Hi guys

2011-  1.4tsi Octavia Estate – Elegance+ - sole owner since new.  (car has been brilliant in every way – family workhorse – short distance shopping vehicle – long distance overloaded comfortable cross Europe (Bulgaria and beyond) cruiser.

Back story:- was set to Variable Servicing since new from the showroom: salesman said “the car will tell you when it needs a service”.

Car and me have been happy with this since.

12 months ago at required service Skoda said we’ve changed car to Fixed Service. I didn’t understand why – but didn’t fuss too much.

So 12 months later it’s just had it’s minor service – but I asked for setting to be changed back to Variable (Am getting more mpg than at any time in its life.)

. No prob.  They said.  

I can see from invoice that Long Life oil was used. Happy with that.

Got home ; checked MFD Vehicle Info display - ; it said “service in 370 days/9,400 miles” ie in 12 months.

I concluded that technician had just reset existing service schedule with his CAN device – without changing the Fixed/Variable setting.

Took car back – Service Receptionist said “no prob. - to change ; will take 1 minute”.

Car returned to me : drove home.

Today I’ve checked MFD Vehicle Info – and what it says is in the photo.

Can see that Service Interval has been changed to Variable as requested.

 

QUESTION: Should the mileage and date values have been entered by the technician?

Or does the car generate these values itself based on its assessment of how it’s being driven?

As it's on variable, it'll take a little while for those figures to appear. Completely normal

 

Most people suggest if you're doing less than 10k a year and it's mostly shorter journeys, you're better to stay on the fixed service option for engine longevity.

Hi langers2k : many thanks for your quick and reassuring answer : will await my car's auto up-date of info in due course.

Yes - I get the Fixed Service interval choice re engine longevity ; in fact I'm an old fashioned traditionalist ! "Change oil and filter every 12 months - come what may!" 

Which is what I actually do - and have done - irrespective of what the MFD shows  - since new!!

I use Castrol Edge ; buy new VAG filter; go to a local 'back street garage man ; slip him a fiver whilst he puts car up in air to drain old oil whilst I replace filter. Then refill with new oil ; Job done

But I've always kept the car set to Variable - so every 18 to 24 months it goes to Skoda dealer for it's next service - thus maintaining Full Service History  - and getting the MFD re-set.

As in my original post the car (according to both computer display and fill to fill mpg is the best in the car's life - averaging 42 mpg across all driving conditions vs between 38 to 40 mpg when it was younger !)

I even change spark plugs at the 25,000 marker!

 

The truth of the matter is that this way I save money by not having to go to the Skoda dealer every 12 months for them to do what I do - apart from the fact I don't have the kit to re-set the MFD Info. - but the Full Service History is kept should I wish to sell on - which even after 7 to 8 years I don't. !!

Old old saying of "wiser as you grow older"  (let's not get into any bigger debate !!  )

Regards