It’s £100 for 30 minutes work ( probably done by a trainee or semi skilled technician), and whilst they’ll use decent oil, it won’t be Mobil 1. I guess you get free hot drinks while you wait though, so possibly it’s good value.

33 minutes ago, Scot5 said:

 

It's only 'a lot' when the mechanic does it for free, doesn't require any tools and carries out the oil change in the open air. And then pours the old oil down the drain

 

But I agree. I do object to paying someone to wash and vac my car, check windscreen washer levels etc.  I'd be much happier if they'd just offer me that oil change.  

 

That is true, which is why I generally go to an independent garage, ideally a VAG indi/specialist rather than a dealer.  At least I can just ask for an oil change service when required also. 

 

A particular gripe is that the garage I've just used charged me £1.34 for 'screenwash' on an interim service receipt, when I had fully topped up the screenwash to the max only the evening before. 

 

Bit cheeky. Next time I will mention this doesn't need doing, that is easy enough for most people to do. I let it slide because I didn't want to look too tight

 

 

I happily pay the £159 for the following reasons, my local Skoda dealer...

 

• Always answer the phone (not so good at returning calls).
• Opens early, so I can drop the car with them before work.
• Provide free wi-fi, drinks, a free hot sandwich, comfy sofa's and a power point to charge my laptop / phone.
• Offer a free shuttle to drop me off at work (or a free courtesy car if you'r prepared to book well in advance).
• Wash and hoover the car.
• Drop my car back at work.

 

Assuming £50 for parts and another £50 labour, the extra £50 is money well spent for the reduced hassle alone.

 

Factor in the 2 years parts and labour warranty and it's a good price in my opinion.

 

When I can be motivated I service it myself...

 

 

2 hours ago, Plantman said:

 

That is true, which is why I generally go to an independent garage, ideally a VAG indi/specialist rather than a dealer.  At least I can just ask for an oil change service when required also. 

 

A particular gripe is that the garage I've just used charged me £1.34 for 'screenwash' on an interim service receipt, when I had fully topped up the screenwash to the max only the evening before. 

 

Bit cheeky. Next time I will mention this doesn't need doing, that is easy enough for most people to do. I let it slide because I didn't want to look too tight

 

 

 

When I had my old hyundai serviced, I put a desk waller in therapy when he tried to charge me for screenwash, despite it being clearly written on the invoice before I'd even handed the keys over for the service to be done.

They also tried to charge me for the oil which I'd brought along 

 

He looked at me funny when I told them not to wash it as well!!! Don't want some YTS lad messing about with my motor!!!!

Waiting to see if VW Group Main Dealers Technicians use VW508 / 509 FS LL oil 0w 20 when Servicing the latest engines that will be delivered with WLTP or those now delivered with VW508 / 509 used from the factory.

9 hours ago, silver1011 said:

I happily pay the £159 for the following reasons, my local Skoda dealer...

I happily go to my local Skoda dealer because they charge me only for what they've done (less than Skoda's standard charges) and they're just round the corner from work (that was a minor reason for getting a Skoda in the first place). They're not as nice as the family owned Ford dealer I used to use, but they seem to be okay.

I did a little searching for the 1.4 TSI air filter change, seems pretty straightforward.

 

Presumably a lot of the OP's frustration was trying to do it in situ.

 

It definitely looks better to plan to remove the whole filter box assembly out of the engine bay and open it up on your workbench...

 

 

I've ordered myself a set of hose clip pliers to help with the air box removal...

A good and fairly short guide if you search youtube for "How to change oil and all filters - Skoda Octavia III 1.4 TSI (COMPLETE Guide)".

Pollen filter first, then the air filter, then oil and filter change. Clear and easy.

Here is a POV video which could be useful as well:

 

 

 

@Plantman Thank you for what you had shared about replacing the air filters on the Superb Mk III. Right now, you're likely the only person on this planet who has shared this info!

Help!!! I've tried but am still hesitant in removing the air filter-box as you had described. I don't suppose you'd ever consider doing a video showing the process in the future?
The pipes secured in place by the 2 retaining clips all feel very fragile and without a video, it just felt like a tug in the wrong direction would cause something to snap. Also, that small hose connection. The plasticky housing likewise felt like it would snap into pieces..

1. What's a good order in which to remove the 2 hose connections #1 and #2 in the photo? How much tugging can the parts withstand?
2. How should we disconnect that small hose and connector #3? Is there an order in which we should do this?

30 years ago, an air filter change would have taken all of 10 minutes and brought about satisfaction. Nowadays, I can't seem to do anything with the car without some plastic part breaking ☹️

Hello, welcome to the forum.

I found no specific removal order of the hoses necessary.

Tip 1 - Make sure the hose clamps are completely clear of the internal spigot of the air induction ducting, the convoluted hose will come off reasonably easily once you do this.

Tip 2 - definitely recommend in investing in a proper set of hose clip pliers as shown in Silver1011s post, they are not expensive and make removing the clips so easy. Get the type that will lock in open position so that the clip can easily be moved up the hose, clear of the clamping area.

Tip 3 - for the push-on breather hose, gently twist with your hand before pulling off elbow.

Tip 4 - Don't be mislead in thinking that it's only the sprung clips holding the airbox lid to the body, there are screws (pozi-drive I think) hidden on the underside of the airbox too - only accessible from beneath! If you think that's a stupid idea - so do I!

Edited 27 April, 20251 yr by Warrior193
added information

@Warrior193 Thank you. That's all very helpful. I can confirm that there are indeed 2 screws on underside of airbox.
A lot of faff to replace a single air filter ☹️