You can't take the plan out until the car is 3 years old, and the inspection has to be undertaken no more than 7 days before taking the plan, so ideally you need to get it inspected in the last week of the warranty so you can roll straight on to the All In One. I found this all a bit bizarre, VWFS are presumably the ones that pay for warranty work and who would pay for anything required under all in one, why they can't sell the package  to you when the car has been serviced by the main dealer I don't understand, if any warranty work was required they'd pay for it so it's not as if they're incurring any extra financial responsibility. I did want the breakdown cover having had a really good experience with it when mice eat some of the wiring loom but it seems to offer reasonable value though they do get the chance to sell you all the little service add ons.

1 hour ago, SurreySlowCoach said:

You can't take the plan out until the car is 3 years old, and the inspection has to be undertaken no more than 7 days before taking the plan, so ideally you need to get it inspected in the last week of the warranty so you can roll straight on to the All In One. I found this all a bit bizarre, VWFS are presumably the ones that pay for warranty work and who would pay for anything required under all in one, why they can't sell the package  to you when the car has been serviced by the main dealer I don't understand, if any warranty work was required they'd pay for it so it's not as if they're incurring any extra financial responsibility. I did want the breakdown cover having had a really good experience with it when mice eat some of the wiring loom but it seems to offer reasonable value though they do get the chance to sell you all the little service add ons.

It does seem to make life a bit tricky - I guess I will have to plan to be around that week (i.e. not plan a holiday) to make sure I have the option. 🙂

So does the plan include the 1st MOT at year 3 and the service at year 3 - Having to be over 3 years old to take out the plan would suggest not but that would be bizzare as owners would have to get  the MOT and service done just before the at the Y3 anniversary and then the plan would cover Y4 and Y5 Services and MOT.  I'm sure that con't be right though so a confimation would be appreciated. 

 

thanks

Paul

 

The curiosity in the paperwork is that the breakdown cover runs for two years but the service agreement doesn't expire for three, presumably to make sure you get the two services and MOT's in.  I had my first  MOT done elsewhere as too much bother to take it to the dealer but you can have the MOT done a month before the third anniversary of first registration but it won't start running till the registration date (same as getting an MOT done early) so you could get the dealer to do the MOT in the month leading up to the registration which would also give them the opportunity to find and rectify any issues.

You can have your included MOTs and services anytime you like after the plan has started, next day if you want.

I'm not sure, but I think maybe the eligibility check also needs to be done after the car has reached 3 years. You cannot have any other additinal warranty cover i.e. extended skoda warranty, to qualify, so these must be cancelled if you have taken one out. If, like me you took out a years Skoda extended warranty, this involved a phone call, they cancelled it and got a prorata refund less a admin charge of £25 iirc.

This plan, as with all Skoda warranties, including the original new car warranty do not cover wear and tear items, e.g. brake pads/discs, shock absorbers nor do they cover adjustments such as lights. Read the t&c's

 

Servicing regime can be fixed or variable, but you must specify if you want variable before they service your car.

 

Another strange thing is you don't get a written or emailed contract sent to you. Not even an acknowledgement. Only Skoda finance invoices sent by post every month are evidence that the plan is in place and even those just say "Fixed price servicingn. There is a contract no printed.

 

Edited 8 January, 20224 yr by xman

I had an email with about 5 attachments detailing terms and conditions, I'd be quite happy not to have an invoice every month in the post, seems a waste of paper.

7 hours ago, SurreySlowCoach said:

I had an email with about 5 attachments detailing terms and conditions, I'd be quite happy not to have an invoice every month in the post, seems a waste of paper.

Me too.

I recently got a dash message on my Bear telling me I need a service in the next few weeks. Variable type.

 

A quick look online suggests I must pay my friendly dealer a mere £185.

 

As I’m past the half way mark on a 3 year deal that should see me out.

 

Same as Bear No.1.

 

Mines just been in today for the inspection prior to taking out the All in one and it failed on requiring a software update on the power steering module £42 including vat, only serviced a month ago and wasn't picked up then.

Isn't it just within the 3 years though in that case as that sounds like a warranty claim to me.

7 minutes ago, Vectis said:

Mines just been in today for the inspection prior to taking out the All in one and it failed on requiring a software update on the power steering module £42 including vat, only serviced a month ago and wasn't picked up then.

???? Surely software updates should be free of charge?  And should done as part of service. It will be flagged to the dealer by Elsa pro or whatever Skoda software is used to generate the worksheet.

Sounds like you've been right ripped off to me.

1 hour ago, xman said:

???? Surely software updates should be free of charge?  And should done as part of service. It will be flagged to the dealer by Elsa pro or whatever Skoda software is used to generate the worksheet.

.

My car went in for its first routine service last December (it's a 2021 2.0TSI) and it wasn't checked for available updates although there was at least one available at the time.

 

My MIB is on 0270, and it transpires that 0270 can cause issues with the system failing to update its mapping database automatically, among other things.

 

I didn't know that at the time, so had no reason to ask them to check.

 

I've got a concurrent case running with Customer Services regarding a separate problem in that the car won't receive remote destinations sent from either the app or the Connect portal, so after a bit of head scratching, the application of some rudimentary logic and the invaluable help of someone else on here whose name I forget, I made a point of asking the Customer Services geezer this question in an email:

 

'Am I right in thinking that software updates aren't automatically checked for (and applied, if appropriate) when the car is having a routine service unless the customer specifically mentions a problem?'

 

This is what he said. I don't think I'm betraying any confidences in quoting this:

 

'In regards to your question, yes if the vehicle has been booked in only for a service then they would not check to see if there are any software updates available unless you ask them to check if there are any outstanding software updates or TPI’s available on your vehicle.'

 

Make of that what you will. Seems that the dealership wasn't remiss in not doing an automatic check for TPIs and updates at a routine service; they just don't do it.

 

I don't subscribe to the kind of conspiracy theories that hang in the air around these parts from time to time regarding what does or doesn't (or should or shouldn't) get done at a service, but having said that, I don't really understand why a vehicle in for service (or anything else, for that matter) couldn't be checked for TPIs and updates while the mechanics are looking up its skirt on the ramps.

 

Or having a smoke round the back. Or playing footy with the valeting bay's car-washing sponge.

 

I wouldn't necessarily expect any updates to be automatically applied if the customer doesn't mention a problem (it isn't a five minute job, after all) but I have a bit of difficulty understanding the logic of not pressing a few keys on a computer keyboard to at least establish whether or not there are any TPIs and updates available.

 

Surely that is a five minute job, even for a sausage-fingered mechanic.

 

I'm sure I'm oversimplifying horribly.

 

I'm not a technician, and neither do I pretend to be.

 

I'll make a point of asking at the garage next week when it's in for its MIB update. If they just say 'That's the way it is, I'm afraid', then I'll ask the Customer Services the same question.

 

Sure as eggs there's a reason for not doing something which would seem to be so obvious.

 

Isn't there?

 

.

 

 

Edited 16 February, 20224 yr by Phutters

A software update on the power steering module, or more correctly, a firmware update is addressing some recognised design fault, to fix it. i.e. the software and/or module was faulty at point of manufacture and Skoda is now able to fix it with an update. So they should fix it.  Clearly this is the responsibility of whoever sold the car to fix at their cost, as per the Consumer Rights Act 2015

 

It is not simply updating maps or adding new features, these do not affect the operation or "health" of the vehicle.

 

Contest the fee. Tell the dealer you wish to raise a case with Skoda UK regarding the legal liabilities of a known manufacturing or software issue.

 

Ping an email to Skoda UK if they don't want to listen.

14 hours ago, xman said:

A software update on the power steering module, or more correctly, a firmware update is addressing some recognised design fault, to fix it. i.e. the software and/or module was faulty at point of manufacture and Skoda is now able to fix it with an update. So they should fix it.  Clearly this is the responsibility of whoever sold the car to fix at their cost, as per the Consumer Rights Act 2015

 

It is not simply updating maps or adding new features, these do not affect the operation or "health" of the vehicle.

 

Contest the fee. Tell the dealer you wish to raise a case with Skoda UK regarding the legal liabilities of a known manufacturing or software issue.

 

Ping an email to Skoda UK if they don't want to listen.

I agree 100%. They are taking the Pith

The question is.  If we are proactive and call our local servicing department and ask to get a car (still under original 3yr warranty) booked in so they can check if there are any outstanding software/firmware updates or TPI's to address issues that we don't know we might have then I suspect they will say that they will charge for that service unless it is booked in to address a specific known issue/symptom that we are experiencing. 

 

How does one approach this and ask in the right way to get all the firmware updates / software fixes and TPI's addressed "for free"?  

@Vectis presumably had no idea that there was an issue with his power steering.

 

My next service is due a week or two after the end of my 3 year warranty so I am in a position where I cannot ask them to do all of those checks at my next service. Unless we all block book the 7 days prior to our cars 3 year anniversary and book the car in for its inspection within that exact preceeding week (assuming they can fit us in in that week) for the all-in-one inspection then we would have no recourse to get all the faults fixed under the original 3 year warranty "for free".

 

 

thanks

Paul

 

There is no need to book your car in just to check if it needs updates. Skoda ERWIN already knows from your VIN exactly what software is fitted to your car, and that is why updates are flagged. Similarly ERWIN will tell you if a TPI applies to your car, all it takes is 30 seconds to read it and decide if action is needed. TPIs used to be called RECALLS. Changed now because of lobbying, only certain safety issues are flagged as RECALLS and only after the incompetent VOSA has decided its serious enough.(How many Zafira fires does it take to instigate a recall?)

 

Edited 17 February, 20224 yr by xman

26 minutes ago, xman said:

There is no need to book your car in just to check if it needs updates. Skoda ERWIN already knows from your VIN exactly what software is fitted to your car, and that is why updates are flagged. Similarly ERWIN will tell you if a TPI applies to your car, all it takes is 30 seconds to read it and decide if action is needed. TPIs used to be called RECALLS. Changed now because of lobbying, only certain safety issues are flagged as RECALLS and only after the incompetent VOSA has decided its serious enough.(How many Zafira fires does it take to instigate a recall?)

 

For the incredibly thick (me) can you remind me how you do this in ERWIN.  I have a free account and can login and look at my digital service record but I can't see all the TPI's and updates that were performed already and what one's might need doing (like I suspect the steering Firmware): 

Every other part of ERWIN I try to access I need to pay (that I can see).   For example, I had the the update to the DSG DQ200 done when I purchased the car (refused to buy it at the supplying dealer until it was done) but I can see no mention of it in ERWIN. under the magnifying glass for the workshop remark when I purchased the car as an ex-demonstrator/Skoda owned "pool car" all I saw was:

 

 

 

Good luck to the average driver being able to do even that TBH - Not exactly straighforward for the mass public 🙂

 

 

Thanks

Paul

 

Edited 17 February, 20224 yr by smipx

I guess I have to ask the dealer I use for servicing. If I ask them then they tend to only tell me "over the phone" so I have no proof of what they are telling me.  If I email them, they tend to call me back (generally about 3 days later if I am lucky) and still tell me on the phone and not reply to the email with the information I ask for. If I ask them to email confirmation of conversations it tends not to be done.  I only really have 1 garage to use here in my isolated location and they don't have the best reputation.

Edited 17 February, 20224 yr by smipx

My 1.5tsi Karoq was one of the earlier ones that suffered the potentially lethal stalling habits - I showed a ridiculous level of patience and goodwill towards Skoda while a software fix was being sorted out. If Skoda now try and charge me for any software/firmware updates, I will undoubtedly blow a fuse.💥

52 minutes ago, smipx said:

For the incredibly thick (me) can you remind me how you do this in ERWIN.  I have a free account and can login and look at my digital service record but I can't see all the TPI's and updates that were performed already and what one's might need doing (like I suspect the steering Firmware): 

Every other part of ERWIN I try to access I need to pay (that I can see).   For example, I had the the update to the DSG DQ200 done when I purchased the car (refused to buy it at the supplying dealer until it was done) but I can see no mention of it in ERWIN. under the magnifying glass for the workshop remark when I purchased the car as an ex-demonstrator/Skoda owned "pool car" all I saw was:

 

 

 

Good luck to the average driver being able to do even that TBH - Not exactly straighforward for the mass public 🙂

 

 

Thanks

Paul

 

What I was trying to say is it is surely the responsibility of the seller (dealer) to ensure your car is updated and has no outstanding TPIs using their free access to Skoda's database.

 

For the neurotic among us, then we would have to pay €7 for an hours full access to Erwin and access the same information. Not easy for those who don't know how to use a computer, granted.

 

I suggest people get into the habit of asking for written confirmation that all necessary updates and TPIs are carried out at every service. And it can't be that difficult to phone and ask the service manager to check if there are any outstanding, not forgetting to record the conversation or asking for a confirmation email.

52 minutes ago, smipx said:

I guess I have to ask the dealer I use for servicing. If I ask them then they tend to only tell me "over the phone" so I have no proof of what they are telling me.  If I email them, they tend to call me back (generally about 3 days later if I am lucky) and still tell me on the phone and not reply to the email with the information I ask for. If I ask them to email confirmation of conversations it tends not to be done.  I only really have 1 garage to use here in my isolated location and they don't have the best reputation.

 

Asking for confirmation of telephone conversations. WTF !

 

Why don't you just email the service department and ask if checking for software updates is part of the service and that if an update is available, do they upload it as part of the service? That's what I do if I have a question.

 

 

Edited 17 February, 20224 yr by kodiaqsportline

5 minutes ago, xman said:

What I was trying to say is it is surely the responsibility of the seller (dealer) to ensure your car is updated and has no outstanding TPIs using their free access to Skoda's database.

 

For the neurotic among us, then we would have to pay €7 for an hours full access to Erwin and access the same information. Not easy for those who don't know how to use a computer, granted.

 

I suggest people get into the habit of asking for written confirmation that all necessary updates and TPIs are carried out at every service. And it can't be that difficult to phone and ask the service manager to check if there are any outstanding, not forgetting to record the conversation or asking for a confirmation email.

In theory - yes.   But this is Skoda / VAG service outlets we are talking about here.  They have rules of their own and (some of them) do all they can be as generally unhelpful and unresponsive as they can. If it makes them more money and they are not breaking the law then that is the way they tend to go. At least that is my experience of my local shop with few others that I can reasonably get to.  It's okay if you have a good one locally or are in a location where alternatives are at hand but in some parts of the UK you are stuck with what you have.  There are a few other forum members in my neck of the woods who know exactly what I am saying. 

 

Edited 17 February, 20224 yr by smipx

1 minute ago, smipx said:

In theory - yes.   But this is Skoda / VAG service outlets we are talking about here.  They have rules of their own and do all they can be as generally unhelpful and unresponsive as they can. If it makes them more money and they are not breaking the law then that is the way they tend to go. At least that is my experience of my local shop with few others that I can reasonably get to.   

 

Then I fall back to Plan B, nag and pester, Plan C, complain very loudly in the presence of other customers, Plan D get Skoda UK involved, .....and so on.....until Plan H......drive car though showroom window. 😜

For me I will book my car in the week before the 3rd year anniversary - just prior to the warranty expiring and ask for the All-in-one check. Any problems will still be under warranty at that point and its within the 7 days prior that you are supposed to be allowed to get the check done.   That seems the safest route not to get caught out. I may also get an MOT done by a 3rd party garage (£35) in that week too so if any other little nuggets come along (like headlights not aligned properly or stress fractures of the headlight plastic or other faulty suspension bits, a drivers seat that likes to recline of its own accord, etc.). they will also (hopefully) be covered and fixed.   e.g. the seat issue has been in twice and they said its fine. I half suspect an MOT inpector may have a different view in which case they will have no choice but to replace the seat frame.🙂 

 

25 minutes ago, smipx said:

For me I will book my car in the week before the 3rd year anniversary - just prior to the warranty expiring and ask for the All-in-one check. Any problems will still be under warranty at that point and its within the 7 days prior that you are supposed to be allowed to get the check done.   That seems the safest route not to get caught out. I may also get an MOT done by a 3rd party garage (£35) in that week too so if any other little nuggets come along (like headlights not aligned properly or stress fractures of the headlight plastic or other faulty suspension bits, a drivers seat that likes to recline of its own accord, etc.). they will also (hopefully) be covered and fixed.   e.g. the seat issue has been in twice and they said its fine. I half suspect an MOT inpector may have a different view in which case they will have no choice but to replace the seat frame.🙂 

 

You can get the MOT done upto month early (actually one day under a month, eg if expires 25th, can be done from 26th of previous month) and it’s start will be post dated to 3rd anniversary of registration, or when previous MOT expires (if year 4 onwards)

 

However if it fails then the DVLA database (and police ANPR) will show it as no valid MOT even though original one hasn’t run out.    But at least it gives time to get any warranty work done before third anniversary.

 

There is a school of thought that if the car is properly serviced and everything fixed at 3 years then starting the extended warranty immediately is a waste of money as shouldn’t go wrong for a while, thus deferring the start few months could save money, but of course it’s gambling that something unforeseen won’t fail.