Oil changes between services?

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GrayB

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With these very long service intervals on the variable service TDI's, would there be any problem in changing the oil and filter between actual services? Would the computer working out the service interval be effected?

Just been listening to Honest John (from the Telegraph) on Radio 2 and heard his views on oil changes....[21]
 
Not sure about what happens if you change the filter too.
But my personal experience from last summer was that when I topped up my TDI with 1 litre of oil (after a low oil warning), that the service indicator didn't give a damn and kept aiming at about 50k km, like it did before.

Of course, that 1 litre is only about 1/3 of the total amount, but if people suggest that the computer checks the status of the oil by measuring transparency then I would reckon that even 1 litre would help in making it just a bit more clear.
So I guess it depends (and it also SHOULD depend) on more factors than just oil transparency.
Moreover, servicing entails more than just replacing the oil and filter, so it would be very backwards if an oil/filter change could (substantially) lengthen the interval.
So unless you care about your car a lot, I think that premature oil replacements are a bit of a waste of money. The oil should last the interval. And the garage will replace you 'fresh' oil anyway at servicing, so why pay for long life oil and only use it for a (too) short period?

Enough guessing. That's my 2 cents...

Edo

--
(2003 Silver 1.4 Tdi Exclusive(SE), 95bhp/235Nm chiptuned by ABT, black interior, sport seats, heated mirrors, TomTom3 PDA Satnav, JVC KD-SH909RB cd-receiver, Infinity Kappa 63.1 + Vifa on-dash tweeters, 12" Subwoofer on 300w Amp)
 
Thanks for those thoughts. I didn't want the service indicator reset, it's just that 2 years is a long time to be driving about on the same oil. I'll be happy with an interim oil & filter change and have the service stay on schedule.

If you read some of the comments on Honest John's website about oil changes, you might also start to wonder if more frequent oil changes are a waste of money...
 
If your driving style (whatever the car registers) requires your oil to be changed before those two years, then the service indicator will warn you. Simple.
And as a fallback/backup plan you are required to visit the dealer every two years.
Audi designed it to work that way. Why cross their plans and hurt your wallet at the same time? It's not like 'us A2 owners' have a sportscar that needs to be on the edge every second...

FYI, I was kind of surprised too that my A2 only wanted to be serviced after 50k km. That works out as just over 1 year and that is indeed a long time. Longer than I was used to.
On the other hand: why doubt my car's 'intelligence' if I cannot notice any change in car performance over those 50k km?

Hmmm. I'm starting to feel like I'm on the barricades here. How do others feel?

Cheers,

Edo

--
(2003 Silver 1.4 Tdi Exclusive(SE), 95bhp/235Nm chiptuned by ABT, black interior, sport seats, heated mirrors, TomTom3 PDA Satnav, JVC KD-SH909RB cd-receiver, Infinity Kappa 63.1 + Vifa on-dash tweeters, 12" Subwoofer on 300w Amp)
 
I'm certain that oil technology has advanced over the years that allow these extended periods between services. My reservation is that fleet managers are driving this, to help reduce running costs. This makes me wonder whether Audi are now more concerned over over the running costs and reliability over a 3/4 year period and not the longer term. Oil changes can be very cheap and if done frequenty will certainly prolong the life of an engine IMHO. Having said all of that I'm certainly looking forward to infrequent trips to my Audi dealer! I only hope if I still own the car in 6 years time with 150k miles I'm not paying for these long service intervals with engine trouble.

2004 1.4 TDi (90) SE, Cobalt Blue, Climate control, Cruise control, DIS, Sport seats, Winter pack, Symphony II.
 
Yep Will, I am also looking forward to only visiting the Audi dealer every 30k miles - which will be 2.5 years at my mileage! However, given the long time (due to the car not being used everyday - not due to short journeys) I am quite ok with the idea of paying local garage rates to change the oil and filter - or even doing it myself. Mind you, from looking at the invoice for my cars first (only) service - I think one might pay twice the average service cost of a mainstream car with a 12k service interval - is that really a saving? £350 every 30K or £180 every 12/15K....
 
The main reasons for extended drain periods are 3 fold really.

1. The types of oils used are proper synthetics and capable of extended drain

2. There is much competition between the manufacturers to publish low "total cost of ownership" figures.

3. Many other parts of the car are now on extended service periods.

That in a nutshell is it really.

Cheers
Simon

Check out my website at
www.opieoils.co.uk/lubricants.htm
Email: [email protected]
 
Did oil changes on mine @ 3,000, 9,000 and then VSE change came on so did full service at 18,000. I'm doing another change at 27,000. I'm just untrusting of VSE.

2002 FSi SE, Ebony Black with Red Nappa Leather, 17" Sport Wheels, 2004 grill, Tinted Security Glass (+Road Angel)
 
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