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

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[Ozsko]

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

[Transporter]

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

It’s bit different, trucks run whole day, not 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and back in the afternoon.

[doc_777]

A subject fraught with controversy, and one for which one answer will not suit all circumstances.

Some vehicle usage circumstances will mean that short interval oil changes are a good thing. Another set of circumstances will result in basically donating good money down the oil companies.

There is no one size fits all answer to the question.

For YOUR driving patterns, YOUR engine transmission type, local climate are what matters. Even the number of km’s on your vehicle can make a difference, as a worn engine will often contaminate the oil faster than a fresh engine.