My 2023 1.0 tsi 110hp MK4 Fabia according to the sticker requires oil of the specified wv 508-509  0w-20 specifications. Because i live in a country with a warm climate (southern Greece - even in winter it very rarely drops below 5 degrees Celsius while in summer temperatures above 30 are daily), and since the warranty expires in 2026, i have had the idea to go back to the older specifications wv 504 5w-30 from now on (i have already used 2 times the specified 0W-20). I read a lot of bad things about the 0w -20 on the net and in general i see the prevailing opinion is that their use is mainly imposed for fuel economy/pollution reasons and that is not the best option for the long-term maintenance of the engine. What is your opinion ?

There have been reports on online forums that using a modern 'thin' oil in older vehicles not designed for it can result in oil-leaks, and there are plenty of videos/discussions/arguments about choosing 5W-30 oil instead of 0W-20.

These earlier Fabia Mk4 forum threads discussed engine oil

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/534071-skoda-mk4-engine-oil/#comment-5959049

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/527841-fabia-iv-first-service/#comment-5895592

Your marketed/used-in-Greece Fabia MK4's oil-sticker advises that a 0W-20 oil be used and no alternative grade is recommended. Unless you are 100% confident that your research is valid, I suggest you use 0W-20 (and beware of the internet!!)

A 5w30 or 0w30 meeting the 504 spec will be fine.

That's probably the case, but why would the owner of a Fabia Mk4 deliberately choose to ignore the advice on their car's oil sticker and in their car's Owner's Manual?

The 2021 Hyundai i20 I owned before my Fabia had a similar 1.0litre turbocharged motor and performance and Hyundai advised that 0W-20 oil should be used. A table was provided indicating that alternative grades of engine oil could be used according to the temperature conditions of a country and those grades varied from 0/5W-20 to 20W-50, but this was for i20 cars that had a 1.4litre normally-aspirated motor. For my i20, Hyundai advised that 0W-20 oil should be used across a -30°C to +50°C 'weather' range.

I can fully understand Fabia Mk4 owners deciding not to use the recommended tyre pressures if they find the car's ride too firm for their liking, but not choosing to use 5W-30 oil instead of 0W-20 based on what they've read online.

On 22/11/2025 at 08:21, fabiamk4man said:

What is your opinion ?

You can go round and round on the internet until you disappear into one of your own orifices and still not have a definitive answer on things like engine oils, people have their own strongly held beliefs on such stuff.

Use a good quality oil or better quality oil if you want, a very good 0w-20 oil should/might be better than a good quality 5w-30 and it is so the other way round, a very good quality 5w-30 should/might be better than a good quality 0w-20 - BUT - the differences might be small or very small. It may also depend on if you expect still to be using the engine and car in x-years time or you are only keeping the car for a short(er) number of years.

The oil has to suit the circumstances, the engine, it's use and the conditions of use.

Following what VW wants will meet VW requirements and that is fine, or you may want or think you need more which is fine, it is your car, time and money. VW do not care much about your engine once it is out of their warranty they would prefer to sell you either a new car or as much servicing and repair of your existing car as they can get as they can make plenty out of parts - but not out of oil, unless you buy it with VW labels on.

Generally any 0w grade oil will be a good oil just to meet the 0W grade but to meet the 5w grade takes a good oil too so it is up to you which keeps you more content. Unless you do double oil changes and oil analyses over a period of time with two oils to compare it would be difficult to judge or confirm results.

Personally I would use a very good oil of whichever grade you prefer.

As you know if you want you can be overloaded with information and opinions and beliefs I can point you to loads of information none of it directs relates to a 2023 Fabia in Greece though, so just buy good quality, or better, engine oil and do timely, thorough* oil changes.

(*this is not sucking out cold engine oil to me but fully draining out warm (hot) engine oil)

I have a VW that I bought new in Oct 23.

VW recommend a C5 0W-20 oil is fitted.

You can also use a C3 5W-30 oil.

This was confirmed by TPS. VW's parts supplier in the UK.

At the first service in Oct 24 the VW dealer fitted the C3 oil for me.

At the Second service in Oct 25 the VW dealer fitted the C3 oil for me.

I have also changed the oil sticker under the bonnet to the oil I use.

I keep my cars for a long time so the oil I chose is important to me.

Details I found were:-

VW 504 is a FS LL 5W 30 C3 oil and is better at reducing engine wear with a HT/HS viscosity of 3.5 cP than a C5 oil.

VW 508, VW 509 is a FS LL 0W 20 C5 oil has a HT/HS viscosity of 2.6- 2.9 cP. They can improve fuel economy by 1%.
Engines using this oil will suffer more engine wear than one using a C3 oil.

5W oil is still a flowing liquid at -30°C.

0W oil is still a flowing liquid at -35°C.

How cold is it in Greece?

ACEA C3

''Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and petrol engines, with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life.''

As apposed to C5 :-

ACEA C5

''ACEA C5 oils are high performance, lower SAPS lubricants.
The primary goal of ACEA C5 oils is increased fuel economy in high performance petrol and diesel engines in passenger cars where advanced after-treatment systems such as Diesel Particulate Filters and Three Way Catalysts are used. HTHS viscosity must be in the range 2.6 to 2.9mPa.s (i.e. low) - typically SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 and made with Group III base oils.''

HTH

Thanks. AG Falco

On 22/11/2025 at 20:17, DerekU said:

That's probably the case, but why would the owner of a Fabia Mk4 deliberately choose to ignore the advice on their car's oil sticker and in their car's Owner's Manual?

I can fully understand Fabia Mk4 owners deciding not to use the recommended tyre pressures if they find the car's ride too firm for their liking, but not choosing to use 5W-30 oil instead of 0W-20 based on what they've read online.

Because in my opinion, many of the choices made by manufacturers over the last 10 years have been made with the aim of achieving maximum economy and emissions, often at the expense of other parameters which in that case have to do with reliability and long-term durability.

After all, what they care about is that the car comes out of the warranty unscathed, whether the engine will survive half the kilometers than it should and could is not concern them - perhaps they even seek it. That is why in recent years you see oils becoming thinner and the change intervals getting longer.

Personally, living in a warm climate (which certainly to some extent affects the choice of oil viscocity) and wanting the best in terms of longevity, thinking about such a change (which is not miles away from what is recommended – the same engine basically called for 504 5w-30 a few years ago) is not unreasonable or unheard of – combined with the fact that such thinking seems to be supported by many experts in the field as reflected in dozens of discussions/videos/interviews/tests… Anyway, i still have almost 1 year until I decide whether to change or not

Do not put too much/excessive, er, weight, or consideration on the oil grade or grade range figures or other specification figures, as with the cars, the oils have been blended for wide use and conditions and with some compromises, plus real world use over real time may give slightly different results and outcomes to formula testing. And then it depends on how strictly VW control the blender in what VW want from the oils. I would guess VW exercise a lot of control hence the VW specifications numbers, same as other manufacturers I know, partly marketing but possibly to help cover the design and build compromises of the engine (gearbox) as all mass market engines must have. Of course I would never suggest flaws in anything VW builds or does. 😁

If anyone thinks a car manufacturer has its customers' best interests at heart then I can introduce them to an African military person who can offer them a fantastic investment opportunity. 😄 (one for older reader there 😄).

Edited 24 November, 202524 Nov by nta16
typo

Millions of VW Group TSI,s running about globally since 2018 since VW Group started using VW508 00 / 500 00, so 0w 20 FS IV. That is in countries regions with similar or more extreme temps than in Greece. The charge was for the WLTP & RDE2 figures. Please yourself if you want to go and use VW504 00 / 507 00 so 5w 30 FS III or 0W 30 FS III. I would go with the 0w 30 FS III in a hot country with occasional cold weather. I would have an extended warranty though, so that means sticking to using their Recommended oil. But then for a Fixed Oil Service Regime VW502 00, 5w 40 FS can be used. Just they do not tell you that.

7 hours ago, Evolution13 said:

But then for a Fixed Oil Service Regime VW502 00, 5w 40 FS can be used. Just they do not tell you that.

After the warranty is over I will run this oil in my 2023 VW.

It is also used in the other three cars I run.

Thanks. AG Falco

18 hours ago, Evolution13 said:

Millions of VW Group TSI,s running about globally since 2018 since VW Group started using VW508 00 / 500 00, so 0w 20 FS IV. That is in countries regions with similar or more extreme temps than in Greece. The charge was for the WLTP & RDE2 figures. Please yourself if you want to go and use VW504 00 / 507 00 so 5w 30 FS III or 0W 30 FS III. I would go with the 0w 30 FS III in a hot country with occasional cold weather. I would have an extended warranty though, so that means sticking to using their Recommended oil. But then for a Fixed Oil Service Regime VW502 00, 5w 40 FS can be used. Just they do not tell you that.

I will certainly wait another 10 months and 1 more oil change until the car is out of warranty. Until then i will stick with Castrol LL-IV 0w-20 that local Skoda dealers use (at least that they are writing at the invoice…). By the end of this period the Fabia from new will have total of 4 oil changes and about 35-38.000 km covered with the recommended 0w-20. But right after warranty expires and as mileage goes up i strongly believe i must change into something slight more viscous for better long term protection. I didn't know that there was a 0w-30 oil meeting VW 504 specifications. I thought there was only 5w-30. Been the case, 0w-30 sounds to me like a good alternative. As you mentioned i am serious thinking even to a C3 5w-40 which i was using for 6-7 years in my previous Fiat T-Jet with great results…

There are higher performance VW Group engines, TSI & TDI and from 2018-2025 and the Recommended oil for these is 0w 30 FS III. VW504 00 / 507 00........................ Changing oil as often as fixed regime or sooner no needed for the Long Life oil though with a 1.0 TSI even the newest ones.

Edited 25 November, 202525 Nov by Evolution13

Longlife is more of a marketing term as an oil needs changing when it needs changing and that could be before or after any set regime, any good oil or better oil will generally be long(er) life than a lesser oil.

As I put I think a thorough, warm (hot) drain oil change is more beneficial that a cold oil suck out. Getting the oil to full working temperature 90+c (view the oil temperature rather than coolant temperature for this) each time the engine is run will also help and extend the service life of the oil.

Always annoying to see how much lower the oil prices in Europe (and America) but as it's often just a once a year change in the overall cost of owning and running a car paying a bit extra for oil makes fractional difference.

Unless it is on very special offer I personally would never pay for oil just because it is labelled as VW (brands).

Maybe so. But really as far as Warranties and Dealerships and servicing you are not going to run the Non Long Life oil for 18,000-20,000 miles. .......Hot oil suck out is the way to do it. & be careful when there are hydraulic chain / cam tensioners. Especially so when draining oil. ***Operating Temperature oil sucked out for Professionals then remove Sump Plug was in the Guidance for H&S. *** They are doing many oil services not just once or twice a year. http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/496180-oil-petrol-engine

Edited 25 November, 202525 Nov by Evolution13

As always it's each to there own, to do as you please or suits you.

Unless I was doing 18-20,000 miles in 12 months or under I would have the oil changed every 12 months anyway, just ask or tell the Dealership to do that, they ain't gonna turn the money down, as for warranties AFAIK in Europe the work don't have to be done at an official Dealership as long as the work done and parts and materials used are good enough.

As for hot oil, note I put warm (hot), whoever is doing the work is responsible for Health & Safety, theirs and other peoples, over the decades I've done a few warm (hot) drain oil changes on engines, gearboxes and rear diffs and despite not being mechanical and a bit clumsy I've never had any trouble with the oil being warm (hot) - other than some always missing the bowl(s) and going on the ground, we don't all have lifts or pits or even any sort of shelter from the elements when it's too hot, too cold, too wet too windy, oh, the joys. ☹️

Farting about with cars is always a dirty, messy business, particularly petrol and worse still diesel engines but you do what you can to avoid oil, grease, rubber, dust, dirt and debris as much as you can getting on you and your clothes.

Professionals are often more interested in speed of the job, and getting on to the next job, than taking time, being thorough (and giving a **** for many of them in my experience). Professional just means you're doing it as paid work not necessarily that you are any good at the job. I only started doing work on my cars because I was fed up or sorting and redoing properly work I'd already paid professionals to do, often I would do a better job not because I was better but because I cared about the quality of the work and outcome and didn't give myself time pressures.

Is it worth worrying about any sort of real longevity on a 2023 car to make it worthwhile to worry about a bit of extra effort with the engine oil and just go with what many (most?) others do and just meet the minimum requirements for warranty then get the least expensive oil for whenever you feel the need for an engine oil change.

We can DIY any way we want and will have maybe for over 5 decades like you and i. 90*oC Oil never harmed anyone did it? It never harmed us now did it. Remember and tell that to Trainees these days. I served my time when we were Motor Engineers and had Journeyman training us. Different days back then. Different H&S as in none. But a kick up the jacksy for being a Muppet. Not that there were Muppets back then.. ...From a thread 8 years ago. If charging for a Sump Plug and you are sucking out the oil you had best change the sump plug or that is fraud.

Edited 25 November, 202525 Nov by Evolution13

Not forgetting the important "or" in the left hand column.

Never did say suck oil out and remove drain plug.

There were some real muppets back then and I expect now, some you'd not trust to remove a sump plug in case they choked themselves with it and if they didn't and put it back in cross thread it to ******. Then there were also some totally dishonest and/or lazy plus of course considering all customers as something they'd trod in - all taught to them by others in the trade including their employers. Not that all customers are angels, I know that from experience of previous lives.

@Breezy_Pete You said exactly the same in 2017. Nobody has to do anything. If charging for a part & 20% VAT it should be changed not put in your own tool box. If not changing it do not charge for it.

Edited 25 November, 202525 Nov by Evolution13

1 hour ago, nta16 said:

Is it worth worrying about any sort of real longevity on a 2023 car

That car is not made any more. It was discontinued between when I ordered and delivery.

Soon no ICE cars will be sold new.

I keep my cars a long time.

The oldest one in my fleet at the minute, I bought new in 2009.

So presently 16 years old and at 139K miles.

Plan to keep my 2023 car that long as well.

So for me, YES.

Thanks. AG Falco

28 minutes ago, Evolution13 said:

@Breezy_Pete You said exactly the same in 2017. Nobody has to do anything. If charging for a part & 20% VAT it should be changed not put in your own tool box. If not changing it do not charge for it.

And I'll keep saying it as long as you keep posting those instructions, to avoid the understandable source of potential confusion.

The point is Operating temperature oil change. 'If possible'.

Edited 25 November, 202525 Nov by Evolution13

17 hours ago, AGFalco said:

I keep my cars a long time.

My thought was towards fabiamk4man and others and the possibilities for the car to become beyond economic repair for various reasons for average owners giving average servicing, maintenance and care to their cars, you are very much above this average but some of the effects may also impact you, computer programs, systems, more expensive items on the later cars, events beyond your control.

A 2009 car kept 16 tears to 2025 will be a different experience than a 2023 car kept until 2039.

My last car, used as everyday and for leisure and motor club use in the UK and Europe, I kept for 16 years (with lots of work and expense due to the ****-poor quality of the motor trade generally) and it was 49 years old when it left me. I used to drive and do a little bit of work on my neighbour's 2005 car, that is still being used. I enjoyed driving that small cheap 2005 car more than my wife's 2015 Fabia or other neighbour's 2023 car.

I have some idea of keeping older and old cars going but can only speculate on a 2023 car and the future. As you can tell I'd not be a fan of any 2023 car generally and based on my wife's 2015 Fabia I'd personally not want it to be a Fabia or VW product generally. Others will have different experiences and views of course particularly on a VWŠkoda site. 🙂

Since we are talking about oils, i will tell you what i have conclude over the years and how i deal with the lubricant issue in all my cars – i consider it successful since for +35 years i have never had a failure that was indirectly or directly related to lubrication and all my cars had negligible/almost zero oil consumption even after 140-150k km.

- Short oil change intervals regardless of what the manual says. I change my oil around 8-8,5k km (before full synthetic oils even lower). Mainly because that is how far each of my cars travels each year and i don’t want to keep the oil running in for more than a year. 3-4 times happened to travel near to 10k km in a year while there were also times when traveled below 7k km, but as a general rule and as an average i change the oil around 8-8,5k Km. Almost never above 10k Km and definitely once a year regardless of mileage.

- I always use synthetic oils (for the last 20 years at least) that meet or exceed the manufacturer's requirements. I'm mainly talking about the specific class/spec of the oil that each manufacturer requires, while i adjust the viscosity to the climate conditions in which i live and drive (going for the higher recommended limit due to warm climate). In the case of MK4 It is the first time i consider to go for an even higher than the recommended viscosity because I believe that 0w-20 is way too thin (obvious to me just for consumption/emission reasons) and will affect the long-term engine’s life.

- I always change the oil together with the filter from a manufacturer that is considered quality and reliable.

 - Whenever i can (meaning most of the times), i force the technician to remove the oil while the engine is hot and i insist on letting them drain as much as possible. Also, whenever i can i supply the oil and the filter to the technician who will be doing the change and i am present during the work to make sure everything is done properly.

- Although my intervention is rarely needed, i monthly check preventively and always make sure the oil is at the maximum level or at least slightly below it.

- In the few cases where i bought a brand new car (only 2 out of a total 11 cars), i had the first oil change at about 1,5K km regardless the manual said it wasn't necessary.

- I change the gear oil to my manual transmissions at about 80k km point regardless they are referred as “lifetime” use.

- I have never used oil additives, no matter how fashionable they are.

My opinion is that anyone who follows such or a similar lubricant plan will have the best possible longevity and reliability results.

Similar philosophy with me.

Although I have already gone to a higher viscosity oil at the first two services.

See above.

The dealer did ask questions but happily fitted the oil I requested.

I try to buy cars new and then keep them a long time.

Oil change every year or sooner if the mileage limit comes first.

No oil consumption in my petrol engines .

The Diesel will go down a little, although I have never needed to top it up between services.

I started to use fully synthetic Mobil F1 oil back in the 80's.

Had one Big main dealer at a first service tell me that the Mobil F1 oil I supplied was the wrong oil for the car.

They had marked this on the invoice so I had to bring in printed evidence before they reprinted the invoice.

Thanks. AG Falco