Oil confusion

[speedsix]

I've looked back at pretty much all the oil threads and they all contain umpteen different suggestions, different grades, semi/fully synthetic, loads of contradictions!

Looking at the manual isn't much help either as it doesn't make much sense. The manual has a table...


A - Synthetic oil ------------------- VW 502 00 VW 500 00
B - Mineral oil ---------------------- VW 501 01
A/B - Multigrade oil -------------- ACEA API etc.

A = 5W-30/5W-40/10W-30/10W40
B = a bunch of other ratings

1. When it says 'Synthetic' does it actually mean Semi-Synthetic?
2. Is the A/B Multigrade bit reffering to non VW specification oils?
3. Can I top up with VW 500 00 10W-40?


Yours confused

Dom

 

[BHP Addict]

Tell me about it

 

[cupra-c_ya]

I think everyone would have different suggestions on oil and everyone has there likes and dislikes, I use what my dealer used for my last service and that is quantum synta gold fully synthetic 5w-40. Personally I would use fully synthetic on my car and not semi-synthetic, 5w-40 seems about the right oil to go for but some might disagree?

I bought my oil (Quantum synta gold 5w-40) from German Swedish French for just over £30 for 5 litres which will do a oil change.

If you are looking for something a little better then you could try silkolene pro s 5w-40 which is over £40 but is supposed to be very good, you can get this from http://www.opieoils.co.uk/

You could always ask your seat dealer what they use and stick with that, just remember you pay for what you get and this part of your car maintenance is important afterall this is your engine we are talking about, hope this helps?

 

[speedsix]

Is fully synth every 5k a bit overkill?

 

[speedsix]

Also, I think we need a sticky thread or a guide with some clear data in it as tbh most of the oil threads are more confusing than helpful.

 

[Mitchy]

As long as it says VW503:01 on the back then its okay.

Then you can buy cheap oil or expensive oil! (Tesco's own or Mobil/Quantum)

Then you have the choice of fully synthetic or semi synthetic (Always been informed that a turbocharged car should run on fully synthetic)

Then you have the viscosity rating (0W/5W/10W)
Then you have the other rating, which i cant remember what its for? (30/40)

So its easy in a way, buy an expensive oil that is fully synthetic, has VW503:01 on the back and then you have a choice between 0/5 and 10. Pick 5 as its in the middle and then either 30 or 40, whatever's available on the shelf!

I use mobil 1 5w/30

It's like petrol, as long as its unleaded then its fine! You can use any supermarket brand 95ron, any major petrol company 95ron, then you can use SUL 97 BP ultimate/esso supreme, 98 Ron shell optimax or 99 Ron tesco. You can even use that new 102 ron stuff.

There's no definitive answer to the question as long as its unleaded and as long as it says 503:01 on your oil carton then everything will be fine!

 

[speedsix]

Thanks. Done a bit of a search..

The 2 VW standards listed in the book are (no specific mention of LCR in the Leon book??)

VW 500.00
This is an “old” oil specification and is applicable to engines built before model year 2000 (up to August 1999)
Viscosity ratings: SAE 5w-40, 10w-40 or 20w-40
This oil can be used in all petrol and some diesel engines, apart from those referred to under other specifications.

VW 502.00
This oil can only be used in petrol engines and is recommended for those which are subject to arduous conditions. It must not be used for any engines with variable service intervals or any which are referred to under other specifications.
Viscosity ratings: SAE 0w-40, 5w-40 or 10w-40


Few questions (sorry bout this!!)

1. Does a VW spec dictate whether it should be semi or fully synthetic? Or can it be either or?

2. Does it dictate what viscosities you can use?