Did 200miles last year, Mot only ?

[MalcMc]

Due to having a operation on my right arm last year we did only 200 miles, it’s time for MOT, I normally get a full service each year, but it seems pointless, oil change only, advice welcomed

 

[Burge]

200 mls ,Don't think I'd bother with the Service till you done a few more ,check Brakes probably as it's stood for a while

 

[PP Bear]

Do the full service, it’s peace of mind and having oil sat around for that length of time, ain’t good for an engine, especially the oil filter and pump. At the very least an oil and filter change

Advice from the good lord Google

Even though unused oil has a shelf life of around five years, it's not the best idea to use oil that has been sitting in your vehicle's engine for six months or more. Over time, motor oil loses its viscosity and ability to lubricate, protect, and clean your engine.

How Long Can Oil Sit In An Engine?

It's no secret that motor oil plays an essential role in the proper functioning of your car. It keeps all the moving parts of your engine lubricated and running smoothly, but it also helps to cool down your engine and prevent rust and corrosion. But how long can it sit in an engine that isn't […]

vehq.com

See How Terrible Inside Your Engine Would Be When You Neglect Regular Oil Change

It is pertinent you take very good care of your car so it will serve you well with minimal issues. Regular oil change is one of the things you should always take seriously, else you’ll be gradually killing your car. When you neglect to change engine oil when required, there is every possibility...

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[varaizian]

I believe that your Roller Team has a Fiat engine. Our Pilote also uses a Fiat 2.3 and the service schedule for oil changes is every 2 years. Here is France the equivalent of your MoT test is once every 2 years also and I time the oil change and service around that. We only do around 5K miles a year so that seems reasonable to me. In your position I would like to carefully move it to release the brakes, take it out for a gentle run to ease the tyres back into shape and clean off the discs before getting it thoroughly hot before it is subjected to the emissions test. If it all works nicely leave it until next year is my advice. If you believe the garages the brake fluid ought to be changed every 2 years and surely few of us do that. Your situation is rather unique in that the engine has effectively done nothing for a year. That isn't covered in any service schedule!

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

I’d get the oil changed

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[fishplug]

I'd treat the servicing the same way as having a bath.

Once a year whether it needs doing or not

 

[Coolcats]

Due to having a operation on my right arm last year we did only 200 miles, it’s time for MOT, I normally get a full service each year, but it seems pointless, oil change only, advice welcomed

Totally agree its about keeping your vehicle in top condition, I do this on all my vehicles age and standing around degrades stuff as much as driving the vehicle

 

[PlymBob]

Mine was new a year and a half ago and has done less than 10k miles. The first service is a long way off. I was wondering whether or not to have an oil change anyway???

 

[varaizian]

As someone who recalls 20W50 multigrade oils becoming available and watching those numbers fall to the present level where the oil is like water but costs an absolute fortune I'm puzzled why people want to change the oil twice as often as the manufacturer recommends. I agree that my Fiat engine would probably be happier used every day and hammered harder than I ever do but I have to assume that Fiat know about that. I'm happy to respect the opinions of (almost!) everyone on here but that doesn't mean I always understand them. That is the beauty of threads like this that make you consider long-held opinions that might, just possibly, be fundamentally wrong. I am only too aware that lots of people on here have direct experience different to mine.

 

[varaizian]

Mine was new a year and a half ago and has done less than 10k miles. The first service is a long way off. I was wondering whether or not to have an oil change anyway???

One of my exceptions. Historically first oil changes were always considered very important so never wasted.

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[Cejay]

While it can seem excessive, I would change the oil and filter. The rest of the service items should be ok. Oil can go off if left in an engine that is not used regularly.

 

[MalcMc]

Thanks for all the input, going to get oil change with MOT

 

[stuartholmes]

It's good to read this thread so thanks for the question & thanks for the answers, I'm glad I no longer fit the profile of 'too poor to pay for servicing on the recommended schedule' & always get the 'van done by calendar rather than mileage.

But I'm puzzled, why does oil deteriorate more in a hardly used engine than in one that does high mileage? Or is that not what's been said?

 

[Cejay]

I used to work for Shell and also for Esso. ( Many years ago) On one occasion I had a conversation about oil in my several classic cars ,that did little mileage, with one of their experts. He advised me to always change the oil yearly, as oil can oxidise in an engine if not used. This was about 20/50 old style oil, so I do not know if it applies to the new synthetic oils quite as much.
However for the cost of an oil change, I have always kept to yearly oil changes, seems a wise precaution rather than risk any damage to an engine.

 

[the1andonly]

Modern synthetics also degrade with lack of use. Oxidation and formation of acid complexes with condensation over time the main problem. If used regularly the oil gets up to temperature and drives the water off hence high milage intervals are possible. I have read that 8000 miles pa is regarded as low mileage and should be replaced anualy. Monthly (fortnightly?) runs for 20 miles are suggested to reduce effect of condensation. If an engine has not been run for 3 months it is suggested to replace oil before starting and circulating any acid formed. What impact running either reguime ( anual change/montly runs or change every 2 yrs) has on the 20/30 yr life of a motor that only does 3000 miles pa i dont know. You pays your money and (after 10yrs ?) Someone else takes the chance.

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[CAB96]

Mine was new a year and a half ago and has done less than 10k miles. The first service is a long way off. I was wondering whether or not to have an oil change anyway???

Change it.

The service manual is written for a commercial van that will be leased for 3 years and then chopped in.