Are manufactures are trying to kill our cars? Oil change on 1.0TSI VW Tcross

Our (Volkswagen) VW Tcross goes to the supplying main dealer for service - we purchased new in 2019 and since then, they have changed the oil once ! yes once, in 5 years and 45000 km's
I don't like it ! ..... a tiny high power (relatively speaking for a 999cc motor) VW needs more changes, not less.
We have changed the oil now 4 times ourselves, using VW oil (yes I am over fussy :) so it gets exactly what VW put in, but that grade is here in sunny Portugal, check your Volkswagen service document for the grade your dealer uses.
!! ..... If you ask chat Ai the question:
is it safe only to change the oil every 25000 on a small turbo engine?
This is the answer you get :(
ChatGPT
Changing the oil every 25,000 miles on a small turbocharged engine is generally not recommended and could lead to significant engine damage. Turbocharged engines typically require more frequent oil changes due to the higher stresses and temperatures they experience. Here are some key points to consider:
Manufacturer Recommendations: Always follow the oil change intervals specified in your vehicle's owner's manual. These recommendations are based on extensive testing and are designed to ensure the longevity and reliability of your engine.
Turbocharged Engines: Turbochargers increase the performance of the engine by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, which also increases the engine's operating temperature and pressure. This can cause oil to break down more quickly and become contaminated with particles and deposits.
Oil Quality: The type of oil used also plays a critical role. Synthetic oils typically offer better protection and longer intervals between changes compared to conventional oils, but even high-quality synthetic oils have their limits, often around 5,000 to 10,000 miles for turbocharged engines.
Driving Conditions: Severe driving conditions such as frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, and high-speed driving can all reduce the effective lifespan of your engine oil.
Oil Degradation: As oil degrades, it loses its ability to lubricate, cool, and clean the engine effectively. This can lead to increased wear and tear, overheating, and potential engine failure.
In summary, while some modern vehicles and oils are designed for extended intervals, 25,000 miles is typically far beyond the safe range for oil changes in a small turbocharged engine. It is generally safer to change the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or according to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.
............
There you have it - we are not saying do not use the Volkswagen dealer - but change the oil yourself (get a small pump and it is a 20 minute driveway job) the filter ignore, change if you can, but if you are not confident, dont worry (VW don't!).
The other concern for me is the sump plug not being magnetic ? this all adds up to a manufacturer wanting the engine to wear and wear fast 😡
..........
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#oilchange
#volkswagen
#diy

[@taskm-g8i]

Good engine, but proper maintenance is crucial to ensure longevity.

[@DrivenMadShow]

Spot on

[@4wdaction900]

Interesting, small turbo needs more frequent in my eyes

[@DrivenMadShow]

Spot on

[@worldsgreatest2169]

Informative, but sadly not a surprise to anyone - service intervals extend, oil gets so confusing, we do not know what to use and the cars so covered in plastic you cannot see anything.

[@DrivenMadShow]

Spot on

[@markp3717]

Interesting video guys. MrsP has a Duster which just went in for its 1st service at 1 year and 12,000 miles. Schedule says no oil change until 2nd service at 2years. So I changed it myself. It’s a Renault 1.5 diesel turbo engine (used in all sorts). 2 yearly oil changes might see the warranty period out, but I want this car to last as it’s a keeper!

[@DrivenMadShow]

Hi Mark - at least you have a tough engine :) that 1.5 I had in a Megane - time blurrs the mind, but I am sure that had oil changes every 12K - it was a contract hire vehicle and one I remember as fantastic - our tiny 999cc is a recipe for self destruction if not maintained in my book, needs super regular oil changes, plus never seen such watery oil (0W 20), so think additives are a no,no. Mrs M. loves her Tcross, she really has zero interest in cars and no desire to ever change, been in the bad books a few times for flogging her car without telling her :)

[@markp3717]

Yes, a well proven engine I think. You’re a braver man than I - I wouldn’t dare sell her Duster, her favourite car ever!

[@LucianEduardMirica]

What about the oil filter?

[@DrivenMadShow]

We decided that as VW say it is OK, we would only change the oil in the easiest way, for someone who is not used to doing it - we mention the filter and no magnetic bung in the notes for the video - if you can, change it, you are right :)

[@xntrix]

Could not agree more, that needs oil very, very regularly

[@DrivenMadShow]

👍🏼

[@stefanobio7045]

Change the engine oil and filter every 3,000 miles, change the coolant annually or every 12,000 miles, change the transaxle, gearbox, rear diff, and transfer box oil every 10,000 miles. Thanks for posting Jon and Nath. Best regards, Stefano.

[@DrivenMadShow]

Thanks for the tips!