How much engine oil should be added to a Golf?
3 Answers
Golf should add 4L of engine oil. Engine oil is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, whose main functions are to reduce friction and wear of moving parts, remove sludge and paint in the engine, neutralize acids generated from fuel and lubricant oxidation, improve the sealing of piston rings, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts. Taking the 2021 Golf 200TSI DSG as an example, its body dimensions are 4296mm in length, 1788mm in width, and 1471mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2636mm. The front suspension type is MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension type is torsion beam non-independent suspension.
I've been driving a Golf for almost three years now, and I always pay special attention to the oil quantity when refilling. The Golf 1.4T engine generally requires about 4.5 liters of oil. For my 2016 model, the manual specifies 4.2 liters, but during an oil change, I recommend first adding around 4 liters using a funnel. Then, start the engine and let it run for a minute before turning it off and waiting five minutes to check the dipstick. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and ensure the oil level is between the high and low marks. Never fill it up all at once, as overfilling can burst the seals or cause excessive engine noise. My neighbor once added two liters too much and ended up spending hundreds on repairs. Check the oil level every 5,000 kilometers as part of regular maintenance, keep it clean, and always use the manufacturer-recommended 5W-40 grade oil. For safety, it's best to follow the manual or consult a 4S shop.
Years of experience as a car owner have taught me that the oil quantity for a Golf depends on the specific model and engine. For example, a 1.8L engine may require around 5 liters, but the most crucial step is checking with the dipstick. Park on level ground, let the engine cool for ten minutes, then pull out the dipstick—the oil level should be near the midpoint. Adding too little oil accelerates engine wear and may cause overheating or cylinder damage; adding too much can lead to crankshaft leaks and reduced performance. I made this mistake the first time—in a rush, I poured in 5 liters directly, resulting in a sudden spike in fuel consumption. My advice is to initially add 90% of the manual’s specified amount, start the engine, wait briefly, then top up as needed. Make regular oil checks a habit during maintenance, inspecting every quarter to ensure driving safety.
