Kms or years for service ????

[Digger11]

I did about 15,000kms each year for the first 3 years, so got the golf serviced every year. In the last year i have only done 4,000kms, should i get it serviced ? Or do i wait until i have done the full 15,000km ???
Thanks

[Umai Naa!!]

Do whichever comes first.

At the very least, have it serviced every 12 months.

[MovieDude]

What is the opinion on getting the oil changed every 6,000kms?

[brad]

What is the opinion on getting the oil changed every 6,000kms?

Probably a bit much if the time isn't up. I do mine every 7500km (and intend moving to 10,000) but I've done UOI that proves that (for my driving conditions) the 504/507 oil is perfect at 15,000km.

It really depends on where / how you drive and how long you intend to keep the car. I've had a few cars where my frequent oil changes only benefited the next owner.

[Notso Swift]

Overtime there are contaminated parts of the oil that turn acidic, hence the 12 month recommendation, regardless of distance traveled.
The 15k is due to the volume of contamination (how much the oil can carry before it looses its ability to lube effectively)

in in answer to changes more often, there are no down sides except financial, if the oil is still in good condition it is a waste, however the oil may need to be changed if you have lots of really hard running, or lots of stop start where you have higher hours but low distance. Turbo cars are really susceptible to this as the heat at the turbine can cook the oil locally, releasing more contaminates, one reason it is good to idle down before you switch off

[Bobster]

Broad advice is to always do it once a year but follow the service requirements by distance. If you don't need a X km service then just get a minor service to fill in the gap.

[Tuan]

If it's out of warranty (looks like it may be, judging by your post, unless you have extended warranty), a simple oil and filter change at least once every 12 months will be good for the car, even if you have only done a few thousand kms as you have. This is advice from a friend who's a qualified mechanic. Just changing the oil and filter will be a cheap job.