Interim Oil Changes

[jdw]

Hi, it appears that many of us have the oil changed between services, either every 5,000 ( so twice between services) or at the 7,500 mark in between services. I recently asked my local dealer for the cost of just an oil change and it was $210, using a brand of oil called TOTAL.

To me that seemed excessively expensive. So my question is if I go to my local garage (where it will hopefully be cheaper) and they use a different brand of oil to what my car has always had is there any downside in that? I am assuming the oil specs will be the same 5W 30. thanks

[Umai Naa!!]

The oil VW specs for these engines is good for 30,000kms.

As long as you service it every 15K, or 12 months whichever comes first, you shouldn't have any issues.

[Kachingg]

Hi, it appears that many of us have the oil changed between services, either every 5,000 ( so twice between services) or at the 7,500 mark in between services. I recently asked my local dealer for the cost of just an oil change and it was $210, using a brand of oil called TOTAL.

To me that seemed excessively expensive. So my question is if I go to my local garage (where it will hopefully be cheaper) and they use a different brand of oil to what my car has always had is there any downside in that? I am assuming the oil specs will be the same 5W 30. thanks

I used motul oil for my car and asked my mechanic about a 7500k oil change and his response was don't waste your money
15000k is perfectly fine for modern cars with today's synthetic oils

[ope126]

Hi, it appears that many of us have the oil changed between services, either every 5,000 ( so twice between services) or at the 7,500 mark in between services. I recently asked my local dealer for the cost of just an oil change and it was $210, using a brand of oil called TOTAL.

To me that seemed excessively expensive. So my question is if I go to my local garage (where it will hopefully be cheaper) and they use a different brand of oil to what my car has always had is there any downside in that? I am assuming the oil specs will be the same 5W 30. thanks

I, like most enthusiasts tend to care for the cars a bit more than the average Joe!
I think you might be in the same boat too mate!

You could most likely do the job yourself (factor in Oil, Oil Filter, Sump Plug and tools), or take to a "Local Specialist" in between Dealer Services (if that is your choosing).

I change every 6mths, or 7,500kms.

I have done this for every car I have ever owned and I don't think I will change...

Nothing wrong with Total / Elf lubricants; Lub Advisor

Surprised to hear that a Volkswagen Dealer is offering Total Lubricants...

Yes a 5W-30 will be suitable and any brand will be ok, just make sure it meets / exceeds or has a VW Approval 504.00 / 507.00.

I personally use Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL EDGE 5W-30 LL | Castrol EDGE - Car Engine Oil | Castrol Australia | Castrol EDGE | Castrol Car Engine Oils | Edge, Magnatec and GTX ranges | Engine Oil | Castrol Australia | Castrol™ Engine Oil & Lubricants - Castrol™ Australia

[Umai Naa!!]

Needs to have the approval, for the sake of the warranty.

The dealerships will use whichever brand they have a contract for.

[Ozsko]

I, like most enthusiasts tend to care for the cars a bit more than the average Joe!
I think you might be in the same boat too mate!

You could most likely do the job yourself (factor in Oil, Oil Filter, Sump Plug and tools), or take to a "Local Specialist" in between Dealer Services (if that is your choosing).

I change every 6mths, or 7,500kms.

I have done this for every car I have ever owned and I don't think I will change...

Nothing wrong with Total / Elf lubricants; Lub Advisor

Surprised to hear that a Volkswagen Dealer is offering Total Lubricants...

Yes a 5W-30 will be suitable and any brand will be ok, just make sure it meets / exceeds or has a VW Approval 504.00 / 507.00.

I personally use Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL EDGE 5W-30 LL | Castrol EDGE - Car Engine Oil | Castrol Australia | Castrol EDGE | Castrol Car Engine Oils | Edge, Magnatec and GTX ranges | Engine Oil | Castrol Australia | Castrol™ Engine Oil & Lubricants - Castrol™ Australia

Have you got any facts to back up that your motor will last longer than one serviced at 15,000?

[ope126]

Have you got any facts to back up that your motor will last longer than one serviced at 15,000?

Ozsko, why the rather "direct" question there mate?

I have not made a comment, nor stated the "fact" that changing oil more frequently will make the motor last longer than one serviced at 15,000kms...

Personally changing oil every 6mths / 7,5000kms is more of an opportunity for me to give my car an additional "once over" throughout the year. In fact, I generally "Pop" the bonnet every few days just have a visual look and ensure all seems in order / top up any fluids that might be required etc.

[Ozsko]

I am just curious why people change oil in excess of the manufacturers specified schedule as I can't see any advantage. I see this all the time here but apart from making your wallet lighter I simply don't get why it is done. The car should be checked every time you drive it but no one does that, me least of all.

[BenT]

Personally I don’t think it’s worth the extra oil unless you plan on keeping the car for 3-400k kms. I’ve followed manufacturer guidelines for 4 cars from new to 200k kms and never had issues.




Ben

Current
2015 Polo GTI manual
2018 Golf GTI Original manual

Previous
2014 Polo GTI DSG
2013 Golf GTI DSG
2006 RenaultSport Megane 225 Cup manual
2006 Golf GTI manual
2005 Golf 2.0 TSI manual
2001 Astra SRi manual
2000 Pulsar SSS manual
1999 Astra CD auto
1998 Pulsar SLX auto
1991 Pulsar GL manual
1981 Subaru Leone auto

[Ozsko]

I was running trucks to a million k's with no problems using the manufacturer's service schedule.