Servicing

[AlexT99]

What do people do for servicing?
I'm well overdue for a service so have been thinking about going to the stealership. The thought process being that I don't want a partial service due to some garage not having the right parts. I want a full service with good parts.

Looking on VW website for my local dealership this is what it says. It doesn't have 2 options "full" and "basic". Instead it has 3.
Logically you'd expect that the most expensive is the "full" service. However it looks like it does not include a pollen filter, even though it's the most expensive option.

Servicing

Oil & Inspection Service £195.00
Oil and Inspection inc Supplementary Scope £255.00
Oil and Inspection plus Pollen Filter £235.00

Any suggestions? What do you polo heads do? Servicing is so extortionate

[Bepis]

I personally do my own as I cover nearly 20k a year and service the car more frequently than VW says to as I don't exactly give it an easy time.

Helpfully VW doesn't seem to publish a schedule for reference online but I believe it's typically:
Oil and filter every 10k or 12 months
Brake fluid every 2 years
Spark plugs every 40k or 4 years
Air filter every 40k or 4 years, inspect every 10k or 12 months
Cabin filter I think is inspect every 12 months and replace every 2 years
Aircon service every 4 years
Timing belt every 40k or 6 years. However, the belts on the 1.2TSi seem to be a lot more robust with some quoting an interval of 100k or 10 years. A friend had a timing belt changed on a 1.2 CJZD at 44k it really didn't need doing after inspecting the condition of the belt.

There is also a serviceable fuel filter but VW list it as a "lifetime" item. I personally change it every 60k or 6 years as it's only a £20-£30 part.

You also have the gearbox oil. Another "lifetime" item. I changed mine at 30k and noticed a decent difference in shifter feel. Coming up to 70k, it's getting a bit stiff again.

As to what a dealer service contains this is all I could really find.

Minor
- Oil & filter changes
- Replace pollen filter (if required)
- Vehicle inspection and report to include all lights, instruments, bodywork, glass, locks, battery, coolant levels, drive belts, braking system, steering, hoses, drive shafts and exhaust system
- Full vehicle road test
- Diagnostic check including report
- Re-set service interval display
- Stamp service book

Major
- Oil & oil filter changes,
- Replace pollen filter, replace air filter, Spark plugs (petrol engine) or fuel filter (diesel engine) - if required
- Remove wheels and check brakes
- Check/adjust tension of all drive belts
- Check gearbox and final drive oil level
- Full vehicle inspection and report to include all lights, instruments, bodywork, glass, locks, battery coolant levels, drive belts, braking system, steering, hoses, drive shafts suspension and exhaust system
- Full vehicle road test
- Diagnostic check including report
- Re-set service interval display
- Stamp service book

Link to original post: viewtopic.php?t=73039

Items for your engine (if it is a CJZC 1.2TSi):
Air filter MANN C 27 009
Oil filter MANN W 712/95
Oil 4L of VW502 5w40 or VW504 5w30
Cabin filter MANN **26 010
** Being CU, CUK or FP
Fuel filter WK 69
Spark plugs NGK PZKER7B8EGS
Brake fluid DOT4
Gearbox oil (at least for a 6-speed) 2.1L of G052527A2 which I believe is a synthetic 75W. 5-speed I belive uses the same oil but might have a different capacity.

The only items I find particularly expensive on both the 1.2 and 1.8 TSi are spark plugs and gearbox oil but they aren't changed that often.

Pretty sure that's everything

[RUM4MO]

One thing to understand about service pricing is, where there is a "basic" and a "major" service, these are basic prices, for instance spark plugs and air filters will need to be added to the relevant service price quoted, as well as pollen filter, I prefer the FP version of pollen filter which VW Group still don't use.
Remember that while VW workshops and proper VW Group Indies will always only ever use genuine VW Group branded parts, it is Mann that manufacture the oil, air and pollen filters, the petrol fuel filter is manufactured in China by some company that sounds a bit like UPI - maybe not the exact brand. Plugs tend to be NGK so either you pay the aftermarket price for them or pay the markup that VW Group causes/includes for having their name on them and their branding on the cardboard boxes.

I think that you might also find that VW workshops have menu pricing for cars bought new and serviced throughout their life in the VW service loop, and another price for someone that has just bought a used VW and wants to give it a bit of love!

Once outside warrant, I always service my own cars, only buying genuine VW parts where it is easier for repairs - and buying them from the nearest VW Group dealership, which in my case is a Skoda dealership, using online parts listings I can find out before I leave home if that will work for me, for VW specific parts then it has to be VW though.

[AlexT99]

I didn't exactly want to do any servicing myself.
I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to, let alone have the tools and equipment needed (jack stands etc).

So ideally I need to take it somewhere for a full service. There's only 25K on the clock. It's a 2017 6C 1.2TSI 90PS
But it hasn't been driven in 15 months so I'd rather a full service than a basic one.

But if VW aren't even going to replace the parts (due to the low mileage) then what is the point in paying the extra for the full.

Ahh I don't know. I wish there was someone decent I could just go to for all things VW.

How does Joe Bloggs garage even complete a full service on any given car? They stock service parts for ALL models of cars?! Somehow I find that hard to believe. What I find more likely is that they'll TELL you it is a full service and you'll get an oil change and filter change if you're lucky. But the rest.. forget it.

That is the only thing pulling me to VW for the service. At least they will have the necessary parts for the job.

Although they have no financial interest in this car (I own it) I'd still expect them to be more trustworthy and professional than Joe Bloggs Servicing LTD

If only I could just buy the parts and take them to VW and ask for them to be fitted
When I bought the car (PCP, dont laugh at me ) it came with the first 2 services free.
Of course, being brand new, these probably weren't "full" services. More than likely just a check of parts and a top up of any low fluids.
As well as chucking your car through their brutal car wash machine. That was in 2018 & 2019 though.
Car is coming up to 6 years old in March. So ideally would want a full service performed to make sure the impact of the 15 months of inaction is reduced, and to increase longevity of parts that are impacted by poor conditioned service items.

What would you do? (Besides service it yourself)
I feel like I'm kind of left no option than to go to the dealership and pay £250+ because there's a higher likelihood that the work will be done than taking it to some random garage and praying they have compatible parts

[Bepis]

If you're not comfortable dropping it to an indie, definitely don't use a chain garage like protyre, formula1, Halfords and the like as I've had nothing but bad experiences with numerous of them on numerous cars until I found the independent I've used now for 4 years.

I'd ring your local dealer and explain the situation you're in and what you'd like to do. At least then you should get an idea of what they're going to do and for how much.

Depending on how they're set up they may use a central booking line so you're not actually speaking to their service department. It may be easier to go into the dealership it self as then you're almost guaranteed to speak to a service advisor.

[RUM4MO]

The way that I see it is, there are official dealerships for VW, they exist purely by the amount of business that comes their way, being good or bad will not change their revenue by much, and then there are VW Group Indies, it is normally easy enough to find where your local ones are, these operations survive by providing a very good or just even an acceptable level of service - so they do have an interest in doing a good or acceptable job every time.

From what you have said already, I'd say that your car now needs an oil service, brake fluid replacing, spark plugs replacing, air filter replacing, pollen filter replacing, a brake system service and repair(if found to be necessary), and whatever items get covered in an inspection including what has been missed in the 4 year inspection and obviously now the 6 year inspection - and a road test.

[ciclo]

In general terms, we are aware of the very bad practices of many workshops and dealers of all brands throughout the planet (too many I would say - the damn money -).
'Fortunately' there are still very good workshops with high capacities that are very committed to the work they do.

The logical thing to do is to go to several well-known workshops in the place where you live, including VW workshops, and have them do a prior inspection so that they can give you a budget (adding your requirements).



Some users on this forum would return your vehicle to pristine condition due to their high knowledge and tools (all the bolts/screws, all the parts, all the fluids, all the electronics), but they can only provide you with recommendations. Finally, it is you who must move to find that workshop that fits your needs.

I'd be happy, if the budget didn't exceed £500 for all the work your 6C needs, including a much-needed deep cleaning... though I think it'll be a bit more.
Good jobs must be paid correctly for the good future of circumstances.

[AlexT99]

In general terms, we are aware of the very bad practices of many workshops and dealers of all brands throughout the planet (too many I would say - the damn money -).
'Fortunately' there are still very good workshops with high capacities that are very committed to the work they do.

The logical thing to do is to go to several well-known workshops in the place where you live, including VW workshops, and have them do a prior inspection so that they can give you a budget (adding your requirements).



Some users on this forum would return your vehicle to pristine condition due to their high knowledge and tools (all the bolts/screws, all the parts, all the fluids, all the electronics), but they can only provide you with recommendations. Finally, it is you who must move to find that workshop that fits your needs.

I'd be happy, if the budget didn't exceed £500 for all the work your 6C needs, including a much-needed deep cleaning... though I think it'll be a bit more.
Good jobs must be paid correctly for the good future of circumstances.

Yes that is another problem I face. I have a car that needs a deep clean. But whoever I choose to go with, may or may not do the job good enough, or could damage the finish using their washing methods/tools on my filthy car.
I've already taken it to a pressure washing station. Pre-washed with hot/low pressure. Then used a foam brush to drip foam all over the car. No way I'm using that thing to scrub the paintwork. Then used the high pressure rinse to rinse it off.
It's much better now but that dull look from the baked on dirt is still there. I'm pretty sure if I was to take it to a car washing/valet service then even using the two bucket technique would scratch it to hell as there is just so much dirt stuck to the surface.

In any case... In what order would you get things done?

Service
Interior cleaning
Exterior cleaning

Do I get the car cleaned up before taking it to a VW group place for a service. So at least they treat it with respect. Although I have heard horror stories of them ALWAYS putting your car through their carwash machine leaving it marred and ruining any polish/layer you may have on it from a pro clean.

Or do I get the service done first (+brake check as I think pads are installed wrong) (+battery coding as I have fitted new batt)
Then find a decent valeting place that will deep clean inside and outside properly without scratching the s**t out of it.

At some point I will be going back to the pressure washing place. Probably just prior to getting the valet done. To minimise the amount of dirt left on the car before anyone touches it with a mitt

[ciclo]

1. First, the mechanical part (what has been commented for the service and inspection), including the cleaning and removal of rust from the affected parts in the undercarriage (brakes, etc).


2. A deep cleaning of the entire interior for your own health. Including removing, steaming and properly sanitizing the seats/carpet/mats, etc.
Cleaning of ventilation ducts with products to eliminate fungi, viruses and bacteria..


3. Then an exterior cleaning and detailing that you can do yourself to avoid the slightest swirl in the paint due to an improper cleaning procedure.
This external cleanliness depends on how neat you are, because there are people who prefer their vehicles to have a deplorable appearance so that nobody gets close to them.
There are even people who paint them with a rusty look to enhance that old look.

[AlexT99]

1. First, the mechanical part (what has been commented for the service and inspection), including the cleaning and removal of rust from the affected parts in the undercarriage (brakes, etc).


2. A deep cleaning of the entire interior for your own health. Including removing, steaming and properly sanitizing the seats/carpet/mats, etc.
Cleaning of ventilation ducts with products to eliminate fungi, viruses and bacteria..


3. Then an exterior cleaning and detailing that you can do yourself to avoid the slightest swirl in the paint due to an improper cleaning procedure.
This external cleanliness depends on how neat you are, because there are people who prefer their vehicles to have a deplorable appearance so that nobody gets close to them.
There are even people who paint them with a rusty look to enhance that old look.

Aw hell no it does have a few different species of mould in there. The seats had different colours on them which looked like individual spillages or stains.. But they aren't, they're just individual mould/bacteria colonies.

I have been driving it around the last few days. Mostly with the windows down but sometimes with aircon on.
It's nice to be back on the road. Even if I could be putting my health at risk.
Don't get me wrong. If I get small cell lung cancer in the next year or two then it's probably from the mould spores circulating in the car

WHO does car fumigating/decontamination for mould & bacteria? I imagine it's all behind the door cards and speakers, throughout the ventilation system etc. As well as in/under the seat surfaces & carpet.
There is a mobile car washing service that offers "mould removal" but I assume this just includes a hoover, a once over with a steam cleaner, and/or a seat cleaning machine/spray bottle. I doubt they actually deep clean using proper products. The reviews are mixed with some saying it was half arsed, paintwork was marred, paintwork had water marks on 3 days later. But some decent reviews.

I'm ashamed to say I even ate a KFC in it yesterday. I was just enjoying the freedom too much to go home

So 1 Service. 2 interior clean. 3 exterior clean. Got it.

Now you mention it I have been sneezing a lot since driving the thing

[RUM4MO]

After this car has been deep cleaned, consider getting the AC system serviced including a "de-bug", it would probably be a waste of time doing this before getting the interior cleaned up.

[AlexT99]

After this car has been deep cleaned, consider getting the AC system serviced including a "de-bug", it would probably be a waste of time doing this before getting the interior cleaned up.

Could this potentially break the AC on my car? I've heard bad things about people who have gotten AC cleaned and regassed only to have it stop working.
AC is currently working fine. But as you said, probably full of germs along with most of the car.

Is there a way I can get the system de-bugged without any regassing as that's not needed? I'm afraid a regassing might blow a seal or spring a leak. So want to avoid that at all costs

[RUM4MO]

The removal, vacuum and refill of any car AC system should be perfectly safe to do and controlled automatically by the equipment they use.

Buying a "bomb" and setting it off inside the car with the engine and fan running is enough to "de-bug" the AC system.

Edit:- "re-gassing" any fridge system will only cause it issues if it is already "buggered" or heading that way.

[AlexT99]

Quoted £465 for a full service at the dealership.
Full meaning, oil and filter change. Air filter change. Pollen filter change. Spark plugs change. Overall check of vehicle.

Got it down to £303 by opting out of the spark plugs change. Never had a problem with starting up or performance. So willing to leave that out for the savings.
Absolutely gutted about the price but I want a decent service with the proper parts so I am going to the dealership.
As well as I need someone who knows what they're looking at to check if my brakes have been installed properly.

This car's costing me a fortune

[AlexT99]

I bet you they will say the new pads were installed correctly so have worn incorrectly and need replacing.
That's another £200+
Hope they don't tell me the discs have rusted up too much/ are scored too much.

I'll be taking them elsewhere to get them done anyway, if I'm ok to drive it away