What is the best engine oil for the Tharu?
3 Answers
Volkswagen Tharu is equipped with a turbocharged engine, so it is recommended to use synthetic oil with a viscosity of 40. Common engine oil grades include 0w30, 5w30, 0w40, 5w40, 0w20, 5w20, etc. The letter W in the oil grade stands for winter, indicating that the oil can be used normally in winter. The number before W indicates the low-temperature flow performance of the oil, and the number after W indicates the high-temperature viscosity of the oil. 0w means the oil can still flow normally at -35 degrees Celsius, while 5w means the oil can still flow normally at -30 degrees Celsius. The higher the number after W, the higher the viscosity of the oil. When the engine is running normally, the oil forms a film on the surface of various components inside the engine, which can prevent direct contact between components and reduce engine wear. If the oil viscosity is too low, the oil cannot form a stable film on the surface of various components inside the engine, which will increase engine wear. If the oil viscosity is too high, the engine's running resistance will increase, which will reduce the engine's power and increase fuel consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate viscosity oil. Here are the steps for changing the engine oil for the Volkswagen Tharu: Open the engine cover (remove the four clips). Open the oil cap and insert the oil extractor hose into the oil dipstick port to extract the oil. The extraction process takes about 15-20 minutes, and the used oil can be collected in a bucket. After the oil is extracted, use a wrench and socket to remove the old oil filter. Clean any excess oil from the contact position, then install the prepared new oil filter. (Note: Usually, the oil filter is placed on top, but for some models, the oil filter needs to be removed and installed from under the car.) After adding the new oil, check the oil level using the oil dipstick. When checking the oil dipstick for the first time, wipe it clean with a paper towel and reinsert it to its original position. The second time you pull out the oil dipstick, you can determine the oil level. The oil dipstick has upper and lower limit marks, and the oil level should be between these two marks for normal operation.
My Tharu has been running for almost five years now, and I've gained quite some experience in choosing engine oil. Last time during maintenance, the technician told me that the key is to look for oils with either VW50200 or 50400 certification - those are the most suitable. I usually go for 5W-40 full synthetic, which makes highway driving exceptionally smooth. When winter temperatures drop below -10°C, I switch to 0W-30, and cold starts become noticeably smoother. Never cheap out with mineral oil - turbocharged engines are particularly picky. I change it every 8,000 kilometers or so, and I always check the dipstick beforehand - if the oil looks black, it's time for an early change. Sticking with major brands is always safe; Shell and Mobil have never let me down.
When I first got the Touareg, I specifically checked the maintenance manual, which clearly stated to use engine oil that meets VW standards. Later during servicing, the technician told me that the oil requirements for the 1.4T and 2.0T engines are actually different. Since I usually drive gently, I use 5W-30. But if you frequently go on long trips or enjoy spirited driving, it's recommended to switch to 5W-40. Although full synthetic oil is more expensive, it offers much better engine protection. Every time I get an oil change, I watch the mechanic closely to ensure all the old oil is drained properly. The oil filter must also be replaced simultaneously—this is an expense you shouldn't skimp on.
