What kind of engine oil is suitable for the new Santana?
4 Answers
The new Santana is suitable for using 20-viscosity full synthetic engine oil. The base oil of full synthetic engine oil is artificially synthesized, with nearly identical molecular sizes and shapes, offering better lubrication performance and a longer service life. Engine oils are categorized into: full synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and mineral oil. The Santana is a vehicle under SAIC Volkswagen. Taking the Santana 2021 1.5L Manual Fashion Edition as an example: its exterior dimensions are 4475mm in length, 1706mm in width, and 1469mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2603mm, and the body structure is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan.
I've been driving my new Santana for almost three years now, and I've gained some insights about choosing engine oil. The car works best with 5W-40 viscosity full synthetic oil, especially the specifications recommended by Volkswagen. I usually use Mobil or Shell brands, priced between 200-300 RMB, which are economical and durable. The engine runs particularly stable during summer road trips, and there's never been any hesitation during cold starts in winter. Remember to change it every 8,000 kilometers or so, and don't skimp by buying inferior oil – replace the filter at the same time. Once I tried cheap oil at a roadside shop, and the engine sounded like thunder, so I quickly switched back to genuine products. Develop the habit of regularly checking the dipstick, and keep the oil level in the middle of the scale for safety.
Having commuted with a Santana for five years, I know the engine condition best. I recommend using fully synthetic oil with a 5W-40 grade, as this viscosity offers the best protection under high temperatures, especially during frequent start-stop situations in traffic jams, where the oil film is less likely to break. Brands like Castrol Edge or Volkswagen-certified oils are good choices—moderately priced but reliable. For someone like me who drives around 2,000 kilometers a month, an oil change every seven to eight months is about right. During the last maintenance, the old oil was found to be black and thick, and the technician said it was due to poor oxidation resistance, so regular oil changes are crucial. Also, check the oil pan for any leaks, especially in older cars. Make sure to choose oil products with anti-counterfeit codes, and sourcing from repair shops is more reliable than online purchases.
My Santana has always used 5W-30 oil for maintenance, which is suitable for all seasons and very convenient. This viscosity saves fuel in city driving and provides smooth acceleration, meeting the manufacturer's recommended standards. I recommend Shell or Great Wall fully synthetic series, which offer great value for around two hundred yuan. During each maintenance, I supervise the mechanic's work to ensure the oil change includes checking the oil pump and oil lines. After four years of driving, there have been no issues, and cold starts are consistently stable. The manual suggests changing the oil every 10,000 kilometers, but it depends on driving conditions. For someone like me who rarely takes long trips, changing it once a year is sufficient.
