I've been very happy with the dealer so far, over several years, but this time I strongly suspect that the oil filter hasn't been changed.  The oil clearly has, which is the main thing, but unless Skoda have started stipulating that the filter doesn't need changing every time on low mileages (very low on this car - less than 2000 a year!) it's been missed by accident or design. I'm not sure which.

 

How critical is it if it hasn't been changed?  I appreciate that it's by no means ideal, but how big a deal is it in terms of the longevity of the engine (gently driven, low mileages but always sufficient for the engine to heat up properly!).

 

Or have Skoda started allowing fewer filter changes on their service plans?  

 

If I do insist on a new filter, can it be changed quickly and easily, with just a top-up of the oil lost?

 

Thanks for the assistance, as always - if only I understood car engines and their workings!!!  Great car though (and all the original advice several years ago was sound and appreciated) - very surprising secondhand values too.  A potential classic, I suspect.

 

 

They should always change the filter with oil and fit a new sump plug unless you've specifically asked for otherwise.

 

Why do you suspect the oil filter hasn't been changed? Did you mark the old filter? Is your engine the old  EA111 camchain 1.2tsi with the oil filter at the top front of the engine or the newer EA211 cambelt engine with the filter down at the bottom front of the sump?

 

Have they given you an invoice detailing all the parts used which should include the filter and sump plug?

 

Have you challenged them?

My sincere apologies, guys. A more detailed inspection of the photo taken of the old filter shows that although it appeared not to have been changed, it has.

 

Sorry to waste your time. Car maintenance is still a mystery to me, after various disastrous attempts at it.

 

I had checked this out before posting though, and I gather that some manufacturers, possibly including VW, are only recommending filter changes every other service. Seems crazy to me, but what do I know?