Follow-up post:

Got the engine (DSHA, Skoda Rapid NA India) filled up with Castrol EDGE Eurocar 0W-20 ACEA C5. This was done after flushing the engine first with Castrol Engine Shampoo (essentially an engine flush chemical) and then filling the new oil. Earlier oil in the vehicle was VW 502 (5W-40).

Initial few 100 Kms feedback:

1. Engine sounds refined (surprisingly).

2. It takes less time to reach normal RPM (980) during a cold-start.

3. The cranking time is notably lesser (many milliseconds less).

4. Throttle inputs are more responsive than earlier.

5. Vehicle is running more smooth.

6. At idle after warm-up, the vehicle is notably silent; in fact at times it is difficult to realize that the vehicle is ON.

I am not sure how could 0W-20 brings the above improvements over 5W-40 when I was always wary of NVH increase due to this change. It could be because the engine is tuned to use 0W-20 only.

Will update long-term feedback here as it comes by.

Cheers,

i am using cheaper variant of oil, 504.00-507.00 Shell Helix Ultra AV-L Pureplus 0w30, change at 10000 kms/ interval 10 months maximally.

https://www.shell.com/motorist/oils-lubricants/helix-for-cars/shell-helix-ultra/shell-helix-ultra-professional-av-l-0w-30.html

Edited 21 May, 20251 yr by imart143

6 hours ago, autliebe said:

Engine sounds refined (surprisingly).

Yes surprising with a VW 3 or 4 cylinder and it will be relative. Most people would expect it to sound noisier with a thinner oil.

6 hours ago, autliebe said:

I am not sure how could 0W-20 brings the above improvements over 5W-40

Thinner, less resistance.. Plus even if the 5w-40 was Castrol EDGE Eurocar ACEA C5 same as the 0w-20 their make ups could be different in additives and possibly base oil, then of course the difference with 0w-20 to 5w-40.

Changing to a different 5w-40 than you were using may have brough differences too, probably not as much and as noticeable as the differences you have now. A 0w-20 will be a good oil and have a good make up and if you are happy with the results and it is suitable for the car short, medium and long term then great result, well done.

Thanks for reporting back.