Starting to do my own service. Good idea or not?
Hi!
I own a 2015 Volkswagen Golf, petrol, automatic DSG.
Now the car has not needed much big service. Just the yearly service of replacing air filters, oil + oil filter. Last year brake fluid was replaced.
I like mechanics but have not much experience yet. I'd like to start doing it, and acquire tools. How good of an idea is it?
If I follow the service schedule I can find in the owners manual, and go through that list (oil, filters, spark plugs, etc), am I covering everything that is needed? Or is there more needed that is not listed?
I'd also be fine with an in-between solution, that I do most things myself but still bring it for a check yearly.
What would be recommended; do mechanics in yearly checking do more than the basic list in the manual? Like lubricating certain points or checking things?
Also, if I do an oil change, can I reset the service date in the car's system somehow? I have a basic OBD2 scanner, but also a (basic) VAG specific OBD scanner. Not sure if it's possible with that, or a more professional system needed.
Main thing is that I want to learn it myself, maybe save some money, and it's nice to do. But don't want to end up with more costs or dangerous situations because things are skipped.
Thanks for the advice.
Posted Oct 7, 2025, 11:56 AM UTC