Which brand of engine oil is best for Volkswagen Santana?
1 Answers
Volkswagen Santana performs well with Castrol or Mobil brand engine oils. The Santana series is equipped with naturally aspirated engines, which can use 30-viscosity semi-synthetic or full synthetic engine oil. During the break-in period of a new Santana, 5W40 oil is recommended. For later maintenance, you may opt for semi-synthetic oils from brands like Shell or Total. Semi-synthetic oil is mainly suitable for the EA211 1.5L naturally aspirated engine in the Santana, while the 1.4T engine requires full synthetic oil. The engine oil should meet ACEA, A3B4, or C3 certifications. The A3B4 standard indicates a high-temperature shear value of at least 3.5, ensuring the oil film's strength at high temperatures and preventing oil burning. For new cars, 0-30 oil is recommended as an all-season oil. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so it's important to pay attention to its performance under both 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. A smaller number means better low-temperature fluidity, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The second number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C, with higher values indicating better viscosity retention 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 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 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 the new engine oil through the filler cap on the engine valve cover, typically filling about three-quarters of the oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, repairs should be made; After stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to check that the oil level is within the standard range.