Service interval confusion

[Kmann]

I have become a bit confused or nervous or something. I don't sleep well at night …

Our T6 Cali has now 22.000 km on the clock. It has never been to any service. The manual states it is a "Q18", wish means no service for the first 24 months or 40.000 km (!). Longlife service.

I have never owned a car that could go this far. A couple of months ago I filled about one litre Longlife oil on the engine because it was getting a kind of low.

What to you think? Should I go back to bed?

 

[WelshGas]

I have become a bit confused or nervous or something. I don't sleep well at night …

Our T6 Cali has now 22.000 km on the clock. It has never been to any service. The manual states it is a "Q18", wish means no service for the first 24 months or 40.000 km (!). Longlife service.

I have never owned a car that could go this far. A couple of months ago I filled about one litre Longlife oil on the engine because it was getting a kind of low.

What to you think? Should I go back to bed?

Back to bed, BUT you can have it serviced when you like.

I have a 180, on Long Life Service. I cover 20,000 miles/ year. So mine gets Oil change etc: annually. But even if I didn't cover the milage it would still have an oil change and service annually.

If you read the Handbook - Low Milage = Annual Service, High Milage = Long Life Service 20,000 miles

There is NO requirement to stick to the Long Life Service. Have it serviced earlier if you want, but just get the Garage to reset the service interval.

 

[Hotel California]

I had my T5 2012 seviced afther 5000km/6 months just changed oil
Then only back two years / 13.000 km later .

T6 engine are diffrent but , i think from new you better change the oil afther a while and than at least every two year no matter if you don't get the km done as the servicebook says.

 

[Toot-toot]

We have ignored the service recommendations and had an oil and filter service every 10,000 miles. We are keeping our van for life so intend to look after it

 

[AlanC]

You can ask you dealer to change the reminder on the dash to a shorter distance and annual service if you are worried.

Alan

 

[Kmann]

Thanks for your answers ;-)

The handbook says 40.000 km or two years before the first service. And after this, it runs in normal 20.000 or annually intervals (what comes first). I have added fresh oil, but I think I will spend the bugs, and get an oil and filter change before the long haul for holiday kicks in. Just for the sake of it.

I actually sleep a lot better again ;-)

 

[Max-Felix]

More on this in the current topic https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...1-140-dsg-except-its.18243/page-4#post-210089' but it's not just about the oil (important though that is). With new vehicles having no MOT inspection then really IMHO it is important to have an annual inspection to check for potential safety issues etc as well as other problems that could develop. Long life is aimed at high mileage everyday warm engine users really (fleets, reps, van drivers) and they will by virtue of high mileage have at least annual inspections anyway.

No way I'd collect my £60k vehicle and run it unseen for two years especially if run like many Cali's on short runs or infrequent use, maybe 3000 to 5000 miles a year.

 

[Sp0_0k]

I have 20k km set for oil change on T6. No matter I told the dealer there should be a flexible interval.
We are making mostly long trips with longer stay in the garage. I was told by dealer that oil requires change sooner if the car stay without driving for long periods
I was sure the oil spoils faster if you make more short drives constantly heating and cooling it down.

 

[Sp0_0k]

So I've changed oil at 21k km at the end of Summer got 32k no and have to change it in 8k. What is stupid I need a long trip like 10k to Norway this August so will have to change it at like 35k km.

 

[Hotel California]

So I've changed oil at 21k km at the end of Summer got 32k no and have to change it in 8k. What is stupid I need a long trip like 10k to Norway this August so will have to change it at like 35k km.

I would do a service anyway before a planned 10.000km trip , just for peace of mind . Whats a few € compared to the risk of something going wrong half way your trip?
Take it in at 35k
I want mine fully checked at least every two year no matter what distance done.
But you are doing way more km than me ...

 

[WelshGas]

More on this in the current topic https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...1-140-dsg-except-its.18243/page-4#post-210089' but it's not just about the oil (important though that is). With new vehicles having no MOT inspection then really IMHO it is important to have an annual inspection to check for potential safety issues etc as well as other problems that could develop. Long life is aimed at high mileage everyday warm engine users really (fleets, reps, van drivers) and they will by virtue of high mileage have at least annual inspections anyway.

No way I'd collect my £60k vehicle and run it unseen for two years especially if run like many Cali's on short runs or infrequent use, maybe 3000 to 5000 miles a year.

Definitely Agree an Annual inspection is a must + Annual Oil Change. Fortunately for me I use mine most days + long and very long trips, 20,000 miles / year, but if I was doing less I would still be doing an Annual Oil Change no matter what the computer says. Very low mileage 5,000 miles or less then definitely Annual Inspection and Oil Change because things deteriorate with time. Oil in particular, once the can/bottle is opened and especially in an engine that is not covering the miles on a regular basis. It would be interesting to know, for those who have purchased a Service Package from New if VW will insist on Inspections/Oil changes as determined by the Computer only or will allow Annual Inspection/Oil Change?

 

[Loz]

I have a service plan and also asked for the service interval be changed to Time and Distance so will go in annually/10K.

 

[Sp0_0k]

Any reason for the dealer to charge x5 on the oil compared to the stores? I know I can just buy it and they will change oil I've brought. But why freaking x5 times more expensive for their own?
They are charging ~20pounds per liter of Castrol Long life here. When it is sold for just ~23pounds per 5Liter

 

[WelshGas]

Any reason for the dealer to charge x5 on the oil compared to the stores? I know I can just buy it and they will change oil I've brought. But why freaking x5 times more expensive for their own?
They are charging ~20pounds per liter of Castrol Long life here. When it is sold for just ~23pounds per 5Liter

Have you asked? Maybe that's what they are being charged as a small retailer whereas larger retailers buy for the group and can demand massive discounts.

 

[Sp0_0k]

Yes I did. The answer is " well it is like that"
When I was buying a bike rack they had it listed for 700eur and refused to give even 1% discount. I've told them I have an option to buy in Germany for 500 eur. They didn't care and I did buy in Germany

 

[WelshGas]

Yes I did. The answer is " well it is like that"
When I was buying a bike rack they had it listed for 700eur and refused to give even 1% discount. I've told them I have an option to buy in Germany for 500 eur. They didn't care and I did buy in Germany

Well as long as they use the oil you provide, it's their lose.

 

[Bennybristol]

Dear All, As you guys seem to be very knowledgeable about this thing I would like to ask for some advise about services. I have a 2008 T5 Cali and need to service it. Can I take it to any garage for a "normal car" service, or should I take it to a center which specialises in campervans/motorhomes?

 

[WelshGas]

Dear All, As you guys seem to be very knowledgeable about this thing I would like to ask for some advise about services. I have a 2008 T5 Cali and need to service it. Can I take it to any garage for a "normal car" service, or should I take it to a center which specialises in campervans/motorhomes?

For the vehicle itself any garage will do, but one specialising in VWs might be better.

For the Camper side of things there are no servicing requirements as such apart from replacing the gas rubber hose connected to the regulator every 3-5 years, can’t remember which.
If you hire the van out then you have to have a Gas Safety check annually.
If you want one personally then a Caravan Motorhome Dealer should be able to do it or advise.