Tips and tricks for engine oil – the lubricant in your engine

The engine oil fights tremendous pressure, resistances and temperatures. It neutralises particulates, acids and water. But even the very best engine oil wears out over time and residues can begin to collect.

The oil filter collects combustion residues and the dirt absorbed by the oil in the engine. This all builds up over time. So, it should be changed at the same time. At Volkswagen, we’ll also change the seals and the oil drain plug.

An engine oil that is perfectly matched to your Volkswagen.

Consult your Owner’s Manual

Where can I find the oil standard for my car?

Compare the specification in your owner’s manual with the labelling on the engine oil bottle (VW standard).

A film of lubricant must be guaranteed, even when subject to extreme outside and engine temperatures. The service wallet will help you find the right engine oil. Only use oil that has been approved by the manufacturer so your engine stays clean, acidic combustion products are neutralised and the build up of sludge is prevented.

Your local authorised Volkswagen will be able to help here.

Find a retailer

Diesel or petrol engines: In principle, only oils serving the same engine concept may be mixed – including synthetic with mineral oils. The engine oil must meet at least the prescribed performance characteristics set out in the Volkswagen standards. The quality may also be higher.

Anyone who does not use an approved oil, risks engine damage and generally can risk voiding their guarantee as a result.

The quality of engine oils is defined by a combination of letters and numbers. The different specifications describe the right oil for your engine concept. Stick to the manufacturer’s specifications for a long engine life.

Engine oil has to have the right viscosity to match your engine – certain flow properties that you can read under the SAE classification.

You can read everything you need to know about the viscosity of engine oil under the SAE classification of the Society of Automotive Engineers. It tells you how viscous the engine oil is in cold or warm temperatures, in winter or in summer.

The classification for cold temperatures is made up of a number and a W for winter – e.g. 5W. The number tells you the sub-zero temperatures (in degrees) to which the engine oil retains good flow properties. The higher the number, the more viscous the oil.

The classification for warm temperatures is just a number. It indicates how quickly the engine oil circulates at 100 °C, so how thin it is.

Most modern engine oils are designed for use in every season, i.e. all-year or multigrade oils. For example, an oil with a classification of 5W-30 is suitable for an outside temperature range of -35 °C (5W) to +30 °C (-30).

The number before the W tells you the sub-zero temperatures to which the engine oil remains so liquid that it is still easy to pump. The lower the value, the better the oil circulation in cold temperatures. An SAE 0W engine oil is thinner in cold temperatures, circulates more effectively and lubricates the engine quicker than an SAE 25W engine oil.

The SAE classification for pure winter oil consists only of a number and a W.

SAE classifications and the temperature at which the engine oil can still flow:

• -40 °C/SAE 0W
• -35 °C/SAE 5W
• -30 °C/SAE 10W
• -25 °C/SAE 15W
• -20 °C/SAE 20W
• -15 °C/SAE 25W

The smaller the number after the W, the thinner the engine oil at 100 °C. This means that, for example an SAE 16 engine oil (kinematic viscosity of 5.6 mm² per s) achieves a greater spread across a surface in one second than a viscous engine oil with SAE 60 (kinematic viscosity of 21.9 mm² per s).

In addition: The slower an engine oil’s circulation, the more stable its film of lubricant.

The SAE classification for pure summer oils is a single number – e.g. SAE 20.