DIY Oil Change

[iamrich]

My car is showing an oil change due in a few days times and it's next service in just under a year.

As I understand it, this means my GTI PP is on a LongLife service regime. This would fit my driving profile as the cars only done 5k miles in the first year.

I want to do a DIY oil change so I know 100% what quality oil is going in and also keep the car in my sight.

If I do a DIY oil/filter change using VW parts and VW's Quantum Longlife III 5w30. Keep the receipts and next year put the car in to a VAT registered garage (again using VW parts) for it's 2 year service, does anyone know if this will satisfy the VW warranty?

Or have I read this whole oil change/service/warranty thing totally wrong?

Thanks.

[peterdoherty]

Longlife service regime is meant for the other way about (high mileage) - I'd think about getting it changed over to time & distance servicing given your low mileage

[vidman2]

The service schedule is either long life for high mileage users, the car determines when it needs a service, OR every 12 months if doing less than 10K miles a year.  This is irrespective of how the cars internal service schedule was set at the factory/dealer when delivered.

You need to get the car serviced at the dealers to maintain the warranty, or any VAT registered garage if they use genuine VW parts and oil.  Failure to do so will likely mean that any warranty claim for engine gearbox issues will be refused, you will also reduce the resale/trade in value without the proper stamps in the service book.

Self servicing during the warranty period is definitely NOT a good idea.

[marnie]

Warranty won't be affected by non-dealer servicing as long as VW parts are used and on your invoice. Has to be an authorised garage, not the bloke round the corner. My GTI is on time and distance and had it's first service a few months ago. Dealer told me it was VW policy to use Longlife oil for both schemes.

[phil_790]

Hi,

This sounds similar to mine which was on the 12 month service plan, which requires an oil change "service" every year or 10k miles and inspection "service" at 2 years. I do around 8k per year which is mainly a 12 miles commute in predominantly stop start traffic, so I went for the fixed term servicing (also a service plan was thrown in for free so I went for 12 months to get the most out of the freebie)

I think the oil change "service" is about £80-100 at a main dealer.With regard to the warranty it should be fine as long as wherever you go to uses genuine VW parts etc.

Hope it helps

[peterdoherty]

Hi,
I think the oil change "service" is about £80-100 at a main dealer.With regard to the warranty it should be fine as long as wherever you go to uses genuine VW parts etc.

Hope it helps

Think its more like £129-149 for a minor service (9k miles) and £229-249 for a major service (18k miles)

[phil_790]

Hi,
I think the oil change "service" is about £80-100 at a main dealer.With regard to the warranty it should be fine as long as wherever you go to uses genuine VW parts etc.

Hope it helps

Think its more like £129-149 for a minor service (9k miles) and £229-249 for a major service (18k miles)

I stand corrected, highlights the fact I have had a service plan on my last 3 cars 

[iamrich]

Thanks everyone.

I was quoted £213 for the first 'oil change / minor service' from my VW local dealer and £158 from my local independent. The dealer has said they'll price match my usual garage but that's still higher then the prices above.

Putting my distrust of dealers aside for a minute, I did think this was a bit steep. Especially as I can buy the OEM VW oil and filter for around £60.

A local VAG specialist has quoted me £79 for just an oil change which seems more inline but I guess this won't satisfy the 'service' requirements.

I've looked at the VW Service Schedule booklet which came with the car and that doesn't really make things any clearer compared with other cars I own.

Obviously after spending a big chunk of my cash on buying the car in the first place it's not so much the money but really quality of service. I'm sure the low level/boring tasks like oil changes are given to the junior mechanics. And whilst I don't wish to generalise, the last time I put another car into a VAG dealer for a simple warranty job the 'young lad' (service managers description) working on the car managed to chisel away loads of paintwork. Never again.

I think i'm going to supply my own oil and get my local garage to service. (i'm keeping the car in the garage for years to come so not really worried about having the VW stamp - i always prefer to see a bunch of receipts and well maintained car over a dealer stamp )

[GeoBog]

If I do a DIY oil/filter change using VW parts and VW's Quantum Longlife III 5w30.

As far as I know, isn't the OEM and VW recommended oil Castrol Edge Longlife III 5w30? 

Dealer told me it was VW policy to use Longlife oil for both schemes.

I believe that is true as my car has been serviced with Longlife oil on it's first 1 year service back in July. I have however heard of VW garages using Castrol 5w40 for time/distance service regimes (1 year/10k) but not sure how accurate that is.

[iamrich]

As far as I know, isn't the OEM and VW recommended oil Castrol Edge Longlife III 5w30? 

You're correct.

I've reread the original post I found on another Golf MK7 forum and they reference both oils. With Castrol being for the UK.

Apparently Quantum is made by Castrol but rebranded by VW.