Service Bay
2017 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI 16v
Rob Hawkins visits AES York to follow the service of a VW Polo and discovers the routine jobs are surprisingly straightforward.
Overall difficulty rating
The simplicity and popularity of Volkswagen’s once entry-level supermini hasn’t been lost on the fifth-generation seen here (the Mk6 appeared in 2017 and is still in production), which despite being larger than a Mk1 Golf, is surprisingly easy to work on when it comes to routine servicing. There are a few niggles however, such as the ridiculous design of the filler hole for the engine oil of the 1197cc TSI engine. It’s in the top of the camshaft cover, just like most engines, but doesn’t sit proud, so there’s not much space around it in which to position a jug or can to pour oil into it. Luckily, AES York has an adaptor that screws into the top of the camshaft cover and saves on accidently pouring oil all over the nearby coil packs.
The air filter is securely located inside a housing that’s quite awkward to access. If the over-strong spring clips that secure the induction hoses attached to the housing don’t make you lose your temper (they are vicious and Mark at AES fractured a finger when one let go once), the overcomplicated clips that hold the housing together certainly will. Otherwise, everything else seems to be well designed and logical.
Equipment required
› jack › axle stands (or ramp) › oil tray › oil filter strap › sockets/spanners (19mm) › Torx T20 › spring clip pliers › screwdrivers › pry bar › battery tester › spray grease › penetrating fluid › petroleum jelly › tyre pump/gauge › torch › torque wrench › clean measuring jug › brake pad thickness gauge › Vernier calipers
UNDERBONNET CHECKS
Lift the blue cap for the reservoir and extract the filter inside the neck of the filler. Wash it under a cold tap if there’s dirt inside, then refit. Top-up the screenwash with the appropriate solution (not washing-up liquid).
The translucent coolant reservoir should be clean enough on the outside to be able to see the level inside. There are MIN and MAX markers on the side to help check the level. Top-up with G13-rated coolant, which should be changed every five or six years.
Shine a torch on the side of the brake fluid reservoir. The level should be up to the MAX marker on the side of the reservoir. Top-up with DOT 4 fluid (VW 501.14), or whatever has been used before. The brake fluid should be re
