Here's a query on behalf of somebody else - she's been driving a Fabia 1.4 TDI using longlife oil, yet she's had to come in for (minor) service at 15,000 kms. I thought that rather soon for a diesel on longlife oil. Do you have any idea what sort of variable service interval this engine is running on? Thanks in advance...

Bump...

All the Fabia range is on fixed service intervals.

Quote from SkodaUK's FAQs:

The service requirements will vary depending upon the model and engine. Fabia Models require a lubrication service at 10,000 miles and an inspection at 20,000 miles or 12 months whichever is sooner.

Thanks for that, Denis. But that's strange - why did they put in the 0W30 longlife oil?

I think it's standard factory fill on all the diesel engines Mattijs (probably on the petrol ones too, come to think of it). Even if it is on a fixed service interval regime, I still think that the 0w30 is better for the engine anyway - if you can afford the cost! Remember the turbo's spinning from around 1500rpm - I want the best possible lubrication for that sensitive area

Could be, but lots of other Fabias in NL get officially treated with 5W40 or 10W40 semi-synthetics, so probably only the diesels.

And frankly, I can't see that thin 0W30 stuff be better for the engine "anyway" - it was specifically devised for extended service intervals. To various oily experts the best possible lubrication for turbo engines would be thicker than 0W30, especially when it comes to low-revving, high-torque diesels. But I will grant that we've already had that discussion quite a few times...

Mattijs, from what I have read, I think that the viscosity has less to do with it that the quality of the oil itself. Whilst it starts off "thin", the Castrol boys have tried to ensure that it stays at the same viscosity throught the life of the oil in the engine - unlike other oils which *may* lose their viscosity as time goes on. But, then again, I am an armchair expert

What did your friend/the garage decide to put in in the end?

Ah, the Castrol boys you say - but does that also apply to the numerous other 0W30 VAG-spec brands? I've yet to find a Dutch Skoda dealer who uses the original Castrol longlife stuff. Mine, for instance, is using Havoline. (Not that I'm saying that Texaco are making rubbish )

Incidentally, they put 0W30 in the 1.4 TDI. That's on 15k kms and 4 months (!), while it's developed to last for two years.

Also, Howard, in http://www.briskoda.net/forums/showpost.php?p=116949&postcount=3 Warren is stating that his 505.01 PD-spec oil for TDI engines on fixed intervals (which said 1.4 TDI will be when serviced at 15k kms) is 5W40, and not 0W30. :confused:

They don't make it easy, do they? Gives us something to post about though, doesn't it. The thing that flummoxes me is why an engine in the Octy can be on a variable (longlife) servicing regime, yet an engine from the same range in a Furby can't be set that way. :ne_nau: