Service and oil data are the most valuable insights in telematics. They allow you to engage with customers at exactly the right time, increasing retention and workshop loyalty.
However, this data is complex. Every vehicle uses different computers (ECUs) and protocols. This guide explains how we extract this data and why it may vary between vehicles.
1. What data do we show?
For Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles, we track around 22 different parameters. Depending on the vehicle's age and model, these are converted into four clear data points:
Km to next oil change
Days to next oil change
Km to next service
Days to next service
Note on older vehicles (pre-2013): These models typically only display oil change data. In these cases, only oil data will be visible in ConnectedWorkshop.
2. Variable vs Fixed Intervals
Not every car follows the same "countdown."
Variable Intervals: Most modern vehicles use sensors to monitor driving style (e.g. frequent cold starts or harsh acceleration). If the oil quality degrades, the "Km to next service" will drop faster than the actual distance driven.
Fixed Intervals: Older vehicles, smaller models (e.g. VW Up!, SKODA Citigo), and some hybrids use a fixed schedule (typically 15,000 km or 1 year). Commercial vehicles like the Crafter may have much longer fixed intervals (e.g. 50,000 km).
Important
If a service is reset manually via the dashboard (rather than using an official diagnostic tool), the vehicle may automatically switch from a Variable to a Fixed interval.
3. How Automatic Reminders Work
To ensure customers book early, we use "Predicted Dates".
We analyse how many kilometres a vehicle travels over a 14-day period to estimate the exact date the service counter will hit zero. We then send automated reminders based on that prediction:
30 Days Before: The first reminder (giving you a 4-week window to manage your workshop capacity).
14 Days Before: A follow-up reminder.
0 Days: A final notice that the service is now overdue.
This system ensures that even "high-mileage" drivers receive their first notice with plenty of time to book.
4. Data Quality & "Quarantine"
To ensure the information you see is accurate, we apply over 300 data quality checks.
The Quarantine Period: When a vehicle first joins the platform, it must have at least 1,000 km on the odometer and be active for 7 days before we display service predictions.
Automatic Filtering: We only show relevant data. For example, an Electric Vehicle (EV) will never display "Oil Change" fields.
Outdated Data: If a vehicle stops sending specific service updates, we will flag the data as "Outdated" to prevent you from acting on old information.
5. Summary of Exceptions
Model Year 2013 & Older: These vehicles only transmit the oil change interval, not the service interval.
Manual Resets: Using the "cockpit reset" button often breaks the variable interval logic and switches the car to fixed intervals.
DMS Integration: Automated reminders will remain "open" until the system receives a booking confirmation from your integrated DMS.
Need Support?
If you notice irregular data (such as service dates "jumping" significantly), please contact our support team. Click the headset icon in the lower right-hand corner to start a chat.