I'm changing the oil (new GTI)

[NickZ]

I thought VW 502 is OK for 15k intervals, as the 15k is not a 'long life' spec. The long life spec relates to the variable intervals which can be used in europe, which can mean an oil change up to every 30k or 2 years.

Also, for your dealer saying that the 7500km service is required because Australia is considered 'severe' driving conditions, whilst I do agree with changing oil at that interval, as far as I am concerned the car is advertised to be serviced every 15000km. The manual makes no mention of 'driving in Australia' as severe driving conditions, and if it did, then I would ask what do they do in Spain or Southern Italy?

[blackmagic]

I thought VW 502 is OK for 15k intervals, as the 15k is not a 'long life' spec. The long life spec relates to the variable intervals which can be used in europe, which can mean an oil change up to every 30k or 2 years.

Also, for your dealer saying that the 7500km service is required because Australia is considered 'severe' driving conditions, whilst I do agree with changing oil at that interval, as far as I am concerned the car is advertised to be serviced every 15000km. The manual makes no mention of 'driving in Australia' as severe driving conditions, and if it did, then I would ask what do they do in Spain or Southern Italy?

If you read my post more carefuly "my dealer" doesn't say 7,5K is required but reccomended.


As per Australia vs Italy/Spain comparison........LOL......when manufacturers test new cars they take them to Finland and Australia - but of course they are not testing them around Sydney or Melbourne........they take them far north and trash them thru the desert.
As i was living 35 years overseas where winter temp would drop down to minus 15 and summers hit 40 plus i know that those conditions are more severe.Not to mention much more stop and go driving.

"Severe conditions" term is made by local dealers trying go get more people in to take their cash.

I personally dont need dealers opinion as i believe that average Service manager have less mechanical knowleage then myself.I've seen more then few stripped engine with long drain interval and that give me all answers.

BTW i work for big Dealership (not VW)but i would never take my car
to dealer apart of warranty work.

[CatonaPC©]

People, people, people! Stick to the oil change intervals specified in the manual.

. . .there is simply no advantage in attempting to "second guess" the engineers . . .

as outlined in Snowy's post.

[harbour2929]

Thanks everyone for your help - your opinions and feelings are much appreciated.....

[Maverick]

There's been discussion about this subject, in one form or another for over 10 years, just a quick search revealed discussion about this very topic from 12 years ago:

"and there is simply no advantage in attemting to "second guess" the engineers"

The same engineers who brought us the cam follower issue? Or the ones who brought us the pcv issue? Perhaps the ones who gave us the valve deposit issue?

I'll change my oil twice a year using a 504.00/507.00 to minimise the above "issues".

[No457 Snowy]

I'll change my oil twice a year using a 504.00/507.00 to minimise the above "issues".

I've done the same as you for the last 5 years without issue and my engine runs sweet.


Snowy

[G-rig]

I did an interim service at 7,500km and doesn't hurt. Works out fairly cheap over the year for the extra one.

[No457 Snowy]

When mine was still being serviced by the dealer (I take it to Peter Shelley, an independent VW tech now) I bought myself a 20 litre drum of the same Castrol Synthetic they were using (TXT Softec). I would have them do the 15000km changes, then I would get a genuine filter, new sump plug and washer and do a midway 7500km change on the sly.

Saved me some money and I was happier to know the engine always had nice clean, oil in it.

Snowy.

[DutchAussie]

Hi, my wifes GTI has done about 2500Km so far and we love it but I have been a bit worried about the very long time frame between oil changes, especially after the first 1000km when metal filings can be found from running in a new engine.

So I asked my cousin (a mechanic) and he recommended I change the oil soon for peace of mind. I agreed so he said he will get the oil filter and oil straight from VW and do it next week for me so there should be no dramas there.

Does anybody know exactly what this oil is and should I perhaps get a different oil next time? I am a bit confused on the oil specs for the GTI, VW seem a bit vague on telling you its 504/507 but what does this actually mean?

After this oil change I will do the next one at 7500km and then every 7500km after that.

I have a section on oils on my VW Caddy Forum.