A reasonable question, I thought......

[johnvw]

I just can not seem to get an answer.
With regard to the high dealer servicing costs for golf gti 07 and audi a4 b8 and the fact that quite a lot of the checks are visual, would it not be prudent to use the VCDS.

I change the oil more regularly than suggested, carry out small maintenance work. If my VCDS does not indicate any problems am I giving my car to the dealers for a stamp in the book.

I do not mean to be flipment and major work would always go to the dealer or recognised workshop, but $750 AUD for 15Klm or 1 year service to change the oil, check the codes and perform a visual check of the fluid levels- well hell I am good at that (I change the oil every 6 months).

I am amazed, so many people have read this topic post on various forums and not one answer.

Could it be that those who wish to take care of their car (minor service work), have access to a VCDS, do not really have to go for a full service if no VCDS trouble codes are indicated.

I really look forward to those forum members far more knowledgeable than I to respond and welcome all comments .
Many thanks in advance
Regards John

[VAGMAN54]

thats too much money but dont forget dealers have large overheads !! so an independant specialist would be cheaper by quite a bit of money ..our charges are nowhere near that,if your doing minor work yourself i carnt see you have a problem unless your looking for a dealer stamp which if you are you have to pay the price...some people might have access to vcds but that doesnt mean a full service will produce no fault codes no matter how well a car may have been serviced faults do occur .some people can find the fault with vcds other wont understand the code at all..remember tho every business has to make a profit to be there tommorrow so pick your garage wisely to leave some money in your own account.

[a8 tech]

2008 service plan has 2 regimes
1 oil service,this is set up so the oil is sucked out and pumped in to reduce labour cost
2 additional items like pollen,air and so on
first avs for a 2008/9 B8 a4 should be oil and filter with .50 time units (half hour) compare this to the old avs 1.10 tu then the cost has been reduced already,vas test will automatically check sw versions and update also dealer visits for service are now linked in to regular recall checks to maintain the vehicle to the latest spec or workshop action/safety recall so vcds save no money and to delete any fault codes prior to a dealer visit would be unwise,also the service information is stored in the new style key transponder.

[johnvw]

Thank you A8 Tech,
When you suggested that clearing any fault codes prior to a service visit would be unwise, is this because;

1) possible warranty issues
2) having deleted the fault code, the service techs may not be aware of that pending fault and would be unaware of any corrective action to take place.
Thank you for your advice, your service knowledge is always welcomed.
Regards
John