Polo GTI Oil Type Issue?

[RandomX]

Hi All,

I was checking through my receipts preparing to lodge last years tax and realised the company i get to service my Polo GTI used 10W40 oil on the last service... Thinking it was a mistake i checked the description on the side of the extra litre bottle they gave me... Sure enough 10W40!

I know this is out of spec, most mods on my car are , however will this cause any ongoing issues?

Cheers,

Josh

[nomadx38]

What brand is it and does it meet any VW specs?

The viscosity isn't really the concern, in fact I always wished the VW approved oil went up to 5w40 for the hotter climates but I would be concerned about the oil and if it meets all the specs regarding viscosity/lubrication (just because an oil can remain thick at high temps doesn't mean it's actually sticking to the metallic service) and also what additives, detergents and particles are inside the oil.

Using the wrong oil could be really bad for your engine. You have to remember direct injections engines have NO fuel (which cleans and lubricates) running past the valves. This means if the oil isn't up to the job your valves will be ground down by the carbon and soot that collects on them.

[RandomX]

The oil is made by Liqui-moly... Doesn't come close to any VW specs for this engine...

[Umai Naa!!]

For Liqui-Moly, you need Toptec 4200.

[readerr0r]

Obviously you're well within your rights to ask em to flush it out and put the approved stuff in.

Other companies do suggest going 10 higher for better wear protection, Penrite's extra ten range for instance.

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/tech_pdfs/204%20-%20Technical%20Bulletin%20-%20What%20is%20the%20Penrite%20Extra%20Ten.pdf

It could help with the GTIs oil woes but it is a risk if you're still in your warranty period, don't leave the receipt in your car that's for sure

[gavs]

Wouldn't worry about the receipt, I they want they will just take a sample for testing.

There are a few oils made by Petronas that are 5w40 but have to specially important.

[RandomX]

i'm not too concerned about warranty, for the most part thats long gone out the window anyway...

i might just drain, flush and replace myself.... then i know whats going in it

[Diesel_vert]

Manufacturers have introduced their own oil standards in order to take the guess work out of choosing a suitable product, so a lubricant that has VW 502.00 or 504.00 approval (in addition to other OEM oil standards) is a guarantee from the vehicle manufacturer (as much as it is from the lubricant manufacturer) that it is suitable.

If a lubricant doesn't have OEM approval, then the onus falls on the user to ensure a suitable product is chosen for the engine. This is no real problem if you know how to select a suitable product (expensive boutique oils, such as Amsoil and Redline, spring to mind).

Many consumers (and some mechanics who should know better) just aren't as astute when it comes to this sort of thing, and are likely to purchase or use a product based on price, rather than suitability - hence the reason for OEM oil standards.

In the event of lubricant-related engine damage, liability would rest with the lubricant manufacturer (rather than VW), which is no problem if the lubricant manufacturer is quick to deal with claims and don't drag it out.

Hi All,

I was checking through my receipts preparing to lodge last years tax and realised the company i get to service my Polo GTI used 10W40 oil on the last service... Thinking it was a mistake i checked the description on the side of the extra litre bottle they gave me... Sure enough 10W40!

I know this is out of spec, most mods on my car are , however will this cause any ongoing issues?

Cheers,

Josh

Depends on the product.

If it's some sort of double-ester based synthetic lubricant with an exotic additive package that costs $500 per litre, then it's likely to be fine.

On the other hand, if it's a garden variety mineral lubricant with only the barest of specifications, then you're in trouble.