Dealer used Havoline 5W-40 12month service, 2.0 TSI

[brad]

I had the same reaction from VW when I had a few small issues/queries - "go talk to the dealer, no we won't talk to them" VW don't appear to be interested in getting involved in technical issues at all.

[RSOK]

I don't understand such apathy from Volkswagen as regards the servicing of their products. Surely a manufacturer must have an interest in their dealer network servicing their cars correctly so as to avoid unecessary and potentially expensive warranty claims? Not to mention the potential fallout and loss of goodwill from a customer who may be significantly inconvenienced by having their car off the road for an extended period as a result of a dealer not using approved servicing parts/fluids?

For all I know, the oil my dealer used meets 502 spec and that'll do me, no biggie really given that I change oil every 6 months anyway. But surely I would have thought VAG would have been a little more interested to satisfy themselves about a technical matter that might cause them grief down the track. Seems not.

Still, I'm enjoying my Octavia RS a much as ever, so on we go with life... show me the next set of bends and all this is forgotten!

[craig_the_german]

Did anyone read this?
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f112...nes-47140.html
Might get you asking more questions of your dealers

[kaanage]

Yes, we've posted in this thread BECAUSE we've read that thread

[RSOK]

Yep, what kaanage said! Of course we've read that info and lots more besides... thus why we're concerned about our dealers using 502-spec oil when the manual suggests 504-spec should be the go.

[Diesel_vert]

I don't understand such apathy from Volkswagen as regards the servicing of their products. Surely a manufacturer must have an interest in their dealer network servicing their cars correctly so as to avoid unecessary and potentially expensive warranty claims? Not to mention the potential fallout and loss of goodwill from a customer who may be significantly inconvenienced by having their car off the road for an extended period as a result of a dealer not using approved servicing parts/fluids?

For all I know, the oil my dealer used meets 502 spec and that'll do me, no biggie really given that I change oil every 6 months anyway. But surely I would have thought VAG would have been a little more interested to satisfy themselves about a technical matter that might cause them grief down the track. Seems not.

To me that can either indicate a lack of knowledge, poor communication from HQ in Germany, or both.

I don't think VW Australia is deliberately obfuscating knowledge, but then again they're a business, not your best friend. If the information they've received indicates that either 502 or 504 is okay for warranty purposes, then that's what they'll tell their dealers and customers.

It then remains up to said dealers and customers to choose which oil to use.

Still, I'm enjoying my Octavia RS a much as ever, so on we go with life... show me the next set of bends and all this is forgotten!

A "spirited" drive cures many ills I say.

[Transporter]

I would say that using 502.00 oil in the cars that are serviced once a year and driven under severe driving conditions is asking for the trouble. I'd like to see how that would affect the emissions in the long run and ask the question why they bothered to develop new oil and use it right from the factory?

VW had the engine sludge problem not so long time ago and also classification, which oil can be marked as synthetic has changed not so long time ago, so the 502 classified oil doesn't have to be the true synthetic oil and many mineral oils will have VW502.00 on the label.

[kaanage]

My Golf just had its first service and the dealer used Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 - another case of using 502 rather than 504 spec oil

And it's just happened again

After discussing what oil would be used for the servicing of our MkVI TDi and being assured by the service rep that it would be 507 spec 5w30, the invoice from Camberwell Volkswagen reads $68 of 5w40 Ultra Helix oil

Methinks they may get a visit from me soon

[Umai Naa!!]

Demand they change it to the correct oil, as well as a new sump plug and filter, free of charge. This is not on.

A lot of dealers, especially multi-franchise ones, go to a lot of trouble to ensure all their bases are covered in regards to oils. While others seem to pick a one-size-fits-all oil and call it quits at that. It's bad enough that private shops do it. I really do worry for some customers when it comes time to put a claim in on a sludged engine, a blocked DPF/Cat, or high oil usage. For those that end up in such circumstances, it'll be a tough time trying to get someone to put their hand up for the repair bill.

If in doubt, do your research, and supply the oil yourself.

[Diesel_vert]

While others seem to pick a one-size-fits-all oil and call it quits at that.

If a shop was going down that path, all they'd need is VW 504.00/507.00 to cover all bases.

The only exception is VW 503.00/506.00/506.01 for some R5 TDI and V10 TDI engines, but that's it.

Why pick anything else for a one-size-fits-all oil?

I don't understand these shops...