Folks, I have a Feb 2018 manufactured Octavia 1.5TSI. I need to top-up my engine oil and the power steering fluid. Does it have to match the exact brand the dealer had put in during servicing?

I'm thinking of picking up the oil and steering fluid from Halfords. Any recommendation as to which oil brand/grade I can use for the top up? And for the power steering fluid?

Edit: My apologies, it's the coolant and not power steering fluid. Any idea which one I should pick up from Halfords to top it up?

Edited 16 August, 202516 Aug by Grc
Corrected from Power Steering Fluid to Coolant

Are you sure it has power steering fluid?

I'd have thought it would be electromechanical.

4 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Are you sure it has power steering fluid?

I'd have thought it would be electromechanical.

I'm sure that is the case.

My apologies folks, it's the coolant and not the power steering fluid. You are correct.

16 minutes ago, Grc said:

Folks, I have a Feb 2018 manufactured Octavia 1.5TSI. I need to top-up my engine oil and the power steering fluid. Does it have to match the exact brand the dealer had put in during servicing?

I'm thinking of picking up the oil and steering fluid from Halfords. Any recommendation as to which oil brand/grade I can use for the top up? And for the power steering fluid?

Edit: My apologies, it's the coolant and not power steering fluid. Any idea which one I should pick up from Halfords to top it up?

6 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

I'm sure that is the case.

Brand of any engine fluids is completely unimportant, quality, correct specification and reputable supplier is.

18 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

Brand of any engine fluids is completely unimportant, quality, correct specification and reputable supplier is.

Thanks. Any recommendations on which one I can use for my vehicle?

I've been using Total Ineo long life 5W30 in my 2.0 TDI was good value, recently used Shell HX8 ECT, engine runs like a dream with it.

My advice though would be use the oil finder on the likes of Shell, Castrol and see what they recommend for your engine. Do not use Halfords finders they've always been off.

For coolant I've been using some G13 from Euro Car Parts, the current recommended stuff is G12 Evo though.

Personally I would go to Euro Car Parts, you can check stock in your local branch and if it's not on display give the guys the item code and it usually down the back.

On 17/08/2025 at 06:29, CianKT said:

I've been using Total Ineo long life 5W30 in my 2.0 TDI was good value, recently used Shell HX8 ECT, engine runs like a dream with it.

My advice though would be use the oil finder on the likes of Shell, Castrol and see what they recommend for your engine. Do not use Halfords finders they've always been off.

For coolant I've been using some G13 from Euro Car Parts, the current recommended stuff is G12 Evo though.

Personally I would go to Euro Car Parts, you can check stock in your local branch and if it's not on display give the guys the item code and it usually down the back.

Thank you for the advice. Will do that.

@Grc The Skoda / VW recommended oil for your 1.5TSI ACT is to VW508 00 / 509 00 so 0w 20 FS IV.

The oil recommended earlier than 2018 and pre WLTP testing was to VW504 00 / 507 00 so 0w 30 FS III or 5w 30 FS III.

Other members with a 2017 TDI might have one that was still recommended to use VW507 00 (Long Life) for fixed or Variable services, and still were in 2018 on. Not relevant to your 1.5 TSI ACT.

Not that the 5W 30 FS III will harm your engine. Just it is not what the Manufacturers of the car recommended or filled at the factory.

Edited 18 August, 202518 Aug by Ootohere