I had my Fabia vRS serviced back in June 2007 by my local Skoda dealer where I bought the car new in 2004 (20,000 mile service, but performed at less than 19,000 miles), and several times since that date, when washing the car, noticed oil in the water which ran down the road. I assumed at the time that this was residual oil on the road from somebody elses car.

Since my car has never drunk oil, I thought no more of it until I was about to do a long run in early September, so checked my oil, and it was barely touching the tip of the dipstick.

I topped it up to the correct level, then did a 1,500 mile run, but on checking the level again, it was right at the tip of the dipstick again.

It turns out that the dealer hadn't tightened the sump plug, and there was less than a full turn to go until the plug fell out altogether, so it's obviously been merrily dripping oil since mid-June!

What I need to know is this - what damage (long term) am I likely to face as a result of running for long periods with very little oil. I've not noticed the oil pressure warning light come on during this time, however.

I'd be grateful if anyone can shed light on this, and would welcome suggestions as to an appropriate course of action with the offending dealer, perhaps!

No damage if the oil level has always been above the min level on the dipstick.

Take the car back and explain what happened for starters, no shouting and screaming, just politely but firmly.

No damage if the oil level has always been above the min level on the dipstick.

Take the car back and explain what happened for starters, no shouting and screaming, just politely but firmly.

Alas, when I noticed the problem it was literally on the tip of the dipstick only. That's 14mm below the minimum level.

Think you're right regarding the dealer though - no point in starting a war yet

Take the car back and explain what happened for starters, no shouting and screaming, just politely but firmly.

.................and ask for this neglect to be put on record in case of any damage you might incur later ?