When should I change the oil in my Volkswagen Golf?

I have been buying, at vast expense from my local garage, YACCO VX 2103 FAP 100 per cent synthetic 5W30. I have a Volkwagen Golf Diesel on a long life service regime, being serviced every two years. What that means I have no idea and I have been told by many that this is a waste of money. I have today topped up with a new oil - Shell Helix Ultra Extra Fully Synthetic 5W30. I am assuming that this will not cause a problem?

Asked on 13 April 2013 by NT, via email

Answered by Honest John
You should change your engine oil and filter at least every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. The evidence from readers is that two-yearly oil changes wreck engines, especially those with chain driven camshafts.
Similar questions
I am self-employed covering 30,000 miles per year, and need an estate car or tourer. I have had an Audi A4 and MG ZT as my last two cars, and am looking at the Mazda 6 2.2 TS and Citroen C5 VTR+Nav. Which...
I have a Subaru Outback 2.0d Premium which I have owned from new. It has done 11000 miles (mostly high speed long distance and motorway) and I have noticed that the oil level is creeping up. The car was...
I am considering using an oil pump to remove old engine oil via the dipstick hole instead of the more traditional method of jacking up the car and draining from the drain plug. Are there any drawbacks...
Related models
Plenty of second-hand choice, excellent cabin quality, efficient petrol and diesel engines.