This is aimed primarily at owners of new cars (though new engines in older cars might also qualify).

We probably all expect new cars to use a little oil as part of the running-in process, Skoda acknowledge this by giving us a nice little pouch containing 1ltr.

Purely out of interest I was wondering at what mileage have people been doing the first top-up, and does this vary between models?

Mine didn't need any before its first service at 18K miles, now on 35K miles and just put half a litre in, will be going for its second service in a few weeks.

My last car, Octavia 1.8TSi used 1 litre of oil in first 10k miles added in 500ml lots at 3.5k and 7k. Usage stayed pretty much the same throughout the 29k miles that I had it.

I didn't get any pouch with mine...but anyway I've done 6000 miles since new, and it hasn't really gone down at all, it's near the top and the manual says not to top it up as it could damage the catalytic converter. Mind you, do I have to check the oil when the engine is warm or cold? I always thought cold, but the manual says otherwise.

Maybe it's only UK models that have the spare oil..?? ^<anyone?>

As for when to check, I've always checked it once the engine is warm but after it's been stopped for a while, that way the oil is viscose enough to have fully circulated but also had time to drain back to the sump.

Mine was using about 3 litres between oil changes from new. I do check every week. Enough for me to buy plenty for top ups and to carry 1 litre for longer trips. The only time I did not have that spare was on the M25 and the low level warning illuminated unexpectedly (cost £20 per litre at a service station and the sump was overfull at the next oil check).

After 50,000 miles the consumption has diminished and will have enough to top up until I get rid of the car.

Edited 22 June, 201312 yr by gregoir

Mine doesn't use any oil *touch wood