check condition and wear pattern of tyre; enter tread depth

RR wheel: Check condition and wear pattern of tyre; enter tread depth

Underbody protection and body paint: Visual check for damage

Spare wheel: Check condition and wear pattern of tyre; enter tread depth

Tyre pressure monitoring: Calibrate after tyre pressure correction

Tyre inflation pressure of all 4 wheels and spare wheel: Check

Brake fluid level (dependent upon lining/pad wear): Check

Brake system: Perform visual check for leaks and damage

I suspect it hasn't been set correctly, might be worth popping into the dealer to ask them

I thought QG0 was variable and QG1 fixed??

I thought QG0 was variable and QG1 fixed??

According to the service schedule:

QG0 and QG2 relate to fixed service intervals

QG1 relates to a variable service interval

The data sticker in the service schedule states that the car is on a variable service schedule - QG1. The service book however states that the next inspection service is due at 10,000 miles or 12/03/2009 (whichever comes first or according to Service Interval Display).

The QG1 code is not a sure fire way of checking that the car is on variable servicing. All Octavias come from the factory on variable servicing, however its quiet common for dealers to switch them to fixed servicing during the PDI. If you car is on a skoda PCP or leased, then its usually a requirement of the agreement that the car is switched to fixed.

The fact your car is just coming upto the 12 month limit of the fixed service suggests that your car was switched to QG0 at its PDI check.

6700 + 3900 = 10600, which is not a mileage that fixed servicing is based on, also the time does not correlate to fixed servicing. The ECU takes into account the cars operating conditions and oil quality. From the present low mileage I would think that it is used for short trips, also the TFSi has a bit of a reputation for requiring oil top ups. A variable service can be flagged up between 9300 to 18600 miles or two years, if it were on fixed it'll be saying that it requires a service within the next week.

Guy, just after the mileage to service it shows another number which is the number of days, can you post what that is.

Guy, just after the mileage to service it shows another number which is the number of days, can you post what that is.

I can't see any other number - Just states 3900 with the spanner symbol and then the trip miles replaces this display.