Volkswagen Golf FAQs

Check out real-world situations relating to the Volkswagen Golf here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• What type of engine oil is best for a 2014 Volkswagen Golf VII wagon?

  The trade recommends a fully synthetic oil for either the diesel or petrol engines of the Golf Mk 7. The correct grade and specification is 5W30 which will give you maximum engine protection and performance.

  The other engine-oil recommendation for this car is to not skimp on checking the oil level with the dipstick. These engines – in particular the 2.0-litre petrol unit – are designed to sip a little oil between changes, so don't be caught out with too little oil in the sump as that can cause catastrophic damage to the engine. The engine does this because it's a low-friction design, but the small amount of oil you'll use will be more than offset by the fuel savings engines designs like this can deliver.

  Make it a habit to check the oil level every Saturday morning; it's a simple thing to do and something that we all once had to do in the old days when most engines burned a little oil.

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• When it comes to oil changes in my VW Golf can you tell me the right type and give me a steer on the procedure?

  There’s no real trick on how to change oil on a VW Golf, but the procedure is critical, as getting it wrong can ruin the engine. The best advice is to obtain a workshop manual for the exact model Golf, and use that as a step-by-step guide to what is a great DIY home maintenance task.

  Fundamentally, though, the first thing to do is determine how often to change oil, otherwise known as the correct oil change interval. For most of us, this will be based on the distance travelled since the last oil change service. Late model Golfs have a 12-month or 15,000km (whichever comes first) service interval.

  From there, it’s a case of using the correct size spanner or socket (not an adjustable wrench) to undo the drain plug at the bottom of the engine and drain out the old oil. Replacement of the oil filter is next, followed by refilling the engine with the correct VW Golf oil type. Since much of this work happens from below the car, a torch or auxiliary light is a handy thing to have, as are drain pans and clean rags to mop up spills. Don’t forget that disposing of the old oil and filter environmentally is part of the deal.

  The correct Volkswagen Golf engine oil will depend on whether your car is a petrol or diesel and whether it’s turbocharged or not. The exact specifications of the oil you need should be listed in your car’s owner’s manual. Broadly speaking, most Golfs, whether petrol or diesel, from the last few years require a fully synthetic 5W30 oil to operate properly. Depending on model, the Golf has an oil capacity of between four and five litres, so a five-litre pack will give you a little left over for top ups.

  If you’re not confident with tackling this job, then a trip to a local mechanic or service centre is your best option. But if you’re prepared to have a go, then this is a great home maintenance project for the first timer. Having a mechanically-minded friend guide you through the process the first time is another good idea.

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• Should I buy a 2020 Volkswagen Polo?

  The Polo is very nice to drive and has refinement levels that most of its competition can’t match. It’s also among the best of the small hatches to actually drive with dynamics that make it feel like a full size bigger in terms of its ride and handling. It’s no toy, that’s for sure.

  VW now offers capped price servicing on the Polo and, given the 15,000km/12 month intervals, it stacks up reasonably well when compared with its major competition. The 12 month/15,000km service per VW’s capped-price deal will cost you $332, followed by $468 at the two-year mark, $426 after three years, $789 at the major service at four years and $332 for the fifth year. Those prices are for the DSG-transmission version, but the prices for the manual-transmission Polo are almost identical.

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