Is 4 Liters of Engine Oil Too Much for Lavida?
3 Answers
Adding 4 liters is slightly excessive. Generally, the Lavida requires about 3.8 liters of engine oil. Precautions for Adding Engine Oil: Engine oil selection should be based on the engine's requirements. Do not use high-grade oil in a low-performance engine, nor use low-grade oil in a high-performance engine. Choose oil that matches the engine specifications. It is advisable to select multi-grade oil, which offers advantages such as fuel efficiency, extended lifespan, and high performance, providing better protection for the engine. The oil level should be slightly below the mark on the dipstick, avoiding overfilling. Excessive oil not only increases the crankshaft's rotational resistance but also reduces the engine's output power. Moreover, the surplus oil may enter the combustion chamber and participate in combustion, leading to issues like oil burning, blue smoke emission, and increased fuel consumption. Functions of Engine Oil: Lubrication: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the main shaft and bearings. To prevent excessive wear, an oil film must be established between these sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the sliding surfaces, thereby reducing wear. Cooling: Engine oil carries heat back to the oil pan and dissipates it into the air, assisting the radiator in cooling the engine. Cleaning: Engine oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine components back to the oil pan through circulation. The flow of the oil cleans contaminants generated on the working surfaces of the components.
Adding 4 liters of engine oil to the Lavida is generally not excessive, especially if your car is equipped with the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. The Volkswagen Lavida owner's manual recommends an oil capacity of approximately 4 liters. My own vehicle has this engine, and after each oil change with 4 liters, the dipstick level sits perfectly at the midpoint—it's a straightforward process. As long as the dipstick reading falls between the minimum and maximum marks, there's no cause for concern. However, if the level exceeds the upper limit, you may need to drain some oil to prevent excessive oil pressure or potential leaks. I also recommend restarting the engine for a few minutes after refilling and rechecking the dipstick, as the oil circulation when warm can affect the fluid level. Remember, regular oil changes are crucial—typically every 5,000 kilometers or six months—as this not only protects the engine but also prevents oil thickening that could lead to clogging. Overall, 4 liters is a standard quantity for most Lavida owners and shouldn't raise any concerns.
I think adding 4 liters of oil to the Lavida is just right. I've been driving my Lavida for over 3 years and have always done it this way without any issues. It mainly depends on your engine model. For example, a 1.4T turbocharged engine might only need between 3.5 to 4 liters, while a 1.6L often requires more than 4 liters to be sufficient. After adding oil, immediately check the oil level with the dipstick. If it's slightly above the upper limit mark, you can wait for the engine to cool down and see if it evens out. Too much oil is not good—it can increase fuel consumption and engine load, and even leak out, contaminating the engine bay. A friend of mine once added a bit too much, causing the car to shake on the highway, but it smoothed out after reducing the oil level. In short, follow your car's manual. Adding 4 liters won't be too far off, but make it a habit to check and don't rely solely on fixed numbers.
