FAQ about oil

1. Is it possible to change from mineral to synthetic base oil lubricants?

Synthetic lubricants are produced from specially designed molecules that provide extra vehicle protection and extra vehicle performance. Modern synthetic lubricants are also designed to be fully compatible with mineral lubricants therefore there is no problem when changing from mineral to synthetic lubricants. You can even mix mineral and synthetic lubricants in an application however the quality of the mixed lubricant will depend on the ratio of the mix and in general is likely to be equivalent to the mineral lubricant.

2. Will the use of lower viscosity 0W or 5W engine oils result in higher lubricant consumption?

0W and 5W refer to the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. 0W and 5W oils flow easily at low temperatures ensuring easy starting, fuel economy, and extra power. Synthetic base oils and viscosity modifiers ensure that the viscosity of the lubricant is also high at high temperatures. This is shown by the last digits in the viscosity grade – the “30” or ”40” numbers. These numbers are more relevant to oil consumption and therefore 0W30, 0W/40, 5W/30 and 5W/40 engine oils do not have high oil consumption.

3. How much fuel can be saved when using an XW30 type engine oil?

Fuel consumption is reduced by 2 – 5 percent on average when compared against a10W-40 or 15W40 engine oil and is further reduced by some driving conditions. Short distance driving for example may show even higher savings.

4. Lubricants claim to meet different specifications. Which specification lubricants should I use in my vehicle?

Using the correct specification lubricants is essential to get the most life and performance out of your vehicle. Different engines, gearboxes, and axles require different specification lubricants therefore the requirements for your vehicle are clearly stated in the vehicle’s operation manual. If you cannot find supplies of the recommended specification lubricant “on the shelf” then you should contact your VW dealer.

5. Shortly after the engine oil is changed it turns dark. Is this normal?

Yes it is normal. When the oil is drained from the engine about ¼ litre of the old oil remains in the engine and mixes with the new oil immediately darkening it. Also one of the major roles of the engine oil is to keep particles suspended in the oil and prevent them from dropping out. While we may think that a dark oil is in some way degraded in fact it demonstrates that the oil is doing its job. Especially with diesel engines, the oil can turn black after a few km due to soot. Oil darkening is not a useful indication of oil aging of the oil – oil thickening is a much better indication.

6. Does it make sense to fill Longlife Oil into older engines as well?

The excellent performance of Longlife oil also applies to older engines that are in good mechanical condition. For very old engines with high oil consumption it may however not be cost effective.

7. Does it really make financial sense to use expensive synthetic oil instead of cheaper mineral oil?

The synthetic lubricants recommended by Volkswagen have been designed to save you money in the short term, and in the long term, and to give you the best driving experience. Using Volkswagen-approved synthetic lubricants reduces fuel consumption, extends vehicle life, and makes the vehicle more responsive. We at Volkswagen believe that these benefits far outweigh the high cost of the synthetic lubricants. And, the higher that fuel prices get the better the value of using synthetic lubricants.