My New Octavia Scout has done 9,000 miles since January and I noticed on ignition that I needed a service in 400 miles. When I bought the car I asked for a varible service setting ( the same as my last octavia) I checked with the service manager who said that it probably not set for variable and now too late to reset, his solution was to ignore the service indications and use as normal for between 15,000 & 17,000 miles, and then book in for a service and then they can reset for a variable.

Can I ask please is this sound advice............Thanks

My New Octavia Scout has done 9,000 miles since January and I noticed on ignition that I needed a service in 400 miles. When I bought the car I asked for a varible service setting ( the same as my last octavia) I checked with the service manager who said that it probably not set for variable and now too late to reset, his solution was to ignore the service indications and use as normal for between 15,000 & 17,000 miles, and then book in for a service and then they can reset for a variable.

Can I ask please is this sound advice............Thanks

Well... Its a bit of a grey issue I'm afraid, if your car is set the the fixed service setting there is a good chance that it isn't running the long life oil. My advice would be to get it serviced as the indicator says and then ask for long life oil and a change to variable service

ALL new Octy's come from the factory with 'long-life' oil in so unless it was changed at PDI (no way IMHO) then the advice to drive on to 15/17k and then get a variable service seems fine to me. You dont say what engine you have but if it has DPF then 'long life' 507 spec oil is the only suitable oil, regardless of which service regime you are on.

You can always ask for this advice in writing from your Skoda dealer to cover you in the event of any issues but TBH I can't see any problems.

Edited 21 October, 201015 yr by Keith Lard

You might have issues if you need to claim anything under warranty and you haven't strictly obeyed the service schedule?

You might have issues if you need to claim anything under warranty and you haven't strictly obeyed the service schedule?

I cant see how. As the cars come with 'long life' oil from the factory (QG1 on the boot sticker IIRC). If you'll cover 17k before the car is 2 years old you'll be fine. You dont need to pay for a service you do not need.

Get it in writing from the dealer and it'll be OK IMHO.

Or just get someone with VAGCOM/VCDS to adjust the service schedule so your back onto variable and due for first service around 17/18k.

You need to check the build sticker (in your service booklet and in the boot) and see if it says QG0, QG1 or QG2.

Only if it says QG1 (variable interval servicing), plus get in writing from the dealer confirmation of their advice and written assurance that this will not affect your warranty.

Even then it could be dodgy if a major warranty claim is made and Skoda UK gets involved.

Thanks for advice it is a Diesel and was filled with long life oil from factory , according to service manager.

Thanks for advice it is a Diesel and was filled with long life oil from factory , according to service manager.

Do you do lots of short trips - if the engine does not get really hot then the ECU monitors the state of the oil and if it is contaminated then it can drastically shorten the service interval even when set to variable.

If so then get it serviced as indicated.

In any case get the dealer to put his advice in writing as advised above

Dealer could of set it to fixed on delivery and at any time. I would take it back and get them to change it and maybe ask for a discount on next service for the trouble.

If it were me (and I appreciate it's not) I would get the service done now, and have the dealer switch you to variable servicing. That way you cannot have any issues with Skoda if you make a future claim under warranty. If the Skoda dealer was asked to put you on variable servicing originally, get them to discount the service.

you can get a liquids only service. Then you could be sure that the oil is longlife or leave as fixed until proper service due in another year.

sorry (mouse quicker than brain). What I mean is, as there is doubt, you could ask the dealer to do a liquids only service (for free or close to) which would then tide you over until the proper two year service interval.