I've got an interesting problem with my Variable Servicing mileage prediction and would appreciate the thoughts of all you knowledgeable techies!

My car is 2yrs 3 months old, set to variable service and I cover around 17,000 miles a year. I also have the benefit of Skoda's 3 year free service routine so have had it serviced annually.

I always do a periodic check on my 'miles due to service' to see that all is running well and for the first two years my 'miles covered' + 'miles to service' has been solidly around 18,600; so at service with 17,000 miles covered there was a prediction of 1,600 miles to service.

My oil consumption that I check regularly is, by the way, negligible. It is though since my last service pretty dirty (expected in a way) but somewhat surprising having been service only recently.

However, here is my problem, since my last service in mid April, after the initial learning period of 500 miles or so the 'miles covered' + 'miles due to service' has only added up to 12,500 miles (currently covered 3,000 miles since service with a prediction of 9,500 miles). My driving routine has not changed although I must admit to using the throttle a touch more liberally since, at the time of service, fitting a WALK gives better traction so I am accelerating harder in low gears; but I wouldn't expect this to give a 50% or so change in the 'miles to service' (maybe 10-15%).

I understand, correct me if I'm wrong, that the service prediction takes style of driving as a minor factor but quality of oil as a major factor.

So; considering all the above, I have a few thoughts on what the problem may be;

1. mechanical issue such as worn piston rings or valve guides; but this would increase oil consumption, which it hasn't

2. an issue with the emissions, exhaust, DPF

3. incorrect, not VAG 507.00, oil used on service, or even

4. oil not changed at all on service.

What do all you techies think?

PS> I raised this issue (by discussion) with my dealer a month ago and updated them on the 'miles to service' this week; they have said they are unsure of the issue and are seeking tech advice from Skoda UK; but I have yet to have a response from them. I have though booked the car into them for Friday next week to have a couple of jobs done and also asked them if they could 'run a diagnostic' on the problem.

Edited 27 June, 200916 yr by bahnstormer vrs
PS> added

My variable indicator took the best part of ten days to settle down and decide on a sensible (and believable) figure.

Hope this is of some help as a comparision,

When I got my VRS PD two weeks ago , the service, as it turns out, had just been done and it showed 17300 to next service. That Sunday I got up real early and ragged it senseless.

It then showed 15100 miles (and 26mpg...) on the service meter.

Since then I have been driving normally and it has gradually gone back up to 15800.

I can only assume then the variable service prediction is predominately based on driving style. The distance I drove was about 60 miles, so not enough to downgrade the oil that significantly I would of thought?

Hope this is of some help as a comparision,

When I got my VRS PD two weeks ago , the service, as it turns out, had just been done and it showed 17300 to next service. That Sunday I got up real early and ragged it senseless.

It then showed 15100 miles (and 26mpg...) on the service meter.

Since then I have been driving normally and it has gradually gone back up to 15800.

I can only assume then the variable service prediction is predominately based on driving style. The distance I drove was about 60 miles, so not enough to downgrade the oil that significantly I would of thought?

I'd be interested to know your current 'miles covered' + 'miles to go' figure.

Hello Guy

that is one of the "features" of the last 26E6 update. On my car the interval has always been (almost spot on) 30tkm. After the last service I checked a couple of times to find out it will only be around 25tkm. :thumbdwn:

The last service was at 93tkm (because I had little time to have it done and couldnt miss my car. Was around Christmas and my dealer didnt have an appoitment for that time). First service at 30 something tkm, second at 60 something tkm and third at the afore mentioned 93tkm. So next service should have been at 123tkm, but according to my last checks it will be at 118tkm.

A couple of other members of the german board also found the same decrease in tkm between the services after 26E6.

Cheers

Mike

If you're on fixed servicing then surely that's 12.5k/1 year anyway.

As for your car, it's VW507 fixed or variable so they should have used that.

Hello Guy

that is one of the "features" of the last 26E6 update. On my car the interval has always been (almost spot on) 30tkm. After the last service I checked a couple of times to find out it will only be around 25tkm. :thumbdwn:

The last service was at 93tkm (because I had little time to have it done and couldnt miss my car. Was around Christmas and my dealer didnt have an appoitment for that time). First service at 30 something tkm, second at 60 something tkm and third at the afore mentioned 93tkm. So next service should have been at 123tkm, but according to my last checks it will be at 118tkm.

A couple of other members of the german board also found the same decrease in tkm between the services after 26E6.

Cheers

Mike

Hi,

Don't think the 26E6 upgrade is at fault as I had this done July last year and the service interval was solid at 18,600 miles for the rest of the year.

If you're on fixed servicing then surely that's 12.5k/1 year anyway.

Its not been slipped onto 'fixed' as the 'days to service' is currently around 680 (i.e. 2 years interval)

As for your car, it's VW507 fixed or variable so they should have used that.

Thanks for confirmation.

If they have used the computer they may have set the mileage limit to the fixed interval but not the time limit. Worth throwing it on a VAG-COM and checking this.

HTH

I'd be interested to know your current 'miles covered' + 'miles to go' figure.

Hi

Just gone past 20K and now showing 15500 miles. Service done at 19284 according to bill of sale. Done around 500 miles since getting it just over 2 weeks ago. ECU update has been done on mine. Doesn't seem particularly accurate IMHO....

679 days and counting...