Cool, i get your point and thanks for the detail/info. And as i said it's very little money in the scheme of things. So if it brings comfort why not. Although even in Glasgow it doesn't get to -70 Saying that it's supposed to get very cold next week!

Good point on the oil, what i should have said was that you can usually provide your own oil which is superior spec to the dealer provided oil for the same price. eg from opie oils. i use Motul 5w50 over Mobil1 Ow-40 (from March to Sept) and go back to Mobil in Winter for the cold start protection in the fast datsun. I plan on doing the same with the VRS when it arrives.

You need do need to make sure the oil conforms to right VW spec although im sure aware of that

(I have seen some warranty repairs reject by various manufactuers over the wrong oil ).

But regarding most of the other posts its same as most things in life,you get what you pay for to ceratin extent.

If you get cheap stuff youve got expect to have drawbacks or a lack of quality, and the more expensive stuff it bound to be better in some shape or form. Its about doing your research and selecting the a mix of cost effective and quality if you that fussed on both issues... Isnt that why most of us have skodas??? VAG build quality without the Audi and VW Price tag????

I

You need do need to make sure the oil conforms to right VW spec although im sure aware of that

(I have seen some warranty repairs reject by various manufactuers over the wrong oil ).

I

Yeah using the wrong oil will result in that. I tend to use a higher spec oil in my performance cars as they're tuned anyway. But would do the same non tuned.

I'm on my phone or would post a link to EU block exemption which states you don't have to use a dealer or OEM parts to maintain the warranty. As long as equivalent or better. Saying that, it's good to build a relationship with a dealer as they can influence a warranty claim ;-) but I'd still take my own oils of higher spec.

I can't believe that this thread has got so heated. The VAG screen wash is £3.50 for a 1 litre bottle of concentrate -that makes 3 litres for use at up to -16C and in summer strength 5 litres. There's costs to running a car that far eclipse the price of 1 or 2 bottles a year of screen wash.

It's common sense to use a screen wash designed specifically for cars with fan jets in cars fitted with them, regardless of the brand name. Skoda insisting that you use VAG screen wash are just ensuring that the product used meets their criteria -obviously other brands are not under their control so some may or may not be suitable.

Greenstripe, I'm sorry if you get the impression we are having a heated debate, that may be because of me. We are not, I asure you! Although I do admit to being a stickler for detail sometimes...it just goes with the engineer in me. These guys make some good points and in fact we all just about agree on most things if you re-read the posts. I've got to tell you, I think this site is brilliant. Although I'm ex-tech of 32years (Nissan & Honda) when I bought my first Skoda I learned loads about it from these guys. This site is an essential must have for Skoda owners. Happy New Year mate!

I read/heard that VAG delaers can test the screen wash for 'validity' and if not their own they might raise the point i.e. charge for any rectification?

I read/heard that VAG delaers can test the screen wash for 'validity' and if not their own they might raise the point i.e. charge for any rectification?

http://www.blackcircles.com/servicing/about/block-exemption

This is a diluted version of the legalese.

But if you're concerned, as has been pointed out, the cost difference is minimal. I was merely stating the principle/law.

Worst comes to worst and you're not using VAG washer fluid. Drain your reservoir and fill with VAG fluid.

I guess up in Scotland because our water is better its not an issue I've come across.

Yeah, that's a good point Mister. The water in my part of the country is very hard and limescale is more of a problem.

Estate Man -I actually wrote my post before I saw yours -I started writing it and didn't refresh the page. You've given some very clear and concise explanations there and I haven't seen anyone arguing with you.

Fab59, that's unfortunate you had some rust. But to be honest it's not the sort of thing that any manufacturer would likely cover. It's irrelavent to the performance of the vehicle and no one sees it unless checking the oil! Rust warranties only cover bodywork and chassis underside and in reality for perforation or something that is likely to perforate within the warranty period on the bodywork or underside of the vehicle. It's cosmetic which is easily fixed, as you did. Personally, I'd have just cleaned it and covered it in Waxoyl. Well done anyway and an interesting point to raise.

I do agree with you, it is in an obscure area, and indeed it doesn't affect the car's performance. Well, not yet anyway. We are all aware of the evil nature of the tin worm. It doesn't actually look too bad in the pictures, was far worse up close. I know that, if left as it was, eventually the rust would eat through the metal completely, and the engine would fall on its side. Now, this could happen in 5 years or it could happen in 25 years. Depends on many things, but why should I have to live with that thought? I would have expected a car to start rusting so early maybe in the 70's, but not in this day and age. It is obvious they didn't do a good job of rust-proofing that bit at the factory, and they should have owned up to it. This is a load bearing member of the chassis, it may have been cosmetic at the time, but in the long-run it could be a safety issue. I thought I did them a favour by spotting it early and making it easier for them to repair, but they just ignored it. That is not what I call good customer care, and as far as I'm concerned, Skoda's corrosion warranty is pretty much a scam. Otherwise, they would at least perform the body checks with each service. They haven't done that at all. Four services were carried out at the supplying dealer, and they never filled in the body check part in the service book, not once. That's just unacceptable.

Not to mention how much it would de-value the car if I were to sell it. If any potential buyer saw that rusty part, they'd just walk away in an instant.

I think also the choice of screen wash depends on where you live

When I lived down in NE Essex the water was very hard and had lots of lime scale problems

Now I am up in Greater Manchester the water is very soft and I find I can use Halfords screen wash with no problems

John

Looks like my post also crossed over Before Estate man posted again

Edited 9 January, 201313 yr by JohnLD