Checking the engine oil level and changing it

The engine oil level should be checked regularly every 600 km, but at least once a week. The vehicle must be on a level surface and the engine must still be warm when the engine is not running. If the engine is hot, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the sump.



To check the oil level, remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again. The oil level must be between the upper and lower marks. The dipstick can be marked with different markings (pic. 10).

Depending on the oil level, proceed as follows:

• if the oil level is within area a, then the engine oil level is correct and there is no need to add it;
• if the oil level is within area b, then the amount of oil in the engine as a whole is sufficient, but it can be topped up to mark b;
• if the oil level is in area c, then add oil to the engine at least to a level within area b.

Do not overfill oil above the upper mark, as it may be sucked into the crankcase ventilation system and contaminate the air filter and damage the catalyst. A 2.0L engine with an oil filter will require 4.7L for an oil change, while a VR6 engine (with filter) - 5.5 liters.


Change the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or at least once a year. This oil change interval is considered normal for normal driving. If you frequently tow a trailer on dusty roads or make short trips (7-8 km) when the air temperature is below zero, or often stand in traffic jams, where the engine idles for a long time, then the oil should be changed more often.

«Volkswagen» recommends oil that must comply with company standards - No. 500 00 or 501 01. Be sure to make sure that the oil being poured complies with this standard.

Before changing the oil, place the car on a flyover, lift or inspection ditch. Remove the engine crankcase guard. Substitute a container to collect used oil and unscrew the screw drain plug in the oil pan. To speed up the draining of the oil, remove the oil filler cap or pull out the dipstick. The engine oil should be warm, but not hot. After draining the oil, wipe the drain plug with a rag and screw it in. Fill with manufacturer's approved oil to the correct level as indicated by the dipstick and replace the oil filter (oil filter replacement is described below).

Attention! For a specific brand of engine, you must purchase an oil filter designed specifically for this brand.