What kind of engine oil should be used for the Tiguan L?
2 Answers
The Tiguan L can use three different types of engine oil: 5W-30 Castrol fully synthetic oil, 5W-40 OEM fully synthetic oil, and 5W-40 OEM mineral oil. Many car owners opt for the relatively cheaper mineral oil, but in fact, the 5W-30 fully synthetic oil is a better choice. Below are some considerations when selecting engine oil: 1. The choice of engine oil should be based on the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, and lower-grade oil should not be used in engines with higher requirements. 2. Multi-grade oil should be preferred whenever possible. Multi-grade oil is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multi-grade oil, it may appear darker prematurely and have lower oil pressure compared to conventional oil, which is normal.
I've been driving the Tiguan L for several years, and based on my experience, choosing engine oil depends on the owner's manual recommendations - typically 0W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets Volkswagen's VW 508 standard. Volkswagen's turbocharged engines require this low-viscosity oil to reduce friction, improve fuel efficiency, and provide faster engine response. I suggest not skimping on mineral oil - that stuff tends to break down at high RPMs and actually increases wear. For winter driving in northern regions, 0W-rated oil ensures smooth cold starts; in southern summer heat, 5W-30 holds up better. I've used Castrol and Mobil products, both reliable, but brand isn't the key - what matters is buying oil that meets specifications and avoiding counterfeit products. Regular oil changes every 10,000 km along with scheduled maintenance keeps the car running smoothly and efficiently. Remember, the manual is the gold standard - choosing oil randomly could damage the engine.
