Should the New Santana use 5w30 or 5w40?
2 Answers
The New Santana uses 5w30 engine oil. For the New Santana during the break-in period, 5W30 is preferable as it more effectively reduces wear between engine components. In 5w40, the 'w' stands for winter, and the '5' represents the oil's cold-start performance. The smaller the number, the better the oil's cold resistance, making it easier to start the engine in extremely low temperatures. The '40' indicates the kinematic viscosity standard at 100 degrees Celsius. When changing engine oil, it's important to pay attention to the oil's viscosity. If the viscosity is too low, it can lead to insufficient oil pressure and inadequate lubrication, increasing friction between engine parts, causing abnormal noises and accelerating wear. If the viscosity is too high, the increased resistance can add to the engine's load, thereby increasing fuel consumption. The choice of engine oil also depends on the vehicle's age. Generally, new cars have smaller gaps between engine components. While 5w40 has higher viscosity and better lubrication, it's not ideal for the initial break-in period, making 5w30 the better choice. For older vehicles with more significant engine wear, 5w40 oil with higher viscosity and better lubrication performance is recommended. Additionally, higher viscosity oil offers more stable performance and better sealing, reducing engine noise during driving for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
I've been driving my new Santana for almost three years now, and as a daily city commuter, I find 5W30 oil more suitable because it starts smoothly and saves fuel. There's no hesitation when starting the cold engine in the morning, which aligns with Volkswagen's original manual recommendations. However, if you frequently drive long distances or at high speeds on highways, such as weekend mountain road trips, 5W40 offers better protection against wear when the engine runs hot. After switching oils, I noticed that the 30 viscosity is slightly quieter, and fuel efficiency improved by about 5% in actual tests. For new car engines, long-term maintenance costs are lower. Don't overlook the oil brand—choose reputable ones like Castrol or Shell to ensure compatibility. During summer highs, I occasionally mix in a higher viscosity oil, but generally, I stick with 30 for its cost-effectiveness.
