Hi all. I normally have my car serviced by the main dealer and it seem such a long time between oil changes.

my question is do any of you change your own oil and filter before the recommended mileage from the dealers, also not sure what oil the dealers use but it still looks black after being changed.

Am i also right that the oil filter is located next to the dip stick and can be changed simply under the bonnet, i realize that i will have to put the car on ramps and remove the cover to get access to the drain plug.. I've looked for videos online but they just seem to be on diesel cars. i have Superb mk3 L&K estate 2018

Any information will be a great help in making me decide on the way forward, Thanks

Hi,

Just tell us your engine type please.

We only know it ain’t a diesel. 😁

@Robbo12 Is it long between oil & filter changes because you are only having it done on Variable servicing, 24 months, 18,000-20,000 miles?

Doing it and using a vacuum pump and more often would be simply clever and simple enough.

8 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

Hi,

Just tell us your engine type please.

We only know it ain’t a diesel. 😁

Hi it's a 2.0TSI PETROL

7 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

@Robbo12 Is it long between oil & filter changes because you are only having it done on Variable servicing, 24 months, 18,000-20,000 miles?

Doing it and using a vacuum pump and more often would be simply clever and simple enough.

Yes did also think of that option but would i be right thinking the oil filter is located next to the dip stick under the bonnet, i know on some models its accessed from under the vehicle

I change the oil (filter, sump plug, oil - 5w30), myself, in between the annual service schedules, at the workshop.

Hence my car (220) gets an oil change every 6 months.

Reason i do that is because my car is tuned, hence recommended to have a more frequent oil change.

Very easy to do it urself.

Front on ramps so u can drain the oil and put a new sump plug.

Then replace the oil filter next to the dipstick.

Replace oil, 5.7L is needed for 2.0L 220.

Edited 7 August, 20257 Aug by JR RS

Step by step guide here.....

https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/ea888-mk7-golf-oil-change/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6TJZBDiPOLlFX1SrKWrKPqOtLAacqyfj2HWHMzsAovdkSQNaj

5 minutes ago, JR RS said:

I change the oil (filter, sump plug, oil - 5w30), myself, in between the annual service schedules, at the workshop.

Hence my car (220) gets an oil change every 6 months.

Reason i do that is because my car is tuned, hence recommended to have a more frequent oil change.

Very easy to do it urself.

Front on ramps so u can drain the oil and put a new sump plug.

Then replace the oil filter next to the dipstick.

Replace oil, 5.7L is needed for 2.0L 220.

Great thank you I think the main dealers leave it far to long before oil changes. I have the same engine and will start doing exactly as you have stated. I know it's best to change sump plug but wasn't sure of the location of the oil filter the only videos I've seen are on Diesels where it is located und the vehicle.

It is located to the right of the dipstick and needs a large socket of I think 32mm ish, the sump plug needs a special tool available very cheaply and appears designed to stop over tightening. The sump plug is plastic so very important. You could use a screwdriver but not recommended, buy a new plug for piece of mind. It’s a simple enough process, drain off the oil, undo the filter cartridge, swap the paper filter, fit new plug and fill up with juicy fresh oil.

I take it for a drive first to warm up the old oil, go have a cuppa and a bite to eat and then start above process giving the oil time to return to the sump.

I use a trolley jack on one side to get enough space and an axle stand while removing the plug for safety, when the plug is removed and draining then drop the car back level and repeat the jacking after it is fully drained. Ramps may not allow all the oil to drain.

Sorry @JR RS @Robbo12 you beat me to it!

My 2022 2.0TSI 190hp uses 0-20w Castrol edge oil. I change it +filter every 6k miles . Habit of a lifetime.

8 hours ago, Ian Bridges said:

My 2022 2.0TSI 190hp uses 0-20w Castrol edge oil. I change it +filter every 6k miles . Habit of a lifetime.

Thanks Ian , That is what I strongly believe in that 6000 Miles should be the max. I'm sure oil cannot be protecting engine parts when its been in for 15000 +

Every 6,000 miles might be OK for the likes of those not doing 12,000 - 20,000 miles a year or more.

@Robbo12 how many miles has your 2018 TSI done, and how many oil changes has it had?

4 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

Every 6,000 miles might be OK for the likes of those not doing 12,000 - 20,000 miles a year or more.

@Robbo12 how many miles has your 2018 TSI done, and how many oil changes has it had?

@Ootohere , I’m not sure what difference it makes except on your wallet, it is more important that the oil in a turbocharged engine is working to lubricate properly.

If you are doing huge yearly mileage I would think most people would buy a diesel and if they are choosing petrol then they probably won’t care about the minimal added cost of more frequent oil changes. Let’s put it another way, leave the oil changes at 20k and have the possibility of damage to internal components and it will cost way more than a few extra oil changes

Considering modern engines from FSI/TSI and EU4 TDIs onwards, the difference in the cost of shortening intervals vs. rebuild/repais has literally skyrocketed, don't know if any of you has had a recent overhaul of a modern powerplant, but the cost is staggering.

If shortening lubricant interval extends life of the mechanicals, so be it.

Note of caution: if you are still bound to official servicing, buy elements that are OE so they are undetectable in case of check ... the difference in price between a good paper filter like Mahle or Mann and the OE VW is negiglible, but the latter has written "VW" all over it.

6 minutes ago, Windybum said:

@Ootohere , I’m not sure what difference it makes except on your wallet, it is more important that the oil in a turbocharged engine is working to lubricate properly.

If you are doing huge yearly mileage I would think most people would buy a diesel and if they are choosing petrol then they probably won’t care about the minimal added cost of more frequent oil changes. Let’s put it another way, leave the oil changes at 20k and have the possibility of damage to internal components and it will cost way more than a few extra oil changes

62000 had 5 oil changes from main Dealer. Think it would make me feel better to know the oil is protecting the internal parts of the engine and reducing ware.

I found this video interesting. :- We Are Adjusting Our Oil Change Intervals At The Shop!

The adjustment I would make is forget the 0w 20 FS iV with a 2.0 TSI or any even with a GPF and going to if stull using Long Life oil even for fixed servicing or sooner and go 0w 30 FS III. So VW504 00 / 507. Not VW 508 00 / 509 00.

Edited 8 August, 20258 Aug by Ootohere

Assuming it’s the same as my 2016TSI then changing the oil is a doddle. Warm up first of course, then undo the plastic drain plug (no under-trays to remove). I just use a large flat blade screwdriver. I always replace the plastic drain plug - pretty cheap from TPS. Note, don’t buy a cheapo alternative from ebay. I did but I think I didn’t get away with it (oil all over the garage floor next morning😢

Undo the oil filter housing (top front of engine) but don’t fully remove it just yet, give it a minute for all the oil to drain out of it. That way you don’t spill any. Remove old and insert new paper element from TPS, screw back on. Insert new sump plug, turn it clockwise about 1 turn until the locking arm clicks. Add lots of oil (I think it takes around 7 litres, can’t remember). I use Quantum oil from TPS, very cheap and meets the spec, what’s not to like?

I bought a new 280tsi in 2023, changed the oil at 7000 miles and then dealer service at the designated (variable) time (around 16,000 miles). Now due another “interim” oil change by me even though about 7000 miles remaining according to the computer.

The later model has a metal sump and drain bolt but I think your 2018 version will be plastic.

Edited 8 August, 20258 Aug by nicknorman

8 hours ago, nicknorman said:

Add lots of oil (I think it takes around 7 litres, can’t remember).

5.7L to b exact.....not 7L!!

Overfilling with oil is bad for the engine.

12 hours ago, JR RS said:

5.7L to b exact.....not 7L!!

Overfilling with oil is bad for the engine.

Quite right. I was thinking of another engine (the one on my canal boat) that takes 7 litres.

Well I have decided to carry out Oil Changes about every 6000 Miles or so and feel better knowing the oil filter is next to the dip stick .

I don't have a pit i can put the car over so thinking of putting on ramps, does anyone have any suggestions on ramps some seem to be a steep incline so just looking for something that is easy enough to get on and get the car high enough.

Thanks for any help as always.

If I had the chance I’d get the oil sucker and do it that way be super easy then and no messing about down below, but mines a diesel so filter at the bottom boo

10 minutes ago, Danoid said:

If I had the chance I’d get the oil sucker and do it that way be super easy then and no messing about down below, but mines a diesel so filter at the bottom boo

Thank You, that does seem a good idea. would you do that from the dip stick hole? Would certainly make the job a lot quicker.

providing I don't get any plastic pipes stuck. ☺️

Yes, go in through the dipstick.

I bought a Pela last year but got fed up constantly pumping the pressure to keep it sucking and although it showed it had removed just under 6 litres, I was paranoid that there may have been muck at the bottom of the sump.

I suppose if you are changing in between a dealer service it isn’t such an issue but I do my own servicing so in another 6,000 after the service I’ve just completed (removing sump plug) I may just use the Pela again. Certainly saves the faff of jacking