Skoda Kushaq 60,000 km Service Cost Guide: The Real Bill

The Quick Answer

The typical 60,000 km service for a Skoda Kushaq in India costs a Kushaq owner between ₹9,000 (for a basic 1.0 TSI manual) and a high of ₹28,000 or more for an automatic variant with additional replacements. The primary factors that cause a service bill to spike are mandatory replacements like spark plugs, brake fluid, and most significantly, the costly Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) change required for automatic variants. The bill can be further inflated by optional “value-added services” (VAS) pushed by dealers.

Introduction: The Big One

You’ve done it. The four-year, 60,000 km milestone has arrived, and that service light is blinking, telling you it’s time for the car’s fourth annual check-up. This isn’t just a simple oil and filter job. The 60,000 km service is a major inspection where several critical, and expensive, components are due for replacement. It is the service that often determines the difference between a car that is a delight to own and one that feels heavy on the wallet.

For new car owners, this is a particularly significant juncture because the car’s standard warranty and prepaid service package (if purchased) typically expire at this point. Understanding the details of this service is a must to avoid a major shock at the billing counter. It is important to remember that the engine and transmission variant of the Kushaq play a major role in the final bill. The 1.0 TSI with a manual gearbox will have a vastly different bill compared to the 1.5 TSI with the DSG, primarily because of specific fluid and part replacement requirements.

What’s Covered at 60,000 km: The Official Checklist

The 60,000 km service is a comprehensive job that goes beyond the routine annual maintenance. According to Skoda’s service schedule, it marks a key interval for the replacement of several fluids and filters. While the exact list may be found in the car’s owner’s manual, the general checklist includes both mandatory replacements and critical inspections.

Components Typically Replaced:

Engine Oil & Oil Filter: Standard for all scheduled services to ensure engine longevity.
Air Filter: Replaced to ensure clean air intake for optimal combustion.
Cabin AC Pollen Filter: Critical for maintaining air quality inside the cabin.
Brake Fluid: A mandatory replacement every two years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plugs: Replaced to maintain engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Items to be Inspected:

Accessory Belt (V-belt): Checked for wear and tear.
Coolant Level: Checked and topped up if necessary.
Battery Health: Assessed for signs of degradation.
Brakes: Brake pads and discs are inspected for wear.
Tyre Condition: Checked for tread depth and overall health.
General Inspections: All fluids, lights, and mechanical components are checked.

While the official schedule lists items like the accessory belt and brake pads as “inspected,” they are often at the end of their service life by the 60,000 km mark, especially in a city-driving environment. This is a crucial point that can cause a significant jump in the total cost. The simple “inspection” can easily become a major, non-scheduled replacement, which explains why the real-world bill is often much higher than the base estimate provided online.

Your Ultimate Checklist to Avoid Being Overbilled

The following table provides a realistic breakdown of the costs for a 60,000 km service for both the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI variants of the Skoda Kushaq. The costs are estimates based on a combination of official service estimates, auto portal data, and real owner reports from across India.

Item	Parts Cost (₹)	Labour Cost (₹)	When Due (kms/years)	Notes
Mandatory Replacements
Engine Oil	2,600 – 2,800	Included in Labour	15,000 km / 1 yr	Cost varies slightly between 1.0 and 1.5 TSI
Oil Filter	100	Included in Labour	15,000 km / 1 yr	Standard for both variants
Air Filter (1.0 TSI)	290	Included in Labour	60,000 km / 4 yr
Air Filter (1.5 TSI)	900	Included in Labour	60,000 km / 4 yr
Cabin AC Pollen Filter	370	Included in Labour	15,000 km / 1 yr
Brake Fluid	600	Included in Labour	30,000 km / 2 yr	Mandatory replacement
Spark Plugs (1.0 TSI)	900	Included in Labour	60,000 km / 4 yr
Spark Plugs (1.5 TSI)	4,400	Included in Labour	60,000 km / 4 yr	Significant cost difference
Mandatory for Automatic Variants
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)	12,798	Included in Labour	60,000 km / 4 yr	Major cost for AT/DSG. The fluid itself costs less, but the dealer charges a high premium
Common Wear-and-Tear Items
Front Brake Pads	2,100	2,000 – 3,000	Variable	Not part of standard service; based on condition
Wheel Alignment & Balancing	1,300	Included in Labour	Optional	Can be done outside for less
Labour & GST
Basic Service Labour	3,000	3,000	15,000 km / 1 yr	Estimated charge with GST
Optional Services (VAS)
Interior/Exterior Cleaning	500 – 1,000	Included	Optional	Often pushed by dealers
Engine/Underbody Coating	828 – 4,558	Included	Optional	Not part of maintenance plan, should be declined

The most significant factor for cost variation is the engine and transmission variant. The 1.5 TSI’s spark plugs are nearly five times more expensive than the 1.0 TSI’s. However, the most substantial wallet-burner for automatic car owners is the mandatory Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) change for the 1.0 TSI AT and 1.5 TSI DSG variants. This fluid change alone can add over ₹12,000 to the bill, as seen in real-world owner invoices.⁵ While the fluid itself might be more affordable, dealerships often charge a significant premium for the part and the specialized labour required for the job.

Three Realistic Scenarios: A Quick Look at the Bills

To make the numbers more relatable, here is a look at three common service scenarios. These estimates are based on the cost ranges from the table above.

1. The Conservative Scenario: The Bare Minimum Job

What’s included: Only the bare minimum, mandatory replacements for a 1.0 TSI manual car. This means new engine oil, filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, and basic labour. No wear-and-tear items or optional services are included.
Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹9,000 – ₹10,000.
Mid-Value: ₹9,500. This is the bill an owner would receive by being vigilant and declining all non-essential items.

2. The Typical/Average Scenario: Reality Sets In

What’s included: The mandatory replacements, plus a few common wear-and-tear items that are often needed by 60,000 km, such as new brake pads and a wheel alignment/balancing. This applies to both manual variants.
Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹12,000 – ₹15,000.
Mid-Value: ₹13,500.

3. The High Scenario: The Full Dealer Experience

What’s included: This is the full-fat bill for an automatic variant owner. It includes the standard service, the costly ATF fluid change, and a few of the high-margin, optional “value-added services” (VAS) that dealers often push, such as engine coating or interior cleaning.
Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹22,000 – ₹28,000 or more.
Mid-Value: ₹25,000. This estimate is based on the real-world experience of owners who did not negotiate or decline the extra services.

Real Owner Examples & Dealer Quotes

The numbers from online portals often paint an attractive picture, but the reality for many owners can be different. The figures from CarDekho and V3Cars for the 60,000 km service are in the range of ₹9,401 to ₹12,357. This aligns with the conservative to typical scenarios.

However, a detailed report from a Team-BHP member from Delhi showcases a much higher real-world bill for their Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT. Despite having a prepaid service package, the owner paid ₹25,696 for just the 60,000 km service. This bill included an expensive ATF fluid change (charged at ₹12,798) and a series of unnecessary add-ons like “Surface Refinement” and “Engine Coating,” which alone added ₹6,600 to ₹8,000 to the total bill. When factoring in the cost of the prepaid maintenance package, the owner’s total expenditure for two services (45,000 km and 60,000 km) came to ₹47,522, which was significantly more than the Skoda website’s own estimate of ₹31,681 for a customer without a package.

This significant gap between the advertised cost and the real bill is a pattern that owners should be aware of. It’s often caused by dealerships adding non-mandatory, high-margin services to the invoice and including wear-and-tear parts that are at the end of their life, even though they are not part of the standard service package.

Why Costs Vary: Beyond Just the Parts

The final amount on your service bill is influenced by several factors, not just the cost of the parts.

Variant (Engine & Transmission): The most obvious factor is the car’s powertrain. A 1.5 TSI is more expensive to service than a 1.0 TSI due to more expensive spark plugs.⁴ The biggest leap, however, is for automatic transmission owners due to the expensive and mandatory ATF fluid change at the 60,000 km mark.
Authorised vs. Independent Workshop: Authorised Skoda service centres have higher fixed labour rates, but they have access to specialized diagnostic tools and genuine parts. Independent garages often have lower labour costs and may use more affordable, high-quality aftermarket parts.
Wear-and-Tear Parts: The condition of parts like brake pads and the accessory belt at 60,000 km is a major wild card. If these need to be replaced, they add a substantial, separate cost to the bill.
Optional Services: Dealerships aggressively push “value-added services” (VAS) such as AC duct cleaning, engine flushing, or various surface coatings. These are not part of the standard service schedule and are a primary source of profit for dealers.
Warranty or AMC/Maintenance Package: A prepaid Service Maintenance Package (SMP) can lock in prices for essential parts and labour, protecting against future inflation.However, as the Delhi owner’s experience shows, these packages do not cover wear-and-tear items or optional VAS, which dealers can still use to inflate the final bill.

How to Reduce the Bill: Tips for the Cautious Owner

It is possible to keep your Kushaq’s service bill in check with a few proactive steps.

Request a Detailed Quote: Before you hand over the keys, ask the service advisor for a detailed, itemized quote for the mandatory 60,000 km service. This forces transparency from the outset.
Scrutinize the Bill and Decline Add-ons: When the quote is ready, go through it with the advisor. Politely but firmly ask them to remove all “optional” or “value-added services” (VAS) that you do not need, such as engine coatings or AC disinfection.
Know Your Car’s Schedule: Be aware of what is truly mandatory for the 60,000 km service. This knowledge is your best defense against upselling.
Consider Third-Party Services: For jobs like wheel alignment and balancing, which are optional and do not affect your warranty, consider getting them done at a trusted, independent tyre shop for a lower price.
Check for Warranty Coverage: If your car is still under the standard or extended warranty, ensure any major part replacements (like an ATF change) are covered if applicable.

Should You Use a Dealer or Independent?

This is a key question for any car owner, and for a modern European car like the Kushaq, the decision is even more important.

The Case for the Dealership:

Pros: Access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Skoda parts, and specialized diagnostic tools required for complex systems like the TSI engine and DSG gearbox. Crucially, getting work done at an authorized service center keeps your service history intact and your warranty valid.
Cons: The biggest drawback is the cost—higher labour rates and part markups. The tendency to push optional services and unnecessary replacements is also a known issue.⁸

The Case for the Independent Workshop:

Pros: Cost savings are the primary motivation. A trusted local mechanic will have much lower labour charges and may be willing to use more affordable aftermarket parts.
Cons: Finding a reliable, trustworthy mechanic is a gamble. They may not have the specialized tools or diagnostic equipment to work on the Kushaq’s sophisticated engine and transmission systems. Using non-genuine parts or incorrect fluids could also potentially void your warranty.

The Verdict: For a major service like the 60,000 km mark, especially if your car is still under warranty, it is recommended to stick with an authorized Skoda service center. This ensures the job is done correctly with genuine parts and protects your vehicle’s service history, which is a major factor in maintaining its resale value. For minor, routine jobs or once the warranty has expired, a well-researched, trusted independent garage can be a great, cost-effective alternative.

FAQs

Will the timing belt need replacement at 60k? No, the recommended replacement interval for the Kushaq’s timing belt is typically around 70,000 km or more. It is likely not needed at this service.
Are tyres replaced at 60k? Tyres are wear-and-tear items whose life depends on your driving style. While they may need replacement at this mileage, it is a separate, significant cost from the service bill.
Does the DSG gearbox need servicing at 60k? Yes, the 1.0 TSI AT and 1.5 TSI DSG gearboxes require a mandatory fluid change at this interval, which is a significant cost driver.
Are brake pads part of the service cost? No, brake pads are not included in the standard service cost. They are inspected and replaced only if they have worn out.
What about the car battery? A car battery typically lasts 3-5 years. At the 4-year mark, a check-up is wise, and replacement is often necessary, which adds a significant, separate cost.
Is wheel alignment/balancing included? No, this is an optional, paid service that is not part of the standard schedule.
What’s an AMC/SMP? An AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) or SMP (Service Maintenance Package) is a prepaid service plan that covers scheduled services for a set period, locking in prices and saving on labour charges.
What is a VAS? VAS stands for “Value-Added Service.” These are optional, non-essential services that dealerships push to increase the total bill.
Can I decline services? Yes, you have the right to decline any non-essential service or add-on. Be sure to inform your service advisor clearly beforehand.
Is there a city-wise cost difference? Reliable, consistent data for city-specific breakdowns (e.g., Delhi vs. Mumbai vs. Bangalore) is not widely available. Costs vary more based on dealership-specific markups and local labour rates rather than the city itself.

Methodology Note:

The data for this report was compiled from a variety of public sources, including popular Indian automotive portals (CarDekho, V3Cars, ZigWheels), dedicated owner forums (Team-BHP), and owner-specific research websites (MyCarHelpline). The information was cross-referenced and verified against real owner reports and invoices whenever possible to provide a more accurate and realistic cost picture. All prices were checked as of September 7, 2025.

Cost ranges were provided based on the minimum and maximum values found across multiple reputable sources. The “mid-value” for each scenario was calculated as the median of the estimated range. It is important to note that these figures are estimates and do not account for Goods and Services Tax (GST), which can vary. All prices are subject to change based on dealership-specific markups, regional labour rates, and the car’s condition. The analysis explicitly assumes that the mandatory ATF fluid change for automatic variants is the single largest cost driver for the 60,000 km service, as evidenced by a significant discrepancy between online estimates and a real owner’s invoice.