6 or 12 month for minor/oil service interval? MK7 R

[whichonetoget]

Had the last minor service done 5 months ago, and have just got the oil service due in 30 days light come up, which would line up with 6 months. I've only done about 7,000kms since.

Is it really due after 6 months, or can I wait until the next scheduled service (12 months)?

Not fussed either way, but all my previous VWs have had 12 month servicing intervals.

[DV52]

@whichonetoget: Hi. There's lots of mystique about service intervals - but the "standard" advice for these cars from the manufacturer is the earlier of 15,000 kms or 12 months.

Of course, you could always shorten these thresholds - but my own personal opinion is that the expense ain't worth the cost (even if you DIY)

Don

[Call me Al]

@whichonetoget and DV52

Hi. An Oil analysis would take the mystery out of whether the oil is still in service?
Cheers Al

[Sharkie]

VW's recommended schedule is 12months or 15,000km whichever comes first.

Some sneaky mechanics (non-VW) sets it to 6 months/10,000km to get you to come back 2x in a year ..... it is not necessary.

[gregozedobe]

I agree with Don & Sharkie, given the long life additives in the correct oil for VW's 15,000/12 months should be OK unless you have severe usage conditions (all very short trips, tuned engine, track/drags etc)

[Suncoaster]

I have both my T-Cross and my Mark 6 Golf serviced at the dealer. The T-Cross is normally used for regular trips from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane while the Golf is a used for local short running. The T Cross is serviced every 12 months and the other one has the oil changed every six months to compensate for lots of short/cold runs.

[Hillbilly]

I have both my T-Cross and my Mark 6 Golf serviced at the dealer. The T-Cross is normally used for regular trips from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane while the Golf is a used for local short running. The T Cross is serviced every 12 months and the other one has the oil changed every six months to compensate for lots of short/cold runs.

Both our VAG cars are used for short trips on the Sunny Coast and have only ever had 12 month services with no detriment. Prev 2 did the same and had the same with same result.. Overseas they use the same LL oil for 36 month services so cant see why you would need 6 month changes

[DV52]

@Hillbilly: hmmm....... as I said in my first reply "there's lots of mystique about service interval" and I agree with your assertion that there isn't a "need [for] 6 month change".

However, these decisions are not about satisfying a technical "need"

Instead, the choice to shorten (or even to extend) the manufacturer's recommendation is fundamentally a "value" judgement - it's not a technical matter. The car owner perceives that there is a positive advantage in the added expense of a smaller service interval.

Now, because this decision is ostensibly a risk management exercise, it's difficult to actually prove the case either way - because the perceived advantage of a shorter service interval is what risk analysis calls "a negative value proposition" (i.e. additional peace-of-mind is impossible to disclaim).

So and IMO of course, shortening the service period does have positive advantage for the car owner - it provides added reassurance that engine wear-and-tear is reduced!

Now, we may not agree that the value of a shortened period is justified - but in making that claim, we are adopting a different definition of "need"

Don

[Hillbilly]

Well all I can say regarding wear is that in 4 VAG vehicles since 2010 the only time Ive added oil was when the muppet at service filled it short. So seems the wear was negligible. If an owner wants to spend money unnecessarily fine, their car their money.

[gregozedobe]

Unless you run the car for over 200,000 km with no wear issues it is difficult to be certain either way.

If you change cars at 100,000 km you are unlikely to notice a difference, unless you do an oil analysis (as suggested by Al) or a compression test or tear down inspection looking for wear.