New 1.4 TSI on variable service interval - in some ways suits me fine as I live some distance from nearest Skoda dealer.

 

but still not keen on leaving it so long between oil and filter changes.

 

So thinking of doing an oil and filter change myself (using VW 504 00) inbetween the variable services.

 

Only thing is I'm wondering if the service interval readout  would throw some sort of wobbly / flag up the oil change

 

 

Anyone know?

or better still anyone done this?

Edited 6 January, 20179 yr by Octy0GG

Not as far as I have noticed, these service indicators are just "observing" how the car is being used and knocking down the days/miles as it sees fit. I do it all the time with one of my VW group cars but leave the "real" service and reset to my main dealer, or have done so far.

Is yours set to 19k too? I'm on a 20k 2 year lease with my 1.4 TSI and was surprised to find that I won't have to service it until I'm about to hand it back.

Is yours set to 19k too? I'm on a 20k 2 year lease with my 1.4 TSI and was surprised to find that I won't have to service it until I'm about to hand it back.

Yes

I think that's what variable service starts at although being variable the first service could obviously come earlier depending on use.

New 1.4 TSI on variable service interval - in some ways suits me fine as I live some distance from nearest Skoda dealer.

 

but still not keen on leaving it so long between oil and filter changes.

 

So thinking of doing an oil and filter change myself (using VW 504 00) inbetween the variable services.

 

Only thing is I'm wondering if the service interval readout  would throw some sort of wobbly / flag up the oil change

 

 

Anyone know?

or better still anyone done this?

If you are already tied in to a variable service regime then I'd just run with it.

If you're turning the car in after 2 years then it will get a service before you kiss it goodbye. Why spend on more money on a mid term service?

Similarly if keeping it 3 years.

If you're keeping it forever then annuals may be a better option, but the hassle of DIY interim a plus variables remains.

I chose fixed annuals on our recently acquired Octavia which will stick around for 3 years (maybe), 'cos I'm old fashioned :-)

Probably going to get flamed for this... But I'm on variable, I reckon my service will be due after 15k which is about a year for me. The oil is rated for a maximum of 20k, I'm not convinced there's a clear benefit to changing the oil more frequently than the computer says is required.

OP if you don't trust variable, why not just go with fixed and ignore the faff of a DIY in-between?

Probably going to get flamed for this... But I'm on variable, I reckon my service will be due after 15k which is about a year for me. The oil is rated for a maximum of 20k, I'm not convinced there's a clear benefit to changing the oil more frequently than the computer says is required.

OP if you don't trust variable, why not just go with fixed and ignore the faff of a DIY in-between?

It's 18K maximum.

It's 18K maximum.

Oh. This Doc on VW regarding Longlife 3 Oil suggests maximum 20k or 24 months.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/common/content/owners/Longlife_servicing.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjVzoTKva7RAhXEXhoKHQGCBYoQFggaMAA&usg=AFQjCNF0wWaHfi2kOJbwZxZ8jkZZ0W8kjA&sig2=QT2l0LsLbLKt-9bh2mC8Bw

Just checked the VW site and it says 18k. Confusing much?! Can only assume the doc is old and they've since lowered it.

The point remains the same though, the oil is rated for at least the mileage covered until the next due variable service, or more.

Edited 6 January, 20179 yr by ahenners

Probably going to get flamed for this... But I'm on variable, I reckon my service will be due after 15k which is about a year for me. The oil is rated for a maximum of 20k, I'm not convinced there's a clear benefit to changing the oil more frequently than the computer says is required.

OP if you don't trust variable, why not just go with fixed and ignore the faff of a DIY in-between?

Car bought outright - will probably be keeping it a good while though that may change, so dealer service record an advantage to keep options open. If I knew for certain I was keeping car for 10 years I would just service it myself from new.

If I wasn't over 100 miles away from dealer I would go fixed intervals. The advantage of variable official service + interim oil change by myself is less trips to dealer.

 

Each service at main dealer is 120 mile trip to dealer, leave car, get home somehow - very irregular / non existant public transport.

Somehow get back to dealer a few days later, then a 120 mile drive home.

 

Most folk on here probably have a main dealer within 25 miles and regular public transport so understandably don't see the difficulty with nipping into their local dealer

How long does your dealer take to service it?! :O

I usually wait at the dealers while mine gets done. Unless it's a major with plugs etc, the usual oil and filter change is usually done in an hour and a half tops.

My dealer has always done mine within a few hours, I usually go in town and do some shopping to kill the 2 hours....

Oh. This Doc on VW regarding Longlife 3 Oil suggests maximum 20k or 24 months.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/common/content/owners/Longlife_servicing.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjVzoTKva7RAhXEXhoKHQGCBYoQFggaMAA&usg=AFQjCNF0wWaHfi2kOJbwZxZ8jkZZ0W8kjA&sig2=QT2l0LsLbLKt-9bh2mC8Bw

Just checked the VW site and it says 18k. Confusing much?! Can only assume the doc is old and they've since lowered it.

The point remains the same though, the oil is rated for at least the mileage covered until the next due variable service, or more.

It's 30K km, so 18,600 and a bit miles.

Likewise fixed interval is 15,000km or 9,300 miles.

How long does your dealer take to service it?! :o

I usually wait at the dealers while mine gets done. Unless it's a major with plugs etc, the usual oil and filter change is usually done in an hour and a half tops.

Doubt that a while you wait service would be available + difficult to drop off during workshop hours.

 

Remember outside major cities there is no competition, so service works quite differently - the next dealer is a further 100 miles so it's not like I have somewhere else to go. Service businesses of any type rarely have to compete for custom.

 

It's all a bit in the future though - still under 500 miles

Be aware that on the engines with metal oil pan, the drain plug has to be changed at the first oil change.

On engines with plastic oil pan the drain plug has to be changed every oil change, and a special tool (T10549) is used to unscrew it.

Probably going to get flamed for this... But I'm on variable, I reckon my service will be due after 15k which is about a year for me. The oil is rated for a maximum of 20k, I'm not convinced there's a clear benefit to changing the oil more frequently than the computer says is required.

OP if you don't trust variable, why not just go with fixed and ignore the faff of a DIY in-between?

With cars costing so much money and oil servicing even at dealer prices (with subsequent willingness to assist out of warranty) an oil change is a relatively cheap thing to keep the engine and turbo running well. A sensible rule of thumb is probably:

a. Private buyer keeping car = 10,000 miles regime.

b. PCP/ Business user handing back = Variable.

If I buy secondhand after this VRS, I will ensure that I avoid any variable service cars.

Edited 7 January, 20179 yr by Redboy

That'll be Arnold Clark Inverness -- you have my sympathies !!