Hi All,

I've been scanning this site for the last few weeks as I was considering buying an Octavia vRS.

Well I've bought one, and like all cars I've ever owned I like to look after the basic mechanics myself.

I always use good quality oil and an original filter.

So I've bought some Mobil 1 due to the performance of the engine, as was about to do the change.

Having read the manual (unusual for a man I know!) I've discovered the long life versus fixed servicing schedule dilemma.

The info sticker in the car and the service book state it's long life. QG1

Looking at the service history, obviously the first few years it's been done by a Skoda then by a local garage.

In the Haynes manual, it states that the long life service interval cars should only use the long life oil. Are the engines in some way different????

My philosophy on cars is that I buy them at around 10 years old, with around a 100k on the clock, as a lot of people think it's "worn out" (so normally get a bargain) As I only do around 4-5k per year, and mostly short journeys abot 4-5 miles, I change the oil every year. So far it's worked!

So I guess I'm asking if I replace the oil (type and manufacturer unknown) with Mobil 1 0W/40 and a Skoda filter, will it upset the computer, or in some strange way blow the engine up????

Lastly, I have searched the forums, and can’t find this specific question. If it’s been posted before deepest apologies, please point me in the direction.

Thanks in advance

Richard

Changing the oil every year equates to a fixed service interval regime and there is no need to use an expensive LongLife oil. It is also OK for you to reset the service interval manually each year via the dash. I would recommend using a decent quality oil specifically recommened for petrol turbo engines. If you are considering using Mobil 1 New Life 0W-40, going by Halford's price you may well find that some spec VW 504 00 5W-30 LongLife oils are more suitable and cheaper!

Hi Denis,

Thanks for your advice. I already have the Mobil 1 as I have a Halfords Trade Card, makes things sooo much cheaper, especially their own brand stuff.

I've read the bit about reseting the computer, and I'm comfortable with that. It doesn't say it needs a service, but at the one carried out in August 09, the previous owner had been charged £9.70 for oil. Whilst this may be ok, I have no way of checking so I'd rather know what's in the sump!

£9.70 for oil would be a bit worrying - get a vw504 spec oil in when you service it

Edited 22 May, 201016 yr by STSKODA

Well I've been underneath and done the oil change.

Every time I do an oil change on a car for the first time, it never ceases to amaze me how tight garage mechanics screw oil filters on.

Used the Mobil 1 I already had.

The oil that came out didn't look too bad, but feel happier now I know what's in there.

The tightening torque for the drain plug is 40Nm. I understand what you mean about feeling happier with good oil in the engine. Now get out and enjoy your new purchase!

The tightening torque for the drain plug is 40Nm. I understand what you mean about feeling happier with good oil in the engine. Now get out and enjoy your new purchase!

I must confess I do enjoy driving this car. Not had a car I've enjoyed for years. I'm more of a bike rider than a car driver. My previous car was a 2.5 V6 Mondeo which was no slouch, but it was a tin box go to from A to B!