OIL CHANGE QUERY

[laney]

Have peeps forgotten how to use a dipstick on a regular basis??? 

You really should keep it topped up to the max, especially if you like giving it large! 

I have been checking it every couple of weeks but it seems to have shot down in the last fortnight 

[Creepy Coupe]

Does the GTi have an oil level warning light?

Not that I'd rely on it, just seam to remember reading it in the handbook.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Does the GTi have an oil level warning light?

Not that I'd rely on it, just seam to remember reading it in the handbook.

It does have an oil level sensor, though in my experience, the bu&&ers don't work properly!! 

You'll find (if you are lucky) the light will come on when the level is at minimum.  That might be fine for gently cruising down arrow-straight roads, tootling along at 2,000rpm, but we don't drive our GTIs like that. 

On my S4, when the light came on, there was not a drop registering on the dipstick - way below the minimum!!!   

[Creepy Coupe]

Does the GTi have an oil level warning light?

Not that I'd rely on it, just seam to remember reading it in the handbook.

It does have an oil level sensor, though in my experience, the bu&&ers don't work properly!! 

You'll find (if you are lucky) the light will come on when the level is at minimum.  That might be fine for gently cruising down arrow-straight roads, tootling along at 2,000rpm, but we don't drive our GTIs like that. 

On my S4, when the light came on, there was not a drop registering on the dipstick - way below the minimum!!!   

Bit late by then, shame really as it could have been usefull, had it gave a decent EARLY warning 

[Hurdy]

A most useful thread

I too was wondering about oil consumption, changes and type as I have been running diesels for a while now.

So it looks like the checklist is:-

* Check dipstick every week for the first couple of thousand miles

* Change oil and filter at around every 5k between fixed services (which is what I have chosen too)

* Keep oil level at top section of dipstick

* Always use recommended oil.


Thanks for the info guys

[Teutonic_Tamer]

A most useful thread

I too was wondering about oil consumption, changes and type as I have been running diesels for a while now.

So it looks like the checklist is:-

* Check dipstick every week for the first couple of thousand miles

* Change oil and filter at around every 5k between fixed services (which is what I have chosen too)

* Keep oil level at top section of dipstick

* Always use recommended oil.


Thanks for the info guys

And a brilliant, concise conclusion, although, for me to be a little pedantic, I'd suggest checking oil dipstick every week, for as long as you own the car! 

[laney]

I'm getting bored of typing this but ..................

........... as I'm still without a manual, could someone answer a really noddy question 

wht type of oil should I be using to top up - can I just get anything which says longlife on it from my local BP, or should it be anything in particluar?

Cheers

[lowdown]

Use Castrol SLX longlife 3  (http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/Longlife_servicing.pdf)

I have done 12000 from new and have added (over time) in total 1litre of this oil.  I have always tried to keep the dipstick level on max, but never let it fall below 3/4.

Just checked my service interval (turn on ignition, wait for a few seconds until its finished with the opening message, then hold trip reset button until the service interval display appears.  First in miles, then in days)  I have 1300 miles or 184 days.

I'm averaging 34mpg day to day and high 30's on long trips (and that's not hanging around -by my standards anyway!!)

[Teutonic_Tamer]

I'm getting bored of typing this but ..................

........... as I'm still without a manual, could someone answer a really noddy question 

wht type of oil should I be using to top up - can I just get anything which says longlife on it from my local BP, or should it be anything in particluar?

Do NOT use any old longlife oil!  A BMW, or Vauxhall longlife is completely different to a VAG LongLife oil!!

Use only oils which meet the VW standard 504.00, 503.00, 503.01 - period.  Anything else, and you will void your warranty, and VW will analyse the oil for any engine related warranty claim!

Rgds

[Creepy Coupe]

I'm getting bored of typing this but ..................

........... as I'm still without a manual, could someone answer a really noddy question 

wht type of oil should I be using to top up - can I just get anything which says longlife on it from my local BP, or should it be anything in particluar?

Cheers

Did you nit get a spare litre, in a nice little pouch, in the boot?