For a number of reasons I haven't done many miles over the last (almost) 2 years since the last oil service (car is a 2018 plate Octavia Scout "2 litre" /1968cc diesel - 150PS/110kw).. though I have done quite a lot of very short trips during that period.

 

Last oil service was done in January 2023 at 78184 miles with engine flush, valve additive, new filter and "Castrol Long Life-5W/30LL" oil.

Today the mileage is at 80001....only 1817 miles done in almost  2 years...car running fine.

 

I know the service interval is supposed to be 20k miles or 2 years but in people's opinion should an oil service really be necessary in January 2025?

 

 

 

The Oil & Filter Service interval can be 24 months / 18,000-20,000 miles for those doing the sort of miles usage to suit that..  It is not 'supposed to be that'.

 

It can be Fixed Service Intervals for lower annual miles, sorter trips etc. 9,400 miles / 372 days. 

 

To me your cars engine really could do with an Oil & Filter change if your car is a keeper.  Condensation causing corrosion in an engine. 

Then Servicing is more than Oil & Filter changes, if you are not doing inspections / maintenance etc. 

 

Haldex & Brake Fluid servicing as well.  Hygroscopic

. So low miles is as bad for stuff as high miles, worse really unless a vehicle is dry stored. 

Edited 12 December, 20241 yr by Ootohere

Thanks for that..you make some good points. I'll get it done with all the other stuff.

17 hours ago, armadillo said:

For a number of reasons I haven't done many miles over the last (almost) 2 years since the last oil service (car is a 2018 plate Octavia Scout "2 litre" /1968cc diesel - 150PS/110kw).. though I have done quite a lot of very short trips during that period.

 

Last oil service was done in January 2023 at 78184 miles with engine flush, valve additive, new filter and "Castrol Long Life-5W/30LL" oil.

Today the mileage is at 80001....only 1817 miles done in almost  2 years...car running fine.

 

I know the service interval is supposed to be 20k miles or 2 years but in people's opinion should an oil service really be necessary in January 2025?

 

 

 

Absolutely yes, you should perform an oil change.

The video below provides a decent explanation of the problem (and for hybrids its a real problem), but a TL:DW explanation is: when your engine is cold,

water vapour in the system can be and is absorbed into the oil via emulsification agents. When the engine heats up, this trapped water can boil off and work its way out of the oil and out of the back of the car.

If your engine doesn't warm up, there is no opportunity for the oil-trapped water to boil off, and so there it stays in the oil.

It builds up and up until it's beyond the ability of the oil to accommodate.

You can end up with sticky sludge and other unpleasantness and very poor performing oil in your engine.

For lots of small runs, you should increase your oil changes IMO.

EDIT: Beyond that, oil additives only have a limited life, so "old" oil is not good for your car.

 

Edited 13 December, 20241 yr by EnterName

Thanks for replying and the interesting video. It will probably be best for me to go back to an annual change..never mind the relatively low mileage covered.

4 hours ago, armadillo said:

Thanks for replying and the interesting video. It will probably be best for me to go back to an annual change..never mind the relatively low mileage covered.

A service history showing oil changes above and beyond the norm won't do you any harm when it comes to selling your vehicle, or if you have a warranty dispute with Skoda.

If selling privately, it will greatly boost buyer confidence in how you have looked after your car.

 

Hadn't considered those points..thanks again.