[Impala]

Cars can be set to either a fixed or variable service interval and the dealer is supposed to ask you which type you want so that the workshop can configure the car before delivery. I have found most sales staff never ask me, so I always make a point of telling them and then check the next service details shown in the car's instruments soon after delivery. I would never rely on WeConnect.

A fixed service is due every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever is first.

A variable service is due at a mileage/date decided by the engine control software but will be no later than 20,000 miles or 24 months, whichever is first. The specific mileage/date is determined by the type of journeys you make (distance, frequency, stop/starts, gear changes, ambient temperature etc.) and your style of driving (speed, acceleration, engine load etc.). Variable service intervals are normally chosen by and best suited to those who do a high mileage at steady speeds, such as those commuting daily by motorway.

Even with lockdown restrictions affecting journeys, I would be surprised if a variable service would be due at 11 months or 8,300 miles, and the service indicator in the car usually activates about 28 days before the due/forecast date.

If you want a fixed service interval, I suggest you wait until the service indicator in the car comes on, or you reach the 10,000 mile / 12 month point and then contact your dealer service department to book the service. If this happens earlier than the mileage/date indicated by WeConnect, ask the service department if you can delay the service to the proper interval.

If you want a variable service interval, speak to your service department now and ask for advice.

In either case, make sure you instruct the service department to set/confirm the correct service interval during servicing.

 

[Impala]

The three posts immediately above suggest that the work and prices which is included in a service is variable, as well as the service schedule.

I had my 2nd annual (fixed schedule) service done about 3 weeks ago, and I was advised by the dealer that an air con service (£96) was recommended.

My first inclination was to decline this air con service, but I went to the main Volkswagen web site, where after selecting Owners & Drivers, then Book a Service or MOT, if you have register your car or enter the details you get shown a list of upcoming service events and a not very detailed service history. Mine showed the 2nd annual service was due and it also showed the 'advisory' air con service. I did a bit of digging on the VW site to get details of the air con service and found that there are 2 levels of AC service - one is called Refresh or Disinfection service which is a basic cleaning of the air flow and vents and costs about £30, and the other is a full service including the cleaning as in the Refresh service plus a full gas drain and recharge and costs around £96. It is the latter full service which is recommended after 2 years.

See here for details ... https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners-and-drivers/why-book-with-vw/what-we-check-and-why/car-checks

After a bit more digging, I found that the 'gas' used in the system also contains lubricants and preservatives for the pump and hoses and it was inferred that a failure of the system will not be covered by the warranty if this service is not done at the recommended interval. I decided to play safe and have the service done. As I said, it cost me £96 incl VAT.

 

[Impala]

After a bit more digging, I found that the 'gas' used in the system also contains lubricants and preservatives for the pump and hoses and it was inferred that a failure of the system will not be covered by the warranty if this service is not done at the recommended interval. I decided to play safe and have the service done. As I said, it cost me £96 incl VAT.

I've only ever heard of people needing to go for a re-gas after their system stopped blowing out cold air & never getting a service at all prior to that.
I'm not saying that car manufacturers don't recommend servicing them though.
I had my Nissan x-trail 13.5 years, never got the AC serviced & never needed a re-gas the whole time.
I wonder if things have changed since then 🤔&#x1f937-2642;

I bet they just turned your AC on to check it's blowing cold air 🤔

Even independent mechanics and garages recommend an air con recharge every 2 years (and some say every year). Admittedly, this advisory/recommended air con service will not have safetly implications, unlike failing to change brake fluid at the recommended intervals.

But the air con service does more than just replace the gas. Do a bit of Googling and you will find lots of info. As I mention, the gas is mixed with special oil lubricant for moving parts in the system.

As for things moving on, yes they inevitably do and this is reflected in different aspects. In particular, recent environmental regulations have stipulated that all UK vehicles with air conditioning manufactured since 1st January 2017 must use new R1234YF air con gas which is more environmentally friendly. Since this date, manufacturers are no longer allowed to use the older R134A air con gas in a bid to reduce global warming. To allow manufacturers time to switch over, vehicles built between 2014 and 2016 could use either gas. I assume all T-Rocs will use R1234YF gas.

KwikFit charge £59.95 to recharge cars using the old R134A gas, and £129.95 for cars using the new R1234YF. It is not possible to switch between gases, and the recharging port on cars using R1234YF gas is different to the recharging port on cars using R134A, making it impossible to refill with the incorrect gas.