Oil warning in GTI

[ibbero]

Had the GTI since November and is due for a service in August. Last week whilst travelling to Perth, the oil warning light came on, so I stopped at the next servo, I checked the dipstick and it barely registered. I have only checked the oil once since new, because I thought it wasn't necessary.

I have done just over 10,000kms - should this have happened?

[Tim]

Its normal. Really you should be checking your oil at least every few thousand kms. A lot of dealers will offer complimentary top ups as well.

Oil usage tends to vary from engine to engine and your driving style will make a difference too. But 1L in 10,000kms is certainly no cause for concern in a turbo charged car

[Maverick]

I have only checked the oil once since new, because I thought it wasn't necessary.

that could be a very expensive lesson in checking essentials. Check the oil on a regular basis especially on a new car, doesn't take long to do and you can check the coolant, washer fluid and so on at the same time. Relying on the car to tell you that it has low oil is just asking for a cooked engine IMO.

I have done just over 10,000kms - should this have happened?

Yes, all cars use oil, some faster then others even if they have the same model of engine. VW class up to 1 litre per 1000kms of oil as within spec for the engine.

[ibbero]

Oil Level

Thanks for the advice

This is the second GTI that I have had, my previous one I had for four years and never once did I check the oil level - must have been lucky I suppose

[brad]

I have only checked the oil once since new, because I thought it wasn't necessary.

RTFM?

Th eowners manual says to check every week or every tank of fuel (500km?). Probably a good idea until you get a feel for how much oil the car likes to drink.

I assume "travelling to Perth" meant the Nullabor? I would have thought a check of all fluids (coolant, washers, brake fluid, battery) would be a good idea before a jaunt like that.

[Maverick]

RTFM?

Th eowners manual says to check every week or every tank of fuel (500km?). Probably a good idea until you get a feel for how much oil the car likes to drink.

I assume "travelling to Perth" meant the Nullabor? I would have thought a check of all fluids (coolant, washers, brake fluid, battery) would be a good idea before a jaunt like that.

He's in Bunbury so it's ~185km but still yes worth checking before a 2 1/2 hour drive. I don't check mine as often as I should but my car has been run in and uses almost no oil so the frequency of checking has dropped off.

[Guest212]

same boat as mav.

19,000km and my car has still only used a litre of oil since new.

i dont ever check it now.

[gregozedobe]

I have only checked the oil once since new, because I thought it wasn't necessary.

I'm wondering if you have ever checked your tyre pressure as well (including the dreaded "go slow" spare) ?

[Timbo]

I know it's 2009, and modern cars have warning lights if the ashtray gets full, but there's still a basic level of inspection all drivers should undertake regularly, ranging from checking the tyres look basically inflated before any drive to checking oil and water levels. Most mfrs highlight this in their manuals, but I guess we are all guilty of reading these less than we should...

[Corey_R]

I have done just over 10,000kms - should this have happened?

Come on guys, ibbero is a newbie here, be a bit nicer!

But to answer your question, you should ESPECIALLY be checking in regularly when the car is new. Not only to learn how much it likes to drink (as per brad's advise), but because a new car will often use much more oil until it is 'worn in'.

Just drop into any VW dealership/service centre - they should be able to top it up for you for nothing

[soogs]

Just to keep this thread going, is there a particular brand of oil you guys prefer?

[brad]

Just to keep this thread going, is there a particular brand of oil you guys prefer?

I use Castrol Edge 5w30. Meets the VW spec & is best bang-for-buck when on special at Supercheap for $30.

Otherwise I'd probably buy Mobil1 5w40 (I think that's the one that meets the VW spec).

Come on guys, ibbero is a newbie here, be a bit nicer!

i thought everyone had been on their best behaviour.

[ibbero]

Oil Level

Like I said previously, this is my second GTI, the first one I had for nearly 4 years and I have never checked the oil. I was of the opinion, that you didn't need to check the oil on a Volkswagen

[Maverick]

Like I said previously, this is my second GTI, the first one I had for nearly 4 years and I have never checked the oil. I was of the opinion, that you didn't need to check the oil on a Volkswagen

You should check all the fluids and tyre pressures on a regular basis.

[SmutsGTI]

Lol i had the same thing happen last week. I thought when was the last time i checked the oil doh! never. First service is tomorrow. I had a 5.7l calais and it used to do a litre every 7 - 9 weeks so i no complain!.

Smuts