Some may remember an earlier thread of mine complaining that my Fabia vRS SE seemed to be a lot thirstier than my previous 54 plate vRS - I would pretty much get bang on 400 miles to the beep from brimming the tank on the old car. Since purchasing the new one, I have to say I have been pretty disappointed with the economy - I was brimming the tank but the fuel light was coming on at around 330-350 miles - the very most I managed was 365 miles and that was with loads of motorway driving and not thrashing it off the line.

The good folks on here suggested looking at maybe changing the air filter. A quick call to the dealer told me that the filter hadn't been changed since the car had left the factory as apparently, Skoda recommend changing the filter every 40k! Mine had 30k on the clock. I opened the airbox to find a seriously filthy air filter and so I changed it, filled the tank and added a dash of Millers for good measure.

I wasn't really expecting it to make that much difference but tonight, the fuel light came on for the first time since I last filled it... 406 miles later! So, changing the filter has increased my MPG by a considerable amount. The guy at Skoda more or less laughed at me when I told him what you good people had suggested, saying words to the effect of "I can't see the air filter making any difference really." Who's laughing now, chump?!

I would suggest that Skoda recommending a change once every 40k is ridiculous and from now on, I'll be insisting the filter is replaced at each and every service.

So cheers for the advice guys, I think that one annoying problem has now been solved with the SE - now if only I could sort out the bloody squeaking rear leather seats!

Sorry if this post is disjointed, I have finished a lengthy shift and am partaking in the consumption of delicious fermented grain-based products so my mind is slightly cloudy.

MSGD!

yup i think 40k for an air filter is a joke too, when i bought mine at 60k it got done within the first few weeks as it had only ever been changed once

Changing all filters and engine oil every year, is quick/easy and well within a DIY category. What you save in labour charges will pay for all your filters etc, and throw in a brake fluid change too.

Some might say 'What about the dealers stamping your schedule book'?

Keeping all receipts is better proof than any little stamp in your little book, which only briefly states work carried out, with you relying heavily on dealers/mechanic's work.!!

Ian. 23/08/2009. :thumbup:

Did you replace the filter with a standard one? That's a huge MPG increase!

Did you replace the filter with a standard one? That's a huge MPG increase!

I've seen a few articles comparing standard air filters against so called "performance" filters where the standard filter comes out best.

Did you replace the filter with a standard one? That's a huge MPG increase!

I know man, I'm not driving it any differently either - the air filter is just a standard VAG one - took the old one out and dropped the new one in. I'm pretty amazed at the difference it has made. The old one was seriously dirty though - it was completely black.

Skoda used to recommend an air filter change every 20,000 miles, then they started to introduce free servicing and said to change the air filter at 40,000 miles.

So cheers for the advice guys, I think that one annoying problem has now been solved with the SE - now if only I could sort out the bloody squeaking rear leather seats!

MSGD!

There are a couple of rubber buffers between the seat backs and the C pillar/arch. Screw these out two turns each side. Clean seats where back touches base with AG Leather Care. Remove rear headrests and throw them in the boot. If they still squeak, I don't know.

I was also in the same boat as you i haven't had the long and i was reading all the posts on how many MPG they were getting and i was getting the same as you and i also had read about the 40K filter change(35K on the clock)when i pulled the filter out OMG leaves and all sorts of crap in it,so my advice is for £9 change it now p.s got 470 miles out my last tank:D

To add to the above, this is what a filter looks like after 15k:

I put in a new OEM paper one every six months. Sure, it works out more expensive than cleaning a panel filter, but there's less risk to the MAF as no oil's involved...

All filters I use are bog standard, car is also bog standard.

Ian. 24/08/2009 :thumbup:

Green Cotton Air Filter for me, cost me £50, only have to clean it. Jobs a gooden.

Green Cotton Air Filter for me, cost me £50, only have to clean it. Jobs a gooden.

That seams expensive. I'm sure I've seen Green ones for £30-£35 or less. My K&N panel one was about £37.

Prices have gone up bud. Only bought it about 3 weeks ago.

Moggy Tech - thanks man, I need to do that as the squeaking is all I hear!

The green cotton ones - how do you clean them? Is it just a case of hoovering all the **** off them? I'm guessing a K&N or 'performance' one wouldn't make any difference to a standard car - what about an induction kit though? Apogee - my filter looked something similar to that with those crazy white things that blow in the wind on it along with a few feathers and a leaf or two!

How can Skoda say that the air filter wouldn't make that much difference though? I mean - when I phoned them the guy was pretty dismissive and didn't really give me much hope. 50 extra miles out of a tank is a huge difference though!

what about an induction kit though?

You certainly don't want a cone filter or anything, as all you'll be doing is sucking hot air in from the engine bay! The oft-mentioned PD160 inlet pipe will let more air in than the pipe that's there (which is kind of a cold air intake already) but there's some debate on exactly what benefits they have on a standard car beyond making it a little less smoky. They are an essential if you have a tuning box or a remap, however, as the more fuel you chuck in, the more air you want to go in with it too! Pricey, though... :eek:

Might have to have a look at mine, getting 55mpg but always worth a check. Like the sound of the K&N as I have a cleaner at home

where does everyone get theres from?

Edited 25 August, 200916 yr by zeffania

the aftermarket filters are not as good value as they seem !

the cleaning solution and oil costs more than an OE filter

Lats two years I've had my Fab SE serviced (by skoda) they've always replaced the filters. Seems strange we get different reports from people :confused:

The CABIN filter gets done every year; the ENGINE filter's schedule for every 40k!

I do mine about every 8-12k (depends when I can get to the dealers!) and makes a big difference. Reminds me I had best check the octys to see what state that is in!