Evening all. 

 

Very new owner of a 14 plate vrs Estate. Tonight was the first time I was on a dual carriageway going uphill (driving it very hard!) and I felt it struggled a bit, well that's probably the wrong word, it continued accelerating the whole time but when the hill was steep it did find it harder. 

 

Unsure if it's just the car and how it is. Or my driving, or something going on! 

 

I did the same on return where there is a hill but a lot less steep, and it flew up it and kept on going. 

 

I used to drive an old 2.2 civic diesel which seemed to just get more power the steeper the hill! However it struggled alot off the line, in comparison the VRS flies on take off and in general feels faster all round but this one Hill make me wonder! 

 

Any advice? 

 

Thanks 

How empty is the fuel tank?

 

I don't have this problem with my Superb (only a 1.4tsi) but in the past with a fastish  car (Peugeot 306 gti-6) going up a local steep hill giving it a few beans if your petrol tank was low it would "hold back" at the steep bits. The combination of going uphill and accelerating somewhat (ahem) was causing fuel starvation.

 

Edited 4 April, 20233 yr by bigjohn

Might just need a full and proper service (of the whole car) and internal clean of air and fuel to the engine, engine oil & filter, and a few blowout runs with a couple of tanks of V-Power, depends on it's previous history and use.

 

Have you plugged in a suitable level scan tool to see what shows up, though do not just rely on that.

 

More details are required (as bigjohn has posted).

 

 

 

Thanks guys. 

 

Tank was 3/4 full. So assuming not that, interesting that happens though! 

 

I've not plugged anything in no I don't have access to anything to scan the vehicle although a friend has an odb11 would that do the same? 

 

It's just been serviced, however after I brought it, I get the feeling the cars been sat around a while! Driving home I had a nice puff of white (hoping condensation not smoke) come out when I hard accelerated for thr first time also Found A cobweb and a moth inside too lol! 

 

It's done 60k so get a feeling hasn't been a long journey car, please dont mention DPF to me!! 

 

We've literally had it less than a week and only done a couple long journeys so hopefully I can "break it in" a bit more if that's an issue. 

 

Does shell V power actually make a difference? Might try that! 

EDIT.

Sat a long time could have been Diesel in from when ever.  (Maybe even waxed during the winter if it was not winter diesel.)

Pre November last summer diesel, winter diesel since.  Now we are back to Summer diesel down south and now in Scotland in some areas.

 

60,000 miles means a diesel filter replacement could be an idea if not already replaced.

 

?

Manual or DSG ?

Is there a clean air filter in the airbox?

 

Some Premium Diesel bought at the next fill up might be simply clever just to see how that is. 

Not that it is a higher cetane.

 

EDIT, 

OK so 60,000 miles.    Look at the Air Filter and see what is in there.  Maybe something like a  'K&N performance filter' is strangling it. 

 

 

Edited 5 April, 20233 yr by toot

Thanks toot. 

 

The 60k was only oil filter change I believe. So diesel filter change woukd likely help as you say. I'll check air filter and see what's there. 

 

I will certainly give the v power diesel a shot, nothing to lose, except a couple quid! I just wasn't sure if it wasn't as torquey as I was used too, or was lower down the revs or something. I'll give it all a bit more time, still getting used to it really, along with the bumpy ride I'm not used too! Reminds me, must check tyre pressures too! 

 

Sorry its a manual by the way. 

 

Thanks 

4 hours ago, SkodaNewb said:

Evening all. 

 

Very new owner of a 14 plate vrs Estate. Tonight was the first time I was on a dual carriageway going uphill (driving it very hard!) and I felt it struggled a bit, well that's probably the wrong word, it continued accelerating the whole time but when the hill was steep it did find it harder. 

 

Unsure if it's just the car and how it is. Or my driving, or something going on! 

 

I did the same on return where there is a hill but a lot less steep, and it flew up it and kept on going. 

 

I used to drive an old 2.2 civic diesel which seemed to just get more power the steeper the hill! However it struggled alot off the line, in comparison the VRS flies on take off and in general feels faster all round but this one Hill make me wonder! 

 

Any advice? 

 

Thanks 

What is the gradient of the hill? What speed in what gear?

7 hours ago, Gerrycan said:

What is the gradient of the hill? What speed in what gear?

Good questions. I can't answer the gradient except relatively steep! 

 

Speed wise, it's the start of a dual carriageway off a roundabout, time I hit the hill was probably third at 70ish? I think! 

Had my 2014 TDI VRS for 2 weeks and just starting to get around all the jobs I wanted to. 

 

Even though the garage did an oil and filter change, they clearly didn't check the filter. Cracked open the airbox yesterday and the box was full of leaves and grit etc, plus the snow guard and a mucky filter. Despite the full service history, I'll be getting a full service done again to MY standards!

 

Hoovered out, snow guard removed and a fresh filter, feels a lot nicer driving now. 

 

As said, might be worth a few little caring touches, fresh filter, check the airbox, whip out the snow guard and some V power  If you're local to Staffs, pop and have a look over mine for comparison 😎

Edited 5 April, 20233 yr by Jimski

On 04/04/2023 at 21:06, SkodaNewb said:

I've not plugged anything in no I don't have access to anything to scan the vehicle although a friend has an odb11 would that do the same? 

OBD11 should give good info if it covers your model (I've no idea of contract details) but do not get too carried away with any codes it gives or doesn't, it a diagnostics tool and often only gives pointers rather than answers.

 

 

On 04/04/2023 at 21:06, SkodaNewb said:

It's just been serviced

As I put before as service nowadays is often just an engine oil and filter change and no more, even just an engine service is more than that let alone the whole car.  The engine is not the most important system, component or part on the car the engine can chug along even if not in good condition.  Brakes, steering, suspension (all three including tyres), important electrics are more important.

 

As has been put changing the air filter if required and cleaning the air way as much as possible can make a big difference, if the engine isn't breathing well it won't go as well as it could or should, going up a steep hill fast would require good breathing.

 

On 04/04/2023 at 21:06, SkodaNewb said:

Does shell V power actually make a difference?

In my experience it makes a big difference, mainly the cleaning additive package will help especially for you now.  When I used it instead of getting the usual black cloud of **** on hard acceleration off a roundabout right turn I got grey clouds of ****.  I would recommend you use two tankfuls, one before and during and one after service and/or MoT times and every now and then or every third or fourth fill if you want.

 

The above might save you having to do further cleaning for air and fuel other sensors.

 

If the car has been sitting around I always advise checking the state of the battery and despite it being driven now I would checked the battery is fully charged a few hours after the car has been parked up, allowing for the car's computer systems to be at rest as much as possibly about 12.6V is fully charged.  If not I would use an appropriate battery charger and maintainer to fully charge the battery as a even if the car starts and the lights seem bright enough the battery can still be too low in charge for the car's computer and this can cause all sorts of unexpected problems even before the car starts to put up warning messages and lights.

 

 

On 04/04/2023 at 22:21, SkodaNewb said:

Reminds me, must check tyre pressures too! 

Do that straight away with a reliable pressure gauge and at the same time have look at how the tyres are and if all or some of the tyres are the same make, model and age.  Getting the tyres and tyre pressure right will make a difference to braking, steering, suspension ride and comfort.  Little point having a VRS if it's not on appropriate tyres in reasonable condition.

 

Have a read of the Owner's Manual to see what's what with your car, if you read it and refer to it, for even what should be simple jobs, you will know more about your car than many long term owners and some at Dealerships and garages.  Free VWSkoda PDF downloads from here. - https://manual.skoda-auto.com/004/en-com/Models

 

Update portal. - https://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/

 

(admitted to) Recall campaigns. - https://www.skoda-auto.com/services/recall-campaigns

 

 

On 05/04/2023 at 09:16, Jimski said:

Despite the full service history, I'll be getting a full service done again to MY standards!

👍

 

On 05/04/2023 at 09:16, Jimski said:

 If you're local to Staffs, pop and have a look over mine for comparison 😎

If I was you I'd take up this kind offer

 

HTH.

 

Edited 7 April, 20233 yr by nta16
spelling

5 hours ago, SkodaNewb said:

Good questions. I can't answer the gradient except relatively steep! 

 

Speed wise, it's the start of a dual carriageway off a roundabout, time I hit the hill was probably third at 70ish? I think! 

 

I would have expected it to sail up in that gear so a high probability it is off-song.

Good advice given for you to follow (as usual) from other Briskodians.

Once you have followed the suggestions it might be an idea to find some single gear acceleration test times for say 50-70 (to avoid speeding infringements) that you can then see if you can match. That would give you a more scientific basis for determining where you are at.

 

Diesels love the occasional thrashing to avoid glazing and reduce carbon build up.

4 minutes ago, Gerrycan said:

 

I would have expected it to sail up in that gear so a high probability it is off-song.

Good advice given for you to follow (as usual) from other Briskodians.

Once you have followed the suggestions it might be an idea to find some single gear acceleration test times for say 50-70 (to avoid speeding infringements) that you can then see if you can match. That would give you a more scientific basis for determining where you are at.

 

Diesels love the occasional thrashing to avoid glazing and reduce carbon build up.

 

Appreciate your reply and all the other guys too. Given me lots to go on. I'm hoping it's nothing more serious than being sat around and needing a good hard drive! (I can certainly manage that!) the car was immaculate inside and very good out so it's been looked after but obviously that's not to say it was used as a school run car daily! 

 

I like the 50 to 70 idea, how would I go about that? Literally sit in 3rd at 50 then accelerate to 70 and time it? 

In fact I've just done some more research on the forums. While I'll be doing all the things mentioned above, I'm starting to wonder if it's how the power is delivered in comparison to my old car. 

 

I've read a few people complaining uphill feels slow and people stating the torque is delivered differently, more linear, so in fact "feels" a tad slower uphill whereas older engines have delivered the torque in one big lump? 

 

Could be that I'm feeling also! 

10 minutes ago, SkodaNewb said:

I like the 50 to 70 idea, how would I go about that? Literally sit in 3rd at 50 then accelerate to 70 and time it? 

Yes but don't do it yourself have someone else do it with whatever timer.  You'd want the engine and car fully warmed (oil temp, not coolant temp) 90C and be on a level straight road.  You can do it in whatever gears are comfortable to go from 50 to 70 and you can get figures to compare with.

 

The rest of the car has to be in reasonable condition too, road and weather colds could also make a difference - don't be too fused about getting a too near match to any figures just use as a guide.

 

2 minutes ago, SkodaNewb said:

Could be that I'm feeling also! 

How things feel and how they actually are is often two different things hence Gerrycan's suggested test.

 

So... For those who may be interested.... 

 

I just did the exact same route in my old civic for comparison! I do believe it's certainly a different delivery of power. 

 

The civic is flat u till about 2.2k revs then wanes off around 4k, VRS felt like it had power from zero but to about 3k.

 

Coming off the roundabout going up the steep hill in civic was similar and it hit the same point where the vrs struggled, but it did keep going and felt faster going up the hill. Just felt like it had more puff! 

 

The return small incline starts at traffic lights onto a perfect straight of dual carriageway that's on a small incline, the civic felt like a bus doing this in comparison. So slow! The VRS felt (and was) much quicker/more powerful. I'm sure I looked at the same point and the vrs was a good 20/25 mph ahead where the civic was. 

 

So my very technical analysis so far (can you tell I'm not very experienced in the technical world of cars!) is that the power delivery is different with the civic feeling like it can keep going a bit more when going uphill, but the majority of other areas the VRS was more fun and fast! 

 

I'll update when I check air filter and the other bits etc 

 

Around 2007 I had a hankering for a manual diesel estate as a company car. There were suddenly several imported options available as the local Australian diesel fuel requirements had improved to match the European standards.

A test drive of a Mazda 6 2.2L with its 400Nm of torque proved to be a bit boisterous with torque steer and spinning the front wheels in third on a damp road was off-putting.

Long story short I went for a 1.9pd mk2 Octavia with its 'mighty' 77kw/270Nm diesel donk.

While it was slow off the line I never found it underpowered when moving, it could accelerate up a long 12% gradient in top gear while only sucking at 12L/100, so overtaking in top gear on the flat was a breeze. I rarely had to change gear on long journeys.

The interesting thing is that after seven years I eventually sold it to a young couple replacing their WRX who lived in the Adelaide Hills and they rang me about a week after the purchase to say how delighted they were with the performance, economy and car in general, which was gratifying but totally unexpected considering their performance car.

I have had 2 vrs diesels, neither have ever slowed down on a steep hill I chicken out first.

The 15 plate I had pulled better in 3rd than forth and my current one 67 plate goes better in 4th. 
I do find mine runs better after a good run to Cornwall (220 miles each way) much more responsive afterwards. 
I service the car myself, make sure you change fuel and air filter as well as use the correct oil ( my local Skoda dealer does a service kit at a cracking price) , don’t follow maintenance schedule, 

if it’s been stood for a while it may have been doing a regen at the time.

I have also noticed a white puff from my exhaust when I lift off the power and coast going into a lower speed limit, again after a good run this issues goes away ( it’s normally doing a regen when this happens) 
I do 12-14000 miles per year 

always use a good grade of fuel not supermarket rubbish. 
I do put a couple of tanks of V power in a year when I know I am going on a long run. 
exhaust is as clean as a whistle.

I get 50-54 mpg on a long run at spirted motorway speeds 😉

I can get to Cornwall run round for a week and back on a tank of diesel. 
 

 

 

2 hours ago, yeti yeti said:

I have had 2 vrs diesels, neither have ever slowed down on a steep hill I chicken out first.

The 15 plate I had pulled better in 3rd than forth and my current one 67 plate goes better in 4th. 
I do find mine runs better after a good run to Cornwall (220 miles each way) much more responsive afterwards. 
I service the car myself, make sure you change fuel and air filter as well as use the correct oil ( my local Skoda dealer does a service kit at a cracking price) , don’t follow maintenance schedule, 

if it’s been stood for a while it may have been doing a regen at the time.

I have also noticed a white puff from my exhaust when I lift off the power and coast going into a lower speed limit, again after a good run this issues goes away ( it’s normally doing a regen when this happens) 
I do 12-14000 miles per year 

always use a good grade of fuel not supermarket rubbish. 
I do put a couple of tanks of V power in a year when I know I am going on a long run. 
exhaust is as clean as a whistle.

I get 50-54 mpg on a long run at spirted motorway speeds 😉

I can get to Cornwall run round for a week and back on a tank of diesel. 
 

 

 

I don't think it "slowed down" but it "felt the hill" and I almost thought about changing down a gear! That said, it's such a new car to me, I just need to adjust and do a lot more driving! As you've mentioned differences, each car is different I guess and getting used to where that power and pull comes from will come I'm sure! 

 

Your driving style sounds similar, we do quite long journeys also. Interesting you say a good long journey makes it feel more responsive after. Do you generally shorter trips? Maybe a good hard run does it some good then! 

 

Yes I'll be putting the v power in, although I'm actually not that close to a shell garage! 

 

Thanks for the comment! 

So, lots more driving today. 

 

Before I head to the garage for a check, just tell me it's not my driving style? Or I'm expecting too much of the car? 

 

Couple occasions, driving happily in 6th at 70, 2k revs, Hill coming up, foot flat, climbs 71,72......73... Hill continues (steep but not crazy) 72,...71...72....71...... Sticks there and almost like it has nothing left in the tank! I felt like I was in an old 1l car going up hill where I wanted to keep changing down! 

 

Am I expecting too much? Is 2k revs at 70 a matter of drop a gear? My old diesel would do 60 in 6th and continued to climb the whole way up hills without hesitation. I'm used to cruising at dual carriageway speeds then if needed just putting foot down and getting power, maybe I expect too much though?! 

 

Interestingly the last journey was an hour, 15 min of stop start then 45 min of 60mph plus roads. Stopped on the drive, turned off and assume a regen was going on as sounded like loud fans running after engine off? I forgot a journey so headed straight back out anyway, after that (10 minutes) I couldn't hear it when I stopped. (should you do anything different if a regen is happening? 

 

Thanks 

If you're in 6th gear do I take it you have a two-wheel drive with manual gearbox?

 

 

1 hour ago, SkodaNewb said:

Interestingly the last journey was an hour, 15 min of stop start then 45 min of 60mph plus roads. Stopped on the drive, turned off and assume a regen was going on as sounded like loud fans running after engine off? I forgot a journey so headed straight back out anyway, after that (10 minutes) I couldn't hear it when I stopped. (should you do anything different if a regen is happening? 

As above.

On 05/04/2023 at 11:38, nta16 said:

Have a read of the Owner's Manual to see what's what with your car, if you read it and refer to it, for even what should be simple jobs, you will know more about your car than many long term owners and some at Dealerships and garages.  Free VWSkoda PDF downloads from here. - https://manual.skoda-auto.com/004/en-com/Models

See book for DPF info.

 

Manufacturer' s claimed figures for new car under test conditions - 2.0 l/135 kW TDI engine - Octavia Combi MG6, DSG6 - Max. torque (Nm per rpm) - 380 at 1,750-3,000.

 

(output (kW per rpm) 135 at 3,500-4,000 - manufacturer' s claimed figures for new car under test conditions)

 

Edited 7 April, 20233 yr by nta16

Think of the engine as a giant air pump on wheels, run by fuel.  Then the computer term GIGO, garbage in garbage out, but for diesel particularly SISO, so you want sufficient clean air (and fuel) going into, through and out of the engine and exhaust then the engine (and sensors) and car's computer are happy and engine more likely to perform well.  Bunged up with muck and taking shallow breathes the engine is more wheezing along and and the engine, sensor and computer are less happy less able to perform well.

 

Now there could be many other reasons why your engine and car might not be performing as well as it could or should but the basic starting points are as detailed before.  Doesn't matter about verbal or paper details "a full service history" (I personally have yet to see a true full service on a modern car) or recent "service" or MoT pass, it's about the car's actual condition now.

 

On 05/04/2023 at 16:47, SkodaNewb said:

VRS felt like it had power from zero but to about 3k.

 

 

 

Any codes logged - 3k limit sounds like limp home mode?

 

When my previous Superb diesel had a vacuum control issue (different pd diesel engine) it used to restrict the power but it did put the EML light on - sort of ok on the flat but was a pain going up hill.  If you reset it ran fine for a while.

Edited 7 April, 20233 yr by bigjohn

11 hours ago, bigjohn said:

Any codes logged - 3k limit sounds like limp home mode?

I too wondered about that, hence putting up the power band figures (from the 'Owner's Manual') but the 3k might just have been a number given rather than spot on and the lack of other information (plus OBD11 scan yet to be done).  Also I put up the link to the 'Owner's Manual' for regen light/notice and perhaps any other lights/messages.

 

Hi guys. Thanks. 

 

Certainly not limp mode. Goes passed 3k in other gears just fine. It just felt like it had hit it's limits. 

 

I have found my tools today and off to check the air filter, then getting hold of friends odb11 soon to check that.

 

Another short journey today resulted in an interrupted regen! I'll read up on the dpf. 

 

I'm out in a couple days long journey and near a shell garage so will treat the car some v power! 

 

Appreciate you all helping and reading, I'll update again!