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I've been told that the new VW Beetle needs decarbonising every 40,000 km. That can't be right.

Isn't decarbonising something that was only needed on cars made before the 70's, when they burned a lot more oil, and petrol was not as pure?

Hamish

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December, 2009

Your source of this information is incorrect.

Normal servicing applies which is every 15,000km's or 1 year whichever comes first.

There is no recommended time for any work like this to be carried out on the Beetle.

Sounds like a story you hear sometimes when somebody is trying to sell a decarbonising additive as part of a service.

If you use the manufacturers recommended oil rating and stick to the service intervals I don't believe you will have any problems in this area.