Just got around to doing an oil change at 10,000 miles.

I know that diesels tend to blacken their engine oil but the stuff that came out did feel a little bit gritty and the filter whilst clearly doing its job, looked like its time was almost up. I definitely am happier that the next 10,000 miles before the dealer does the next service will be with fresh oil and filter.

The job is pretty straightforward although removing the undertray torx screws, all eleven of them, is a bit fiddly - some are size 20 and the others 30. The drainplug comes undone quite easily although it is difficult to get a direct grip on the top of the filter particularly as it is secured with a quite large (32mm) head. It seems to be almost deliberately hidden by pipes and cables as well.

The bit that I was dreading was actually a doddle and that was removing the plastic engine cover. It looks as though you could easily snap it and break it but if you gently ease up the four corners, it is simply secured by four largish push fit plugs.

I was also surprised at the amount of oil that came out and needed replacing - best part of 5 litres when I expected just over 4. Before anyone comments, I was very careful not to overfill the sump as this can lead to probelms with the DPF and potentially could prove catastrophic to the whole engine if considerably overfilled. I also took care to renew the large 'rubber band' washer around the head of the filter housing and also renewed the drain plug with its integral washer. The Audi parts people I bought the filter from included these extra bits in the filter box.

The whole job took about an hour and a half but I reckon the next time I could probably do it in half that. I also discovered how much extra soundproofing is wrapping these engines - virtually the whole of the underside of the sump and quite a bit of the gearbox are covered. The undertray itself is quite thick with ribbing that is clearly there for stengthening as well as sound deadening. I started the engine up before refitting the top cover and undertray and you can tell the difference.

Cost of the 10,000 mile mini service - £6 for genuine filter and plug and £30 for 5 litres of Mobil 1 5w30 VW507 00.

Well worth the small DIY cost and peace of mind regarding oil pump drive hexagons. Some people will say the interim change is not necessary but it is a proven fact that early oil changes prolong the life of the engine . If you intend to keep vehicle for any extended length of time the early changes will be well worthwhile. In addition a quick check underneath could prevent problems from occuring ( drive shaft clips etc).

Will be having mine serviced every 10,000 but doing this myself would be more of a challange due to lack of space at home, plus the rough road steel under-tray is well and truly bolted into place and I doubt they will have fitted an access panel for the sump plug :wonder:

TP

Edited 2 August, 201015 yr by The Plumber

I've been pondering on ths question, never had any new skoda set up from new on longlife(variable).

I have had two Skoda's (and a VW) with variable service, but I only do limited miles (around 8000) per year. This can mean my car only gets serviced every two years! I have always had an oil/filter change in between services. I am too lazy to do it myself, but most major chains have special offers on every week it seems. Last time cost me £45, so worth considering.

I've been pondering on ths question, never had any new skoda set up from new on longlife(variable).

I think I'll be sticking with the variable servicing - the Yeti looks to be just like my last Octavia in asking for attention at about every 20k miles. But seeing the old oil and filter today, I will again change this myself at 30k, 50k etc. I reckon that everything else should be OK being checked/replaced at about 18 months.

Not sure about Yetis fitted with the 'off road' floor - it could be quite a bit of work just to get to the necessary bits. :no:

There is a local VW independant specialist to me and I would have used him to do the change if I had found the job too much of a pain. As long as genuine filters and the correct oil are used, all should be fine with Skoda guarantees etc.

Edited 2 August, 201015 yr by Trevorminor