What kind of engine oil should be used for Volkswagen Santana?
2 Answers
Volkswagen Santana uses original engine oil with the specification of 5W-30. If you want to change the engine oil during later maintenance, you can choose international brands such as Shell, Mobil, or Castrol. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity, with 5W representing the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts smoother. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. A higher value means the oil can maintain its viscosity index better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in a Volkswagen Santana is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan to catch the old oil until no more oil flows; start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; use a special 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 oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, usually filling about three-quarters of a standard oil container; start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter, and repair if necessary; after stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to ensure the engine oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving my Santana for almost ten years, and choosing engine oil really depends on the situation. The old-model Santana's engine is sturdy, so 15W-40 mineral oil like Great Wall Jijixing is sufficient in summer, costing less than 100 yuan per barrel. For newer turbocharged models, fully synthetic oil like 5W-30 or 5W-40 is recommended. Last time I used Shell Helix Ultra, which provides quick cold starts and better fuel efficiency. The key is to check for VW certification—50200 or 50400 standards are the safest. In areas where winter temperatures drop below -10°C, opt for 0W-grade oil to avoid hard starts in the morning. Also, don't skimp on cheap, off-brand oils—counterfeit products can damage the engine. Remember to replace the oil filter at the same time; Mann or Mahle filters offer the best compatibility. After the change, take the car for a high-speed run to clear carbon deposits—it'll drive much smoother.
