Oil change in Europe without an appointment

[Sp0_0k]

How realistic is it to change a motor oil alone without an appointment. In Germany, France, Spain
We usually have pretty long trips 8-15k km and it gets pretty hard to plan a motor oil change at home.
How realistic is it to change it during the travel just stopping by at VW services in small villages?

 

[Kmann]

This is just a guess.

We had help with a new tap in Munich with just 12 hours notice. @Amarillo had their door handle repaired on a short notice – as I recall. And probably others too. So my guess is, it is realistic to get an oil change within 24-48 hours. We had one challenge though. Our car was called in for a factory correction. And VW is not allowed to take it in, without doing the update if one such is due.

 

[Sp0_0k]

So I still should call them right?
Trying to contact dealers on the route in Germany now and everything closes is within 10 days...
Should I call VW assistance if I get stuck with computer warning for an oil change?

 

[Kmann]

So I still should call them right?
Trying to contact dealers on the route in Germany now and everything closes is within 10 days...
Should I call VW assistance if I get stuck with computer warning for an oil change?

Yes! You need an appointment.

But it is my experience they are very eager to help. We have super good experience with MAHAG in Munich. They have a special Cali-workshop and are very service-minded. There is also a small Cali-specialist around Zürich.

 

[Sp0_0k]

Made calls to like 10 dealers already. Everybody says everything full for like 2 weeks and don't give a crap...
And oil change alone is just an hour work.

 

[Kmann]

Hmm … then you need to cry into the phone, telling it will ruin your holiday, and so on, and on, and on …

 

[Sp0_0k]

0 fs given. Even tried VW assistance. No use.
I have to go on a work trip with a vehicle in a week. But have to sit and wait for a freaking oil change.
And I've changed it 3 months ago.
Magical VW nonsense.

 

[Kmann]

I had mine to an oil change in end June and just recently it was called to service (35.000 km.). I had expected they would do both at the same time. But I guess it is because i chose long-life cycle … i don't get it.

 

[WelshGas]

0 fs given. Even tried VW assistance. No use.
I have to go on a work trip with a vehicle in a week. But have to sit and wait for a freaking oil change.
And I've changed it 3 months ago.
Magical VW nonsense.

That is an awfully short time interval.
I am getting my annual service next week after 20,000 miles ( 32,200 Km ) and the Dash display says I can drive another 6000 miles ( 9650 KM ) before I need an oil change.

 

[Kmann]

That is an awfully short time interval.
I am getting my annual service next week after 20,000 miles ( 32,200 Km ) and the Dash display says I can drive another 6000 miles ( 9650 KM ) before I need an oil change.

I myself asked for the early oil change because I was concerned that it would be asked for in our 4-week holiday in Croatia. So I decided to change it before takeoff.

 

[Sp0_0k]

they set 15k on the last service.
So I made just 13k on that oil. And though it is kinda dumb to hurry to change it at home at just 13k on one refill.
They've never set me the proper auto interval. Was 20 and 20 and now 15

 

[kave]

I had the same issue this summer. I called three and found one with express service who dit it day after while I waited in the shop. Just call arround.

 

[Amarillo]

Interesting - my first oil change has just flashed up. And the low screen wash warning light, but I can do that myself.


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[westfalia]

How realistic is it to change it during the travel just stopping by at VW services in small villages?

Isn´t that a bit like asking how realistic is it to get my hair cut whilst on my travels ?
If you were unable to drive it, then yes you might get looked at. All depends on the
garage. If you´re looking for a Formula 1 pit stop oil change, then i doubt it.
Unless you threw a load of money at them.
You could combine the oil change job with the left hand side panel of your van repair,
You´d be their best customer.

 

[jts46]

Had mine done at le'clerc last year 45 minute wait and all done in 45 mins. Spent the 45 mins in the bricolage a man thing

 

[briwy]

I agree with JohnTowers.
Provided they use the correct oil then there is no need to go to a VW dealer. Likely to be cheaper I would think.
Personally not a fan of variable servicing so we just get it done once a year.

 

[Amarillo]

Amarillo is booked in for an oil change tomorrow at 9.30 am at VW Castellon. The oil change is 500km overdue. Current "mileage" is 27,167 Km.


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[Sp0_0k]

Booked all the way in Spain.
Was surprised I made a booking through the facebook chat.
Was afraid Spanish are bad with English as French and Germans.

 

[Amarillo]

Amarillo is booked in for an oil change tomorrow at 9.30 am at VW Castellon. The oil change is 500km overdue. Current "mileage" is 27,167 Km.

I took the van in at 9.30, and was told it would be ready by 10. Returned at 10 to be told that the vehicle was telling them it needed a check. Return at 17.30!

The service package isn't covered Europe wide and the cost will be 190 Euros. I hope I can claim that back on our return to the UK.


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[Amarillo]

I took the van in at 9.30, and was told it would be ready by 10. Returned at 10 to be told that the vehicle was telling them it needed a check. Return at 17.30!

The service package isn't covered Europe wide and the cost will be 190 Euros. I hope I can claim that back on our return to the UK.

The van was ready for us at 16:00. They were going to deliver it to us at our campsite, but their driver was frightened about driving a van with the steering wheel on the right!!! so he came and picked me up.

The van wasn't washed.

Screen wash was topped up.

Cost: 192 Euros which I hope I can claim back or partially claim back when we return to the UK.


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[Kmann]

I think that the VW updates are not covered is a duck? I might be wrong. But as i wrote before they (VW) are not alowed to release the car with an update pending. And that makes me wonder. They take in the car for service and you are forced to pay for an update. Odd situation IMO.


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[Amarillo]

I think that the VW updates are not covered is a duck? I might be wrong. But as i wrote before they (VW) are not alowed to release the car with an update pending. And that makes me wonder. They take in the car for service and you are forced to pay for an update. Odd situation IMO.


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I think that the charge was for the oil service and interim check, not for an update.

We had a free recall update in Poland when we took the van in for a minor repair. And the van was washed (albeit not very well).

Here's the Spanish invoice:

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[rditt]

At least in germany there area lot of companys like 'pitstop' or 'mr.wash' 'mac_oil' ets. which are making oil changes without any appointment. Mostly they are also take less money. I.e. engine oil change including oil / filter etc. far below 90€ foe a 140hp cali.

greetings rolf

 

[Sp0_0k]

Yea I've noticed that oil is the cheapest in Germany even at official VW. 20eur liter.
Though I've tried contacting like 6 services and none replied. On phone calls they didn't even try to speak English. Though I've tried simple explanation like "VW T6 motor oil change"
Too hard to process
So far Czech has most freaking expensive I've seen. 33 eur liter Though they were taking my own oil no problem.