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

[brad]

I quite like that logic Mr Diesel Vert.

I just had an email back from GLlubricants.

Yes, the Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 meets these [VW504.00/507.00] specs. We are current out of stock for it, further stock is with the next shipment ETA Sydney port 5/4/2011.

based on his other prices it will be between $57-$62 for 5L

[Transporter]

They have to cater for the 3rd world countries (and the fleet) as well, so it has to be there that the engine can also use low specs oil (the same goes for the fuels).

I see it (and it has always been like that) in many other brands where there is 16V variable valve timing 4 cyl. engine and it can use 15W40 or even 20W50 oil.
Ten years ago they even specified that you could use SF oil in some car makes, it wasn't easy to get (obsolete) and the car manufacturers new that it would lead to the excessive sludging.

[RSOK]

UPDATE: got a call from Skoda Assist (Volkswagen Customer Service) in response to my email 3 weeks ago (they apologised for late response, said they're understaffed) saying that their Tech people would like a copy of the job sheet that the dealer gave me, showing the brand and type of oil used... they will then get back to me with a response on whether the 5W-40 Havoline oil was appropriate for the dealer to have used.

Will let you know once I get a response.

[kaanage]

Wrong oil used by my dealer too

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

[RSOK]

UPDATE: got a call from Skoda Assist (VAG Aust) yesterday, advising me that they don't know 'exactly which Havoline 5W-40' the dealer used, as there's 'a few different Havoline oils around'. So they can't really tell me whether it was OK for the dealer to have used it for the service. They advised me to check with the dealer myself as to exactly which Havoline 5W-40 was used.

In other words, instead of VAG Aust contacting the dealer involved to have a chat with the Service guys and establish whether this dealer is using correct-spec oil to service VAG vehicles (which I thought would have been of concern to them), they've left it to the customer to do my own digging. Fairly inept and p!$$-weak if you ask me.

I told them not to worry, I've got this enquiry on record so any issues I have with my engine down the track I may just refer back to this little episode for a potential claim (fingers crossed that doesn't become necessary!!).

[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...