Hi Folks

Apologies if this has been discussed previously. I've searched around and cannot find an answer to my query.

My 1.8 VRs is just coming up to 100K miles and I have a few questions.

First off is the oil type. I have been using Castrol Edge fully synthetic for the oil changes every 10K miles. I do the oil/filter changes myself.

I was wondering is there any cheaper oil out there that I could use at this stage of the car's life like a semi-synthetic or something, or would that be false economizing? Or are there other brands that you know of which are suitable, yet cheaper?

Also it is getting through approx a litre between oil changes. Is this just a normal sign of engine age?

And should I be doing the change every 10K or should I wait till 15K, all the while keeping an eye on the oil level? It is QP1 and VW 503.00, and engine code is AUQ.

Thanks & Regards

Gerry

Hi.

I would use a good quality 5w40 fully synthetic oil (semi is a no no in the 1.8t).

As long a it meets the VW502.00 standard, it will be fine.

Something like this Quantum oil

Quantum oil is recommended by VW, and is what they use.

Oh, and change every 10k.

Like you I have used mostly Castrol Edge 5W30 at every oil change and changed the filter every time, although I change the oil in mine every 6000 miles instead of every 10,000. On a couple of occasions I've used Quantum Synta Platinum 5w40 which is what most VAG delaerships put in 1.8T engines if you take it there for a service. This is about £10-20 cheaper than the Castrol stuff and I've had no ill-effects from using it.

My engine has always used a small amount of oil (about half a litre) between oil changes. I bought the car with 85,000 miles on it. I'm pretty sure this is normal and I've seen posts from ex Skoda and VW mechanics on here saying that up to 800ml of oil every 1000 miles is within acceptable limits (sounds a lot, I know!)

You only need to start worrying about oil loss if you see smoke from the exhaust (piston rings, valve stem seals or turbo oil seals), or oil is leaking e.g. from the cam cover gasket.

Edited 24 September, 201015 yr by chicken_eyebrow

Thanks for the replies lads, much appreciated. I will stick with the fully synthetic oil as per your advice.

I was in Halfords yesterday and bought 5L of Mobil 1 5w30 fully synthetic which conforms to most VW specs, including 503.00 which mine is. It worked out approx €10 less than the Castrol Edge for the 5 litres - I'm in Ireland where everything is more expensive :-(

Just coming up on the 10K now, so will do the oil/filter change after work this evening.

Thanks again, this is a great site for info.

Gerry