What type of engine oil does the Octavia use?
4 Answers
The Octavia uses engine oil with a viscosity grade of 5W-40. For later maintenance, you can choose high-quality mineral oils such as Mobil Super 1000, Shell Helix HX3, Castrol GTX Gold, or Total Quartz 5000. 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 latter number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity 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 Octavia's engine 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 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 some new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add the new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine's valve cover—generally, fill about three-quarters of the oil container. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. If there are any leaks, perform necessary repairs. After stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving my Octavia for several years and always use 5W-30 full synthetic oil. I recommend brands that meet the Volkswagen VW 504 00 specification, such as Shell Helix or Castrol Edge. The manual clearly states that this type of oil is suitable, and long-term use ensures smooth engine operation and fuel efficiency. It's advisable to change the oil every 8,000 kilometers—don't skimp on this as it can lead to carbon buildup, affect performance, and potentially damage components. Always go to authorized service centers for oil changes and inspections, ensuring the dipstick level is normal to prolong your car's lifespan.
For my Octavia, the best choice is a 5W-30 low-ash synthetic oil that meets the VW 504 00 standard to protect the DPF and reduce emissions. You can check the manual via a mobile app for recommended brands like Total or Mobil 1, and it's convenient and quick to change it yourself. The key is to regularly check the oil condition to avoid aging, as high-performance oil maintains engine responsiveness and good fuel economy.
For the Octavia, using synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 oil is sufficient, such as the affordable and reliable Great Wall Jijinxing that meets the VW 502 00 specification. I change it every 10,000 kilometers for simplicity and convenience—no need for expensive oils to keep costs low. The manual and fuel cap label provide specific model references that are practical and easy to understand.
