Many people around the globe have admired the clean and functional design of Volkswagen cars for decades now. In fact, many consider this brand to be the epitome of luxury and style. Of course, if you’re the proud owner of such a vehicle, then there’s no doubt you’d want to ensure that it receives the premium quality care it deserves to continue functioning in top condition. Aside from providing your vehicle with regular Volkswagen service in Perth, it would be best if you worked to keep it in impeccable shape by ensuring to use the right engine oil.
When it comes to selecting the best engine oil for your Volkswagen, you may be under the impression that you’ll have to go through a mountain of information. In reality however, the first step you need to take is actually quite simple—review your owner’s manual.
It would be best if you learned about the recommended oil weight for your Volkswagen through checking the manual. That said, you can always check this guide to discover more about the basics of motor oils.
Understanding Engine Oil Labels
On every motor oil container, you will find labels that will help you to determine whether or not you’re choosing the right product for your Volkswagen. On the right of the packaging, you will notice the API doughnut, which tells you if the oil meets the SL service rating. You will also notice the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity number that tells you if the product has passed the Energy Conserving test. On the left, you will gain sight of a starburst symbol that tells you if the oil has passed SL service tests.
Viscosity
Viscosity pertains to the level at which the fluid resists to flow. The oil heats up as the engine starts running. As motor oil cools, it thickens, and as it rises in temperature, it thins. Getting the right additives will help the fluid to resist thinning too much. The more resistant an engine oil is to thinning, the higher its second number will be. For instance, between a 10W-40 and a 10W-30 viscosity rating, the former has a higher resistance to thinning and henceforth, a better capacity of keeping a thick viscosity under high heat. Consequently, you can expect thicker oils to seal better and do a better job at lubricating the moving parts.
If we’re talking about low temperatures, the engine oil must be resistant to thickening. In this way, it will flow through the moving parts easily. Moreover, an overly thick oil will require more energy from the engine when turning the crankshaft. It will be more of a challenge to start your VW’s engine if the oil is excessively thick, which in turn reduces fuel economy. During the winter season, a 5W oil is the recommended product. There are also oils that can be synthetically formulated to flow more easily in lower temperatures. That being said, you should always consult your Volkswagen manual to learn more about the recommended oil viscosity.
Synthetic or Conventional Engine Oil: Which Is Better for my Volkswagen?
When you get a VW service in Perth, your mechanic will recommend the ideal type of engine oil for your vehicle. To give you an idea, here are some of your options:
Premium Conventional Oil
Mechanics consider premium conventional oils as the standard fluid for new cars. You will find that major brands carry one in their product line for various viscosities. Your owner’s manual may recommend that for lower temperatures, you should use a 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil. On the other hand, for higher ambient temperatures, you might want to go for a 10W-30. Any light-duty car can use these three oil ratings.
Full Synthetic Oil
High-tech engines are full of synthetic oils. Products that pass stringent tests will provide longer-lasting, superior performance in all critical aspects, including protection against deposits and viscosity index. You can expect these oils to keep peak lubrication at high temperatures. What’s more, they will ensure to flow better in colder temperatures.
Synthetic Blend Oil
Oil blends contain a combination of organic and synthetic oil. Manufacturers design these to protect even under high temperatures and heavier loads. In general, they are less volatile, causing them to evaporate far less. Consequently, they also increase fuel economy. If you’re driving a sedan or a beetle, then a synthetic blend oil may not be the most cost-effective option for you. On the other hand, this option is ideal for pickups and SUVs that need high-load protection.
Oils for High-Mileage Cars
What’s great about Volkswagen is that it ensures to stay on the road for many years. No one can deny the durability and efficiency of these vehicles. And with regular VW service in Perth, you may be able to get the mileage running well into six figures. However, for cars like this, you’ll need a specially formulated oil. So, if your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on the odometer, we’d recommend getting a high-mileage oil.
If you’re still having trouble deciding on which type of oil to get, bring your vehicle to European Prestige Auto Service today. When receiving a reliable Volkswagen service in Perth from us, you will also receive highly knowledgeable advice from our trustworthy mechanics.
