Change oil based on time?
 

Hi,

Looking for some advice on changing oil. I know similar topics have been beaten to death but I haven't seen the answer to my specific question by searching.

Driving a B7 ('06) A4 2.0T MT in Ottawa; I drive only about 9,000 km per year. Now I know the consensus is not to go the claimed 15,000 km between changes but given my annual mileage would changes every 6 months be recommended or could/should I go the full year (with 9K km)? Is there a need to change the oil based on time regardless of mileage and if so is a full year pushing it?

Secondly, I understand that your typical oil change places are warranty-approved (I'm on a CPO warranty now), but are you guys comfortable with the type of oil and filter they use? Should I just ask that they use VW 502 00 compliant or is this a non-issue? Do you guys buy your own oil and/or filter and bring it in? If so peraps that defeats the purpose of taking it in I guess..

Thanks

Re: Change oil based on time?
 

Leaving it that long is only causing you more damage than anything.

I do mine every 5,000km and or 4 months. Which ever comes first.

Filter doesn't mean to much, some people like the large filter and find more performance out of it.
Than evidently synthetic oil. Mobil 1 being the choice of many.