I'd like to know everyones thoughts on the effects of 15,000km service intervals and stop/start systems on timing chains (and general engine longevity) with VAG vehicles.
Ive always 'over serviced' my cars by doing 6 monthly oil changes (approx every 5,000-7,500km) with the view to keeping the engine internals as clean as possible, and the concept that a $100 oil change is a lot cheaper than any kind of engine repair due to servicing neglect. Some say that this is a very old fashioned mentality and im wasting my money.
Now my mechanic thinks I am crazy for changing the oil and filter every 6 months, but I disagree with him. Is one of us right? Or are we both wrong?
I watch a channel on Youtube called VAGTechnic who are a couple of very talented Romanian mechanics who have a workshop based in the UK. VAG Technic - YouTube . These guys document a lot of the work they do and offer their knowledge and advice on what they think caused the damage or what could have been done to prevent it. They do 'engine out' jobs so regularly on modern VAG products that they could do it with their eyes shut.
They do a lot of timing chain related repairs and talk regularly about how the Audi/VW service shedule is too long and this increases wear and tear on the timing chains as well as other internal components. Also many people run their car with low oil level which does even more harm.
One thing they discussed recently was that the stop/start function puts additional wear and tear on the timing chain - this is something I had not considered previously. I must admit that I have disabled the start/stop system in every car I have ever owned that has this feature - simply because I do not like it, and its not good for an engine to keep starting and stopping. But had not considered that this could also negatively affect the longevity of the timing chain.
Now we know that manufacturers try to tell us that the start/stop system saves us fuel.....but they neglect to tell you that it will kill your battery faster and that you need a more expensive AGM battery to operate the stop/start system. So any tiny amounts of fuel you save are thrown out the window when you are buying a new $400-600 battery a few years later.
The truth is that the stop/start function was created to save on emissions so that the cars can get better results on fuel economy testing (which are unrealistic and done on a dyno in perfect conditions - so literally impossible to replicate on the road).
With the worlds 'throw away' society getting worse and worse, and cars being very much a part of the 'get a new one when this one wears out' mentality - I believe that the 15,000km service intervals are the absolute bare minimum that is required to keep that car running for the 'lifetime' of the car (approx 8-10 years) so that you buy another new car. After 8-10 years you will start having timing chain issues, gearbox issues etc due to lack of servicing. I believe that if you love your car, or intend to keep it longer than 8-10yrs that you need to service it more regularly to keep it in better health.
Also you should probably disable that gymmicky start/stop system too.......your battery and wallet will thank you in the longer run.
Would love to know your thoughts......
Ive always 'over serviced' my cars by doing 6 monthly oil changes (approx every 5,000-7,500km) with the view to keeping the engine internals as clean as possible, and the concept that a $100 oil change is a lot cheaper than any kind of engine repair due to servicing neglect. Some say that this is a very old fashioned mentality and im wasting my money.
Now my mechanic thinks I am crazy for changing the oil and filter every 6 months, but I disagree with him. Is one of us right? Or are we both wrong?
I watch a channel on Youtube called VAGTechnic who are a couple of very talented Romanian mechanics who have a workshop based in the UK. VAG Technic - YouTube . These guys document a lot of the work they do and offer their knowledge and advice on what they think caused the damage or what could have been done to prevent it. They do 'engine out' jobs so regularly on modern VAG products that they could do it with their eyes shut.
They do a lot of timing chain related repairs and talk regularly about how the Audi/VW service shedule is too long and this increases wear and tear on the timing chains as well as other internal components. Also many people run their car with low oil level which does even more harm.
One thing they discussed recently was that the stop/start function puts additional wear and tear on the timing chain - this is something I had not considered previously. I must admit that I have disabled the start/stop system in every car I have ever owned that has this feature - simply because I do not like it, and its not good for an engine to keep starting and stopping. But had not considered that this could also negatively affect the longevity of the timing chain.
Now we know that manufacturers try to tell us that the start/stop system saves us fuel.....but they neglect to tell you that it will kill your battery faster and that you need a more expensive AGM battery to operate the stop/start system. So any tiny amounts of fuel you save are thrown out the window when you are buying a new $400-600 battery a few years later.
The truth is that the stop/start function was created to save on emissions so that the cars can get better results on fuel economy testing (which are unrealistic and done on a dyno in perfect conditions - so literally impossible to replicate on the road).
With the worlds 'throw away' society getting worse and worse, and cars being very much a part of the 'get a new one when this one wears out' mentality - I believe that the 15,000km service intervals are the absolute bare minimum that is required to keep that car running for the 'lifetime' of the car (approx 8-10 years) so that you buy another new car. After 8-10 years you will start having timing chain issues, gearbox issues etc due to lack of servicing. I believe that if you love your car, or intend to keep it longer than 8-10yrs that you need to service it more regularly to keep it in better health.
Also you should probably disable that gymmicky start/stop system too.......your battery and wallet will thank you in the longer run.
Would love to know your thoughts......
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