VW servicing rant - Money for what exactly? not brake fluid thats for sure

[Ocean Spirit]

I am guessing like many I took the servicing plan when I bought my Cali that covers the interim and major service.
TBH, I never expected much from the interim service and just went through the motions. Also I have never really thought car services are value for money but this has more than confirmed that.
I have just booked in for the major and I am told I need to book a separate Brake fluid service as well at £54
Eh?????????

So I ask what I am actually paying for in that upfront plan. I reckon thats worth £100 tops I rang VW customer care and they are apparently very used to my enquiry.

What a rip off

Full service
We'll make sure to check the:
Lights (Wow check ? I can check them and do)

• 
  Horn (Wow check? I can check and I use it often enough which is the only real check that counts who cares if it works at the time of a service and not when you need it how you gonna prove they ever checked it)
• 
  Instruments (Wow check ? Surely only the the most oblivious people wouldn't know if their instruments are working properly and they are the ones who would likely not address it)
• • Washers and wipers and top-up fluid.
• 
  Tyre condition and tread depths (some merit if you really are that lazy I suppose but I don't need this)
• 
  Tyre pressures and correct them if needed (some merit if you really are that lazy I suppose but I don't need this)
• 
  Airbags for visible damage ( What?? how do they check that then)
• 
  Sunroof
• 
  Tipper system and change the oil if necessary
• 
  Paint and bodywork for damage and corrosion (and then what?)
• 
  Expiry date on breakdown set ( I have a spare tyre)
• 
  Engine and engine compartment for leaks
• 
  Condition of visible drive belts (Do they remove any plastic covers? and then what?)
• 
  Gearbox, final drive and rear axle for leaks and damage (Check only )
• 
  Manual gearbox oil level (Check only ?)
• 
  Final drive oil level (Check only ?)
• 
  Brake system for leaks and damage (Buy a brake fluid service before you come even if this is ok)
• 
  Thickness of the front and rear brake pads/linings (Finally something that sounds worth a few pence)
• 
  ABS sensor and cables (Finally something that sounds worth a few pence)
• 
  Underbody sealant and panels for damage (Then what?)
• 
  Supplementary rubber rings (So far as I can tell none have been disturbed so far)
• 
  Condition of the exhaust system (Then what?)
• 
  Steering joints and boot for wear and damage (OK)
• 
  Coolant levels and anti-freeze strength (just a check ?)
• 
  Condition of the camshaft drive toothed belt (OK)
• 
  Power-assisted steering oil level (OK)
• 
  Brake fluid level and condition (Buy a brake fluid service before you come even if this is ok)
• 
  ATF level (automatic) (Check ?)
• 
  Battery
• 
  Idle speed
• 
  Adjustment of headlights (check or check and adjust without further cost?)
• 
  Drive shaft (and?)

And we'll also:

• 
  Run a vehicle systems test and read fault memories (OK)
• 
  Grease the front door check-strap and hinges (we'll see )
• 
  Grease the trailer coupling
• 
  Change the engine oil and filter
• 
  Renew the air filter
• 
  Renew the pollen filter
• 
  Renew the fuel filter
• 
  Perform engine basic settings (what could that be?)
• 
  Perform a road test

 

[Thepuma]

I agree....

With a main dealer service all you are paying for is..

1) An oil and filter change
2) A stamp in your book
...and also a load of checks so they can find something to charge you the earth for when in reality it probably doesn't need urgent attention.

 

[Wildcamper]

License to print money - our money. Just had an oil service done on my 18 reg Golf. Main VW dealer £250! Local VW specialist using genuine VW parts and oil £110! Only difference is the local chap can't enter his service onto the VW service database.

 

[flying banana]

i did mine myself. i then know exactly what oil is in the engine and that the filters haven't been done by a moron (sorry, master tech) checking lights and instruments ? wtf ? doesn't a warning come on anyway if a bulb goes down ?that is just a huge check list of nothing, sod them i say

 

[Legin]

License to print money - our money. Just had an oil service done on my 18 reg Golf. Main VW dealer £250! Local VW specialist using genuine VW parts and oil £110! Only difference is the local chap can't enter his service onto the VW service database.

Actually bonafide specialist can input to the OEM electronic system according to my friend who has his own garage. What I do, is get a print out of the dealer service history to date then stick it in a service book off ebay then get the garage to stamp the future services.
What I dont do is contribute to OEM overheads and profit making (my choice) , once you have had the vehicle a few years the Dealer provenance counts for little especially on white good vehicles.

 

[Legin]

I am guessing like many I took the servicing plan when I bought my Cali that covers the interim and major service.
TBH, I never expected much from the interim service and just went through the motions. Also I have never really thought car services are value for money but this has more than confirmed that.
I have just booked in for the major and I am told I need to book a separate Brake fluid service as well at £54
Eh?????????

So I ask what I am actually paying for in that upfront plan. I reckon thats worth £100 tops I rang VW customer care and they are apparently very used to my enquiry.

What a rip off

Full service
We'll make sure to check the:
Lights (Wow check ? I can check them and do)

• 
  Horn (Wow check? I can check and I use it often enough which is the only real check that counts who cares if it works at the time of a service and not when you need it how you gonna prove they ever checked it)
• 
  Instruments (Wow check ? Surely only the the most oblivious people wouldn't know if their instruments are working properly and they are the ones who would likely not address it)
• • Washers and wipers and top-up fluid.
• 
  Tyre condition and tread depths (some merit if you really are that lazy I suppose but I don't need this)
• 
  Tyre pressures and correct them if needed (some merit if you really are that lazy I suppose but I don't need this)
• 
  Airbags for visible damage ( What?? how do they check that then)
• 
  Sunroof
• 
  Tipper system and change the oil if necessary
• 
  Paint and bodywork for damage and corrosion (and then what?)
• 
  Expiry date on breakdown set ( I have a spare tyre)
• 
  Engine and engine compartment for leaks
• 
  Condition of visible drive belts (Do they remove any plastic covers? and then what?)
• 
  Gearbox, final drive and rear axle for leaks and damage (Check only )
• 
  Manual gearbox oil level (Check only ?)
• 
  Final drive oil level (Check only ?)
• 
  Brake system for leaks and damage (Buy a brake fluid service before you come even if this is ok)
• 
  Thickness of the front and rear brake pads/linings (Finally something that sounds worth a few pence)
• 
  ABS sensor and cables (Finally something that sounds worth a few pence)
• 
  Underbody sealant and panels for damage (Then what?)
• 
  Supplementary rubber rings (So far as I can tell none have been disturbed so far)
• 
  Condition of the exhaust system (Then what?)
• 
  Steering joints and boot for wear and damage (OK)
• 
  Coolant levels and anti-freeze strength (just a check ?)
• 
  Condition of the camshaft drive toothed belt (OK)
• 
  Power-assisted steering oil level (OK)
• 
  Brake fluid level and condition (Buy a brake fluid service before you come even if this is ok)
• 
  ATF level (automatic) (Check ?)
• 
  Battery
• 
  Idle speed
• 
  Adjustment of headlights (check or check and adjust without further cost?)
• 
  Drive shaft (and?)

And we'll also:

• 
  Run a vehicle systems test and read fault memories (OK)
• 
  Grease the front door check-strap and hinges (we'll see )
• 
  Grease the trailer coupling
• 
  Change the engine oil and filter
• 
  Renew the air filter
• 
  Renew the pollen filter
• 
  Renew the fuel filter
• 
  Perform engine basic settings (what could that be?)
• 
  Perform a road test

Brake fluid will be optional then so opt out. Easy. Lasts for 5 yrs no problem

 

[B J G]

Brake fluid will be optional then so opt out. Easy. Lasts for 5 yrs no problem

Until the moisture/water content ruins the ABS.

Actually just waiting for delivery of a Brake Fluid water content tester to see what level is indicated before and after a VW recommended change.

 

[Legin]

Until the moisture/water content ruins the ABS.

Actually just waiting for delivery of a Brake Fluid water content tester to see what level is indicated before and after a VW recommended change.

Not enough in 5 years, just doesnt happen in reality( failure). Risk of boiling the fluid inside 5 years but were not talking track use are we.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Brake fluid will be optional then so opt out. Easy. Lasts for 5 yrs no problem

I think the received wisdom consensus is a bit less than 5 years for DOT4 in typical use, but I'm personally happy with three years or a bit more. The fluid boiling issue really only happens if you're driving on a racetrack or like a tw@t on the road, although if it does happen I can tell you it's a memorable experience but I'm not saying in what context.

 

[GSX1300R]

If like many people you swop your wheels round front to back every year or 2 years then do a brake fluid replacement at that time. If you can’t do that then you shouldn’t be doing any DIY on Anything.. it’s probably the easiest of all maintenance/service jobs. Costs the price of a litre of brake fluid.

 

[Legin]

Most people dont check the tyre pressure let alone swap wheels front to back.

 

[B J G]

Not enough in 5 years, just doesnt happen in reality( failure). Risk of boiling the fluid inside 5 years but were not talking track use are we.

Boiling very very unlikely but possible if you were to do a long descent with approx 3 tonnes to restrain.

Brake Fluid is hydroscopic hence the need to replace, 2 years is well on the safe side but I'd regard 4 as a maximum. When all said and done a potentially lethal but low cost service item to ignore.

 

[Gavin123]

License to print money - our money. Just had an oil service done on my 18 reg Golf. Main VW dealer £250! Local VW specialist using genuine VW parts and oil £110! Only difference is the local chap can't enter his service onto the VW service database.

Someone at the garage told me I could have a real service book if I wanted. Will ask at next service in dec. As it’s final service before warranty expires we are having it serviced at vw but next time local specialist. The vw app is so useless it’s unbelievable. Mine has one service missing and has a ‘repair event’ which never happened. Annoying.

 

[GrannyJen]

Most people dont check the tyre pressure let alone swap wheels front to back.

Are tyres those rubber things that wrap around the wheels?

 

[Legin]

Boiling very very unlikely but possible if you were to do a long descent with approx 3 tonnes to restrain.

Brake Fluid is hydroscopic hence the need to replace, 2 years is well on the safe side but I'd regard 4 as a maximum. When all said and done a potentially lethal but low cost service item to ignore.

Im 5 yrs your 4 yrs but its double 2 years either way. Like the cambelt its down to the individual evaluation if they have experience to make such a judgement. Otherwise its pay up.

 

[MrP]

Last brake fluid change I had done, when I picked the van up in icy conditions and snow it was not a pleasant surprise to hit the brakes and find very little at the pedal...

I guess they did the road test before the actual service...

Thankfully, no accident apart from in my pants.

 

[Perfectos]

I am guessing like many I took the servicing plan when I bought my Cali that covers the interim and major service.
TBH, I never expected much from the interim service and just went through the motions. Also I have never really thought car services are value for money but this has more than confirmed that.
I have just booked in for the major and I am told I need to book a separate Brake fluid service as well at £54
Eh?????????

So I ask what I am actually paying for in that upfront plan. I reckon thats worth £100 tops I rang VW customer care and they are apparently very used to my enquiry.

What a rip off

Full service
We'll make sure to check the:
Lights (Wow check ? I can check them and do)

• 
  Horn (Wow check? I can check and I use it often enough which is the only real check that counts who cares if it works at the time of a service and not when you need it how you gonna prove they ever checked it)
• 
  Instruments (Wow check ? Surely only the the most oblivious people wouldn't know if their instruments are working properly and they are the ones who would likely not address it)
• • Washers and wipers and top-up fluid.
• 
  Tyre condition and tread depths (some merit if you really are that lazy I suppose but I don't need this)
• 
  Tyre pressures and correct them if needed (some merit if you really are that lazy I suppose but I don't need this)
• 
  Airbags for visible damage ( What?? how do they check that then)
• 
  Sunroof
• 
  Tipper system and change the oil if necessary
• 
  Paint and bodywork for damage and corrosion (and then what?)
• 
  Expiry date on breakdown set ( I have a spare tyre)
• 
  Engine and engine compartment for leaks
• 
  Condition of visible drive belts (Do they remove any plastic covers? and then what?)
• 
  Gearbox, final drive and rear axle for leaks and damage (Check only )
• 
  Manual gearbox oil level (Check only ?)
• 
  Final drive oil level (Check only ?)
• 
  Brake system for leaks and damage (Buy a brake fluid service before you come even if this is ok)
• 
  Thickness of the front and rear brake pads/linings (Finally something that sounds worth a few pence)
• 
  ABS sensor and cables (Finally something that sounds worth a few pence)
• 
  Underbody sealant and panels for damage (Then what?)
• 
  Supplementary rubber rings (So far as I can tell none have been disturbed so far)
• 
  Condition of the exhaust system (Then what?)
• 
  Steering joints and boot for wear and damage (OK)
• 
  Coolant levels and anti-freeze strength (just a check ?)
• 
  Condition of the camshaft drive toothed belt (OK)
• 
  Power-assisted steering oil level (OK)
• 
  Brake fluid level and condition (Buy a brake fluid service before you come even if this is ok)
• 
  ATF level (automatic) (Check ?)
• 
  Battery
• 
  Idle speed
• 
  Adjustment of headlights (check or check and adjust without further cost?)
• 
  Drive shaft (and?)

And we'll also:

• 
  Run a vehicle systems test and read fault memories (OK)
• 
  Grease the front door check-strap and hinges (we'll see )
• 
  Grease the trailer coupling
• 
  Change the engine oil and filter
• 
  Renew the air filter
• 
  Renew the pollen filter
• 
  Renew the fuel filter
• 
  Perform engine basic settings (what could that be?)
• 
  Perform a road test

There are some free services dealers offer !

You can take advantage of the free paint work personalisation !

It is a closely guarded trade secret but one that is becoming fairly common knowledge:

Apply a fine coating of grit to a sponge, preferably one that has been used on at least five filthy vans without being washed out, (drop said sponge on the floor for added effect as required), apply the wet sponge on dry paint work, rub vigorously, wash off with a hose and Bobs your uncle your paint work is totally unique to your van!

 

[BeagleMum]

I agree....

With a main dealer service all you are paying for is..

1) An oil and filter change
2) A stamp in your book
...and also a load of checks so they can find something to charge you the earth for when in reality it probably doesn't need urgent attention.

Errrrrrrm you don’t even get a book to have it stamped these days

 

[Aubisque]

Someone at the garage told me I could have a real service book if I wanted. Will ask at next service in dec. As it’s final service before warranty expires we are having it serviced at vw but next time local specialist. The vw app is so useless it’s unbelievable. Mine has one service missing and has a ‘repair event’ which never happened. Annoying.

The app doesn't seem to supported any more, so I went on to the website, registered and when I put my Reg Plate in it wouldn't take it as it's a 'commercial vehicle'. What have I missed ?

 

[Alan]

License to print money - our money. Just had an oil service done on my 18 reg Golf. Main VW dealer £250! Local VW specialist using genuine VW parts and oil £110! Only difference is the local chap can't enter his service onto the VW service database.

Wal your local chap is not in the Essex area is he ?

 

[Wildcamper]

Wal your local chap is not in the Essex area is he ?

Gloucestershire

 

[wilburthewombat]

Dealer service is a rip-off. Doesn't matter what brand. Over-priced and poor quality / customer service. Ill you need it for is a 'full dealer service history' for future sale.
... rant over ...

 

[subthree]

I agree....

With a main dealer service all you are paying for is..

1) An oil and filter change
2) A stamp in your book
...and also a load of checks so they can find something to charge you the earth for when in reality it probably doesn't need urgent attention.

3) the flash building, which is dictated to them by the "brand".
4) the coffee.

I totally agree that their prices are ridiculous, but this is not new news. Oil and filter is an easy DIY.

And as Perfectos says they trash your paintwork.

 

[capt kirk]

During my last service (three years old ) i was told i needed new discs and brake pads. i said no. Two weeks later had its first mot at my local mot station and sailed through. i asked about the state of the rear brakes and they said plenty of meat on them and the discs were fine. Wont be going back to vw service unless i really have to, and they still called asking when i wanted to book it in to get the brakes done......

 

[Legin]

During my last service (three years old ) i was told i needed new discs and brake pads. i said no. Two weeks later had its first mot at my local mot station and sailed through. i asked about the state of the rear brakes and they said plenty of meat on them and the discs were fine. Wont be going back to vw service unless i really have to, and they still called asking when i wanted to book it in to get the brakes done......

That scam is alive and kicking, actually its the favourite one. Trouble is so many folk just get done over