Hi Everyone, I'm a new member on here and a new owner of my first VW car.

On reading at the owner's book, its very vague on giving out oil information and advises to have the car serviced only at VW dealerships

to have the best suitable engine oil fitted.

Can anyone comment on here on the following..........

My car is a May 2002 VW Polo (mk4 9N ?) 1.4S 16v auto (75KW) Petrol.....done 85000 miles

I have traced on sites like Shell and Castrol, that the correct engine oil is 5W-30 Fully synthetic

As the engine is of high mileage, should I switch to using 5W-30 Semi-synthetic or perhaps 10W-40 semi which is more thicker for an older engine?

Any help would be appreciated Thanks

HST Driver

Welcome to the Forum.

All of the oils that you list are suitable for your engine - If you wish to follow the handbook advice, there is nothing to prevent you from buying your oil from the VW Parts Department, you can in fact get some good prices from them, but it is better to be armed with prices from other people before you go to VW.

SAE 10W/40 is a good choice if it is using oil, but don't go for anything 'heavier' or the hydraulic tappets will rattle. If it doesn't use oil, I would stick with 5W/30 for this reason.

85 K is not what I would call a high mileage for your engine, but it all depends on how it has been driven and how often it has been serviced - and, of course, what oil it has had in it.

One point, don't be tempted to buy cheap oil filters! they can work out to be very expensive indeed.

Regards.

Many thanks for your reply and advice.

VW Dealer finally told me that SAE 5W-30 Fully Synthetic oil is recommended / used by VW Dealership mechanics.

My Polo has had regular services some twice a year and no leaks so I will top-up with that oil if it consumes any oil

which I believe all Polos do consume some oil I am told which is approx. 1 Litre per 1000Km to be expected.

regards