Hi All,

My Octavia is fast approaching 6 years old so warranty is not a consideration and there is no longer a need for using a Skoda main dealer for servicing. Even using a good local garage I'm looking at the cost of a service and thinking it's a lot money for what is actually done i.e. oil, filters and various checks.

I can change the oil and filters OK and I've got Elsawin and a basic code scanner so I believe I can replicate what the garage will do at much lower cost using genuine parts (and keep the receipts).

I haven't got maxidot and I understand I can reset the indicator myself but I will then change from variable to fixed servicing. I belive you need VCDS to reset if your variable servicing.

Does anyone have any experience of this service reset tool:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUDI-VW-SEAT-SKODA-Oil-Service-OBD2-Reset-Tool-/170441592008?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item27af1c4cc8

Any comments on my thinking? I bought my car with a mix of main dealer and inde services in the book so not worried about a full Skoda history.

Dougall

it says not for CAN BUS in the ad so I don't think it is suitable as octavia mk2 uses CAN BUS

I did wonder about that.........I'm a bit confused between OBD2 and CAN Bus!

I'm half tempted to move off of variable servicing onto to fixed as a friend was telling me that with an older car it may well be kinder on the turbo to change oil and filters each year rather than 18+ months on variable.

Dougall

Definitely move to fixed servicing. If you are DIY-ing then cost is much less of a consideration. I really don't believe that 18+ month intervals are good for any turbo'd car. Ditto I think brake pads and steering joints should be checked at least annually. Buy OE-filters and the correct spec oil and you can do it all at a fraction of garage prices and keep the car is good shape at the same time.

That service reset tool will not work, but you dont need one anyway if you go for fixed 10K services. Simply follow the instructions in the owners manual to reset the indicator.

Going to fixed servicing sounds more attractive.......espically as friends keep saying that VAG cars on variable 18 month serving are turbo killers.

Dougall

Can I ask what the most appropriate oil for moving to fixed servicing and a DIY service: I'm in the same situtaion with a 07 Octavia 1.9tdi, with no DPF. Looking at Quantum Platinum 5w-40 approved to 505.01 Would this be a good oil to run for 12 months on a fixed service regime? I see a lot of people on hear like the longlife 507.00 spec oil on fixed too....

This a intresting point about changing from variable to fixed service.Mine is also a 55 plate on variable and my last service was December 2009 and still the reminder has not come up.The mileage then was 39606 and now its 46300. Am I pushing my luck?.

If you are servicing at fixed intervals yourself does the indicator really serve any purpose?