What is the recommended oil specification for the Volkswagen Bora?
1 Answers
The original factory oil specification for the Volkswagen Bora is SM5W-40 semi-synthetic oil. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can opt for reputable international brands such as Shell, Castrol, and Mobil, or domestic brands like Great Wall, Kunlun, and Tongyi. The official Bora manual recommends oil with a specification of SM or higher 5W-40, or oil that meets the VW50200 standard. Oil viscosity changes with temperature, so it's crucial to pay attention to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity—5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother cold starts for the car. The second number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher value means the oil can maintain its viscosity better under high temperatures, which can be understood as better lubrication performance in high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the Bora's oil is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to cool down, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passages to drain out. Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter. Apply oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add the new oil through the engine valve cover filler port, typically filling about three-quarters of the oil container. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, perform necessary repairs. After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the standard range.