Car is a 3 year old Skoda Fabia vRS, 24.3k miles.

CTHE engine, absolutely standard, not tuned in any way, no changes to intake or exhaust.
On two-year service plan.

I would like advice on what the standard plugs as used by Skoda are. According to a couple of posters here the appropriate spark plug is the BKR7EIX. This is described on NGK's website as the "NGK 2667 BKR7EIX IX Iridium Plug, SKU: BKR7EIX, ITEM: NGK2667".
Q1. Where do the codes 03C905601B, SIZFR6B8EG and NGK 96209 come from?
Q2. In what way is the Denso plug considered to be better than the NGK?

I would also like advice on what oil I should use if I changed the oil & filter in the odd years. I currently use Castrol Edge FST 5W-30 to top up - occasionally,fortunately my car doesn't use much oil. Is there any reason to use anything else?

Finally, in the Autumn I will probably want to replace all four tyres. Much as I would like to I can't afford different tyres and wheels for Winter and Spring / Summer / Autumn therefore I would want to use four season tyres. What would make sense as replacements?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Answer to Q1.

Those are the VW Codes for the spark plugs as are fitted at Dealerships.

(the plugs VW changed to around 2012.)

 

Answer to Q2.

They just last well and do not have the issues that the first and 2nd versions of plugs that were OEM with the CAVE then the CTHE engines.

 

But if in doubt you best go with what VW, Skoda, Audi, Seat fit in the factory, then dealers fit at services. 

and set the gap they recommend.

Edited 2 March, 201610 yr by GoneOffskiroottoot

Ah, OK, thanks.

As to tyres, i am really liking the Maxxis AP2 All Seasons i have fitted.

I have 215/40 R 17 which IMO are more comfortable than having on 205/40 R 17.

Re Tyres - I put a set of Toyo PROXES T1-R on mine shortly before Christmas and they have been fine for me, although they don't get driven hard. They have good rim protection and are quieter on the road than the standard fitted Dunlops were.

Edited 2 March, 201610 yr by MilgeS

Give the Michelin pilot sport 3! I think there quality as far as I'm concerned! And I drive my car hard! They have given me so much more confident cornering!!

Car is a 3 year old Skoda Fabia vRS, 24.3k miles.

CTHE engine, absolutely standard, not tuned in any way, no changes to intake or exhaust.

On two-year service plan.

I would like advice on what the standard plugs as used by Skoda are. According to a couple of posters here the appropriate spark plug is the BKR7EIX. This is described on NGK's website as the "NGK 2667 BKR7EIX IX Iridium Plug, SKU: BKR7EIX, ITEM: NGK2667".

Q1. Where do the codes 03C905601B, SIZFR6B8EG and NGK 96209 come from?

Q2. In what way is the Denso plug considered to be better than the NGK?

I would also like advice on what oil I should use if I changed the oil & filter in the odd years. I currently use Castrol Edge FST 5W-30 to top up - occasionally,fortunately my car doesn't use much oil. Is there any reason to use anything else?

Finally, in the Autumn I will probably want to replace all four tyres. Much as I would like to I can't afford different tyres and wheels for Winter and Spring / Summer / Autumn therefore I would want to use four season tyres. What would make sense as replacements?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

I have run the NGK 7's (2667) to great effect , they are colder (copes with the high temps of the twincharger better) and shorter (don't get so much fuel sprayed onto them) great plugs....

 

I have used 5W 40 ..... the 40 means it holds together slightly better than the 30 at higher temps (the 5 meaning it is just as good at lower temps)  to great effect ...

 

we have just put maxxis AP2's on our Abarth, as our lass is not too hard on the car, and we have pretty bad winters, and she doesn't want the expense of changing tyres for the seasons.... (AP2's are all season tyres, carrying the snowflake mark) they are V rated to 150 mph (unlike most winters) and are incredible in the wet, good in the snow, etc (yet to try them in hot) BUT they came 4th in the recent autoexpress all season tyre test, beating bridgestone, and pirelli, and they are about £73 a corner muchly recomended!

Thanks to all, something to work on there.

 

I have run the NGK 7's (2667) to great effect , they are colder (copes with the high temps of the twincharger better) and shorter (don't get so much fuel sprayed onto them) great plugs....

 

I have used 5W 40 ..... the 40 means it holds together slightly better than the 30 at higher temps (the 5 meaning it is just as good at lower temps)  to great effect ...

 

we have just put maxxis AP2's on our Abarth, as our lass is not too hard on the car, and we have pretty bad winters, and she doesn't want the expense of changing tyres for the seasons.... (AP2's are all season tyres, carrying the snowflake mark) they are V rated to 150 mph (unlike most winters) and are incredible in the wet, good in the snow, etc (yet to try them in hot) BUT they came 4th in the recent autoexpress all season tyre test, beating bridgestone, and pirelli, and they are about £73 a corner muchly recomended!

 

I am inclined to go for the NGK 7s although I doubt that my car gets particularly hot, I can't recall ever seeing the oil temperature above 95 degrees C.

Same goes for the oil really. I have a feeling that you race your vRS?

As an aside, the dealer that would do the oil and plug change advises flushing the engine with some product called 'Forte Advanced Formula Motor Flush'. Because of the twincharger I am not convinced. What do others think about flushing the engine when changing oil?

Based on suggestions here, I will research tyres further, whenI got my car serviced a year ago the Dealer recommended Falkens, any good?

Thanks again.
 

If the dealer recommended them I'd steer clear (pardon the pun) .

I swear by Rainsports - been running on them since 2009 (firstly on my MKI vRS - with a break on Dunlops when I first got my MKII) - but they're not the hardest wearing tyres for anyone that clocks up the miles (fronts lasted 6,000 miles less than the Dunlops - although it could be argued that the Dunlops lasted 16,500 miles too far).

Edited 3 March, 201610 yr by Brian69

Thanks to all, something to work on there.

 

 

I am inclined to go for the NGK 7s although I doubt that my car gets particularly hot, I can't recall ever seeing the oil temperature above 95 degrees C.

Same goes for the oil really. I have a feeling that you race your vRS?

As an aside, the dealer that would do the oil and plug change advises flushing the engine with some product called 'Forte Advanced Formula Motor Flush'. Because of the twincharger I am not convinced. What do others think about flushing the engine when changing oil?

Based on suggestions here, I will research tyres further, whenI got my car serviced a year ago the Dealer recommended Falkens, any good?

Thanks again.

 

lol.. yeah i used to race my car, often saw 120C on the oil temps its now owned by a fellow briskodian, its gone into retirement, much like him

A further update on the tyre and oil question, I have just looked at my service report and see that the dealer has suggested three options. For some strange reason the only mention is by manufacturer's name and size (205/40R17 84W)  rather than specific tyre. They were:

Premium - Dunlop @ £171.17 each

Mid-range - Falken @£99.56 each

Budget - Enduro/Runway @ £70.54 each

 

Also, the oil used is referred to as "OAVS - Longlife Oil - Skoda @ £34.20" and they mention a quantity of 3 rather than 3.6.

 

They charged me £2.84 for "KG052164M1 - Cleaner" - what is that? Is it something like "'Forte Advanced Formula Motor Flush'" as suggested by a local independent?

 

Finally after how many miles / years should the brake fluid be changed? My vRS is 3 years old and has now done 24.4k miles

 

Many thanks again for any feedback, it is greatly appreciated.

The Dunlop Tyre Price is ridiculous.

You get Dunlop Sport Maxx fitted for about £105, and that is balanced and new valves.

...................

Unlikely the Dealership fits the tyres, they possibly take your car to a Tyre Fitting Centre.

Just cut out the greedy middle man, go to a Tyre Fitting Centre, 

or buy from Blackcircles or the likes, and chose a Fitting Centre.

http://blackcircles.com

 

The Brake Fluid change schedule is 3 years then each 2 years.  Or sooner if you want.

 

The Oil Capacity is 3.6 Litres, and it is odd to be charged for less than 3.6 litres.

?

So have you dipped the Oil Cold, then when hot and checked the level showing on the dipstick since getting the car back?

 

?

Is the Cleaner not the Windscreen Wash topped up?

Or not topped up but still charged for!

 

...............

Edited 9 March, 201610 yr by GoneOffskiroottoot

Thanks ref the Dunlops, they weren't really on my radar anyhow.

I check the oil pretty regularly, always cold, always on a level surface.

It was not low when I got the car back from its service and I don't seem to burn much oil (touch wood). I have learnt a lot from reading this forum.

I know that I do use more oil when I do lots of short journeys - e.g down to the shops.

I ALWAYS let the car get up to 80+ degrees C before accelerating hard - ALWAYS!

Any comment on "KG052164M1 - Cleaner"?

I would avoid the Dunlops. Even some Skoda Service Departments don't recommend them as they 'step' prematurely.

 

Spend your money with Michelin and you won't go wrong.

The Employee on the Service Desk is the person to ask about the Parts / Fluids on an Invoice and if they were used or not.

 

?

So what was the total bill?

 

The Brake Fluid should be changed before the car is 4 years old, 

or at least checked for H20 Content.

The Manufacturers Service Schedule (Skoda) is at 3 years, then each 2 years.

As to avoiding the Dunlops.

Skoda, VW, Seat & Audi have fitted enough as OEM and still do.

 

I used plenty of them because i like them, but the sidewalls are easily damaged.

Often the inside tyre wall.

I got them cheap because they were take offs t Dealerships, when Fabia & Polos Pulled Left.

The tyres were perfect, the cars alignment was faulty.

But then the Skoda / VW way was replace Dunlop or Continental with Pirelli Zero Nero and the driver will not then notice the pulling left, 

the squittery Pirelli disguise it.

 

So Skoda Service Desk Employees might well advise against fitting Dunlops because they might need to set up the cars alignment correctly, might even need to go to a Expert that has the gear they have, but actually is trained in using it.

Edited 9 March, 201610 yr by GoneOffskiroottoot

"The Brake Fluid should be changed before the car is 4 years old, 

or at least checked for H20 Content.

The Manufacturers Service Schedule (Skoda) is at 3 years, then each 2 years."

 

That sounds like a very cunning strategy to please service departments, sell a car only needing to be serviced once every two years but requiring a brake fluid change in years 3, 5, 7, etc.

 

My current tyres are the original "Continental SportContact 2s". I am not crazy about low profiles because not all kerbs are equally low and the alloys inevitably end up damaged when you park in a narrow street. However, I am not going to change the wheels themselves just to protect the alloys.

 

ps - I have always been a Michelin fan but I get the feeling that they aren't what they once were?

Just before the Mk2 Facelift was launched the Brake Fluid Schedule was first at 2 years and then each 2 years.

But then manufacturers review and revise.

 

As to the 205/40 R 17.

The Polo GTI, Audi A1 185ps and Seat Ibiza Cupra / FR come as standard on 215/40 R17 tyres, 

and these are an improvement to the ride when fitted to a Skoda vRS IMO.  

(Mk3 Fabia come from the factory on 215/40 R 17 if you opt for that size)

 

Not sure your concerns on the Michelin, (BF Goodrich)

they build them in many flavours, and many are manufactured in Dundee, the Home of Jam (Marmalade), Jute and Journalism, and Michelin Tyres for decades now.

They are still pretty good and good value.

Edited 9 March, 201610 yr by GoneOffskiroottoot

Answer to Q1.

Those are the VW Codes for the spark plugs as are fitted at Dealerships.

(the plugs VW changed to around 2012.)

 

Answer to Q2.

and set the gap they recommend.

The plug gaps are already set and its not possible to alter gaps on iridium plugs without damaging them.

Why i buy the ones with the Gap i want and just check them.

But your statement is wrong as is proven by those that are adjusting them.

Several members here doing it and running perfectly well.

Skoda garages have quoted me two different times/prices for the brake fluid change:

Hour and a half - £59

30 minutes - £49

How long should this take and is there any standard charge?

Edited 10 March, 201610 yr by SeaGoat

Had my car MOTd yesterday. I was worried that I might have to fit new tyres so I visited a few places.

Kwik Fit told me that there is no such thing as an "All Season" tyre, just Summer tyres and Winter tyres - I made my excuses and left.

Another very busy tyre shop knew of them but weren't interested.

The most professional shop said that they were happy to fit anything from their stock or supplied by Mytyres.

They suggested that All Season tyres were a marketing gimmick and that if I didn't live somewhere with frequent snow (i.e. most of England) I would be perfectly safe on "Summer" tyres.

They also advised against directional tread tyres which they said was another pointless gimmick.

My car passed the MOT with no advisories so fortunately I didn't have to buy tyres.

Some Fast Foot Flitter not on message there then.

http://kwik-fit.com/tyres/types-of-tyre/all-season-tyres

 

Saved you spending though.

If the tyres you choose suits your needs that is all that matters really.

Edited 21 April, 201610 yr by GoneOffSKi