Volkswagen Genuine Oils

Your engine generates immense pressure and heat. Engine oil helps protect it by neutralising particles, acids and moisture. Inevitably the efficiency of your oil will deplete over time, so keeping it refreshed is vital for a healthy engine.

When you get your oil changed at a Volkswagen retailer, we also change the filter, the seals and the drain plug.

Your owner’s manual tells you which is the right oil for your engine. If you’re still unsure, your local Volkswagen retailer will be happy to assist you.

Not using manufacturer approved oil risks damage to your engine and can affect your warranty. For the best results, always stick to the manufacturer’s recommended oil.

Before mixing oil check that they both meet the required standards set for your Volkswagen.

Oil viscosity refers to how easily the oil pours at specified temperatures. The easier the oil pours, the lower the viscosity.

Oil viscosity classifications are set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). In their classifications the number that comes before W (which stands for winter) denotes how far below 0°C an oil will still work well. The lower the number, the better the circulation in colder temperatures. The classifications break down as follows:

• -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 number after the W tells you how thin the engine oil is at 100°C. The lower the number the thinner the oil is and the faster it will circulate around the engine. Generally speaking, thinner oil is more efficient during warmer weather.

For our example, we are using an oil with a viscosity reading of 5W-30

5W tells us that the oil will continue to flow well at temperatures as low as -35°C. The hot weather viscosity of this oil is 30, and will work well at up to 30°C. What this means is our 5W-30 engine oil works at its best between -35 °C (5W) and 30°C (-30).