What type of engine oil does the Golf require?

[AdalynnFitz]

The original factory-recommended engine oil for the Golf is 5W-40. This vehicle requires SN-grade or higher engine oil. Under normal usage conditions, the oil change quantity is 5L. For international brands, Shell, Castrol, and Mobil are recommended; for domestic brands, Great Wall, Tongyi, and Kunlun are suggested. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid 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, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The second number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. A higher number indicates better ability to maintain viscosity under high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the Golf's engine oil 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 it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage 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 new oil through the engine valve cover's oil filler port. Generally, fill about three-quarters of a standard oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If any leaks are found, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check if the engine oil level is within the standard range.

[VonJulian]

I've been driving a Golf for many years, and what I care about most is smooth engine performance and fuel efficiency, so I always use fully synthetic oil, especially the 5W-40 variant, which works really well. The hot weather in the south makes this oil great for resisting high temperatures, protecting the engine, and reducing carbon buildup issues. I recommend changing it every 5,000 kilometers or every six months—don’t skimp by buying off-brand products; stick with reputable manufacturers like Shell or Mobil. Also, driving habits matter. When running the AC aggressively, the oil temperature rises, so regularly checking the dipstick is crucial. Before changing the oil, let the engine warm up for 5 minutes so the old oil drains better, and replace the oil filter at the same time. The overall cost isn’t high, but the car will run much smoother.

[KyleMarie]

My Golf has over 80,000 kilometers on it, and now I'm more careful with maintenance. Choosing the right oil viscosity is crucial, with 5W-40 full synthetic being the safest bet. High-mileage cars are prone to engine wear, so I've added some anti-wear additives to assist lubrication and extend engine life. Winters up north are cold, making cold starts difficult—I've found 0W-30 works better. It's advisable to regularly check the oil color; if it's too dark, it's time for a change—never let it overstay its welcome. Driving habits matter too: avoid sudden acceleration to reduce oil temperature fluctuations, and top up the oil tank before long highway trips to prevent leaks, saving both hassle and money.

[PresleyAnn]

When I first got my Golf, I knew nothing about it, but my mentor taught me to just refer to the original manual. It's easiest to use 5W-40 or 0W-30 oil as specified. For different engines like the gasoline version, the API certification requires synthetic oil of SL grade or above. In hot summer temperatures, the oil change interval should be shortened a bit. Beginners should check the oil level more frequently to keep it in the middle.