How does Astra know the oll needs changing?

AdrianC

facade wrote: »

I thought you wanted rid of the light, as you have only done 2000 miles

Two thousand miles since buying it, not since the last oil change...

GwylimT

It's a fairly common problem with newer vauxhalls, our works vans both have this issue, we just took the bulbs out as the lights were both constantly on no matter what.

Annie1960

facade wrote: »

Just put your foot on the brake pedal, hold down the trip reset and turn on the ignition.
After 15 seconds the service interval is reset without even lifting the bonnet.

Simples!

Or press the 'menu' button, which has the same effect.

Annie1960

AdrianC wrote: »

Two thousand miles since buying it, not since the last oil change...

It had a service just before I bought it - I have the paperwork for this.

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

I think Mr Astra is being overly pessimistic and a month or two will make absolutely no difference with the sort of mileage you do. To be honest, all the timer is measuring in your case is that it suspects that the oil will have degraded with contaminants over a period of time. Is oil magically going to stop working to a 12 month timer? Of course not. If it was ok a week ago, then it will be ok for a few months if you are not using the car much.

There are some people who get very over-excited about oil changes, some don't bother. These service systems are set to protect the manufacturer and are pessimistic. A couple of months will make not one jot of difference.

The only oil warning you need to be concerned over is a low oil level warning which must never, ever be ignored even if it only flashes briefly.

However, very low mileages like yours will lead the car into having other problems. You may find you have a tendency to get a flat battery, as there are things that are still working when the car is off, and things like brakes can get sticky. If you do get a flat battery, then you may also get spurious warnings as the electronics start playing up. (My Golf went through a phase of untraceable engine management problems which in the end disappeared when the car started being used properly and we then didn't have a flat battery). If it is parked for long periods without moving, say more than a week, consider leaving it handbrake off and in gear instead.

Annie1960

Thanks, everyone.

It is going in for a service next week, but I'm leaving the Mot until later to maintain the date.

Annie1960

IanMSpencer wrote: »

I think Mr Astra is being overly pessimistic and a month or two will make absolutely no difference with the sort of mileage you do. To be honest, all the timer is measuring in your case is that it suspects that the oil will have degraded with contaminants over a period of time. Is oil magically going to stop working to a 12 month timer? Of course not. If it was ok a week ago, then it will be ok for a few months if you are not using the car much.

There are some people who get very over-excited about oil changes, some don't bother. These service systems are set to protect the manufacturer and are pessimistic. A couple of months will make not one jot of difference.

The only oil warning you need to be concerned over is a low oil level warning which must never, ever be ignored even if it only flashes briefly.

However, very low mileages like yours will lead the car into having other problems. You may find you have a tendency to get a flat battery, as there are things that are still working when the car is off, and things like brakes can get sticky. If you do get a flat battery, then you may also get spurious warnings as the electronics start playing up. (My Golf went through a phase of untraceable engine management problems which in the end disappeared when the car started being used properly and we then didn't have a flat battery). If it is parked for long periods without moving, say more than a week, consider leaving it handbrake off and in gear instead.

Should I aim to fit in a few more longer journeys? If so, what would be suitable?

For example, should I try to do a 10 mile journey once a week?

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

Annie1960 wrote: »

Should I aim to fit in a few more longer journeys? If so, what would be suitable?

For example, should I try to do a 10 mile journey once a week?

If you are really only driving a couple of miles each way, then the car is going to end up getting sulky.

Also, I suspect it would be better for your driving to go out and about a bit.

I would definitely give it a 10 mile run. Find an excuse to visit a friend!

Annie1960

IanMSpencer wrote: »

If you are really only driving a couple of miles each way, then the car is going to end up getting sulky.

Also, I suspect it would be better for your driving to go out and about a bit.

I would definitely give it a 10 mile run. Find an excuse to visit a friend!

Or go shopping?