Our 2014 Mk3 Octavia manual 1.4tsi went in for its annual 90k km major service including all filters and brake fluid. Skoda sold here only have annual service options.

During the drop off it was mentioned that the belt replacement was due at 7 years or 105k km, our car has only done 78k km.

 

Australia is usually regarded as a severe operating environment with our very high summer temperatures, relatively dusty environment and appallingly high sulphur content fuel so i was somewhat surprised to note that the UK is 5 years and ours is 7 years. I also thought that our distance recommendation is relatively low.

 

There was no real pressure applied by the rep and I decided to defer cam belt replacement as we are looking at our future transport requirement alternatives. 

He admitted others in my situation (7 years and low distance) had also decided to defer and that to date there had not been any incidents of cam belt breakage for my model.

The cost was quoted at A$1200 (about 700 pounds?) so it might pay me to look around, although our VW specialist independents are generally not a lot cheaper in my experience.

 

Report confirmed original brake pads still had 6mm on front and 8mm on back and the Michelin tyres still had 3mm tread front and rear, with even wear (I rotate them myself). 

Despite the good report the tyres have become distinctly noisy in the last 10k km, There is small but discernible saw-toothing apparent on all tyres and the noise varies a lot as they become 'in sync' or 'out of sync'. 

 

I arrived early for the pickup and while waiting for the car to be washed I wandered around the smart new dealership premises and found my possible new car, a new Candy white manual 1.5tsi Scala on display. They only offered a test drive in a DSG but I have to drive the manual to ensure they have fixed the kangarooing 1.5tsi to my satisfaction. And I guess I should involve the wife  

4 hours ago, Gerrycan said:

the Michelin tyres still had 3mm tread front and rear, with even wear (I rotate them myself). 

Despite the good report the tyres have become distinctly noisy in the last 10k km, There is small but discernible saw-toothing apparent on all tyres and the noise varies a lot as they become 'in sync' or 'out of sync'. 

Well, there are your problems:-

1. Irrespective of make, most brands of tyre become noisier when they get towards or below 3mm tread.
2. Saw-toothing is also known to increase tyre noise, irrespective of remaining wear.

If Australia is 7 years and 105km that's about 65,000 miles.

Then split that by 5 years in the UK it's about 13000 miles a year, which is a smidge over the average UK anual mileage.

 

Not really sure how they equate the UK to Aus in terms of dust and other environmentals, although it is funny to see that we're 5 years and depending on where you see it a significantly higher mileage.

 

The variability of recommendations across the VW group's limited range of shared engines across different countries is almost infinite and quite often contrary to expectations.

Australia is a massive island continent and the variety of climates and micro climates is extraordinary (four seasons Tasmania to the tropical North, alpine snow to desert), but as far as I know Australia gets one belt replacement policy.

It all seems very random. 

 

Yes it can occasionally get quite dusty here in Australia

 

 

We have taken our Octavia wagons estates (mk2 and mk3) on a number of dirt roads over the years and while the outside of the car from the front tyres back get very dusty, very quickly I am always surprised how clean the under bonnet and air filters are when I check afterwards.

Edited 7 July, 20214 yr by Gerrycan