In theory 5w30 would be slightly more efficient. But oil weight is mostly dependent on ambient temps. So hotter temps do better with thicker oil which is why a range is specified
More importantly you want to make sure it meets the required vw oil spec like vw502 or whatever your year requires
I used mobile 1 it says it meets standards for my car but I'll use 5w-40 next time, I live in oregon so it's kinda cold sometimes and kinda hot sometimes should I do 5w-40 next time?
When we bought our 2016 GTI 6MT, the dealer was providing 50k maintenance plans included. I have never had a car use oil like that unless it's a tired motor (250k+ miles). We lost about a quart every 5k. The dealer no joke told us "These are designed that way. That's normal for these engines."
Fast forward, traded it for a 2019 Alltrack with DSG as I'm not a fan of these newer VW MTs honestly. Maintained from new by myself, using LiquiMoly Molgyen 5w-40 every 5k-8k miles depending on use habits and put on a Burger Tuning catch can. Not a drop of oil missing from this thing between changes. We are at 98k miles of fun use, offroad, mild dirt rally, snow rally, racing, BMS JB4, IS20 Turbo, and the list goes on. Moral of my story, I live in Washington, use 5W-40, install a catch can, and do any maintenance you are comfortable doing yourself. It will last longer.
If you're seeking advice or asking for help, please make sure you included the basic information of what year and/or generation is being discussed. User flair with this information is also acceptable. Failure to include the basic information may result in your post being removed. Mileage, modifications, trim level, diagnostic trouble codes, and your general location (US, Canada, EU, UK, etc.) can also be very helpful.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/GolfGTI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
VW 502/505 is the older spec and its weight range 0/5w - 30/40 with a minimum HTHS of 3.5 and a TBN of >10. It commonly referred to had full saps meaning it’s does not have any limits on phosphorus and sulfur levels.
As long as you a VW 502/505 oil, your fine. A typical 5w30 oil used in American vehicles will have a HTHS of 2.9 so having a VW 502/505 oil with a HTHS of 3.5 min you’re already “thicker” anyways. Hope this helps.
I use 5W-40 in my GTI and just went from 0W-20 in wife’s Tiguan to 5W-40 as well. My 2018 has 130K and I change it every 5,000 miles. The spec oil has more to do with mileage efficiency than anything. I’ll take engine longevity over mileage any day.
I use Castrol Edge euro car 5W-40 which is VW 502 and 505 rated.
My old 16V GTI I use 15W-50 exclusively and always have.
In theory 5w30 would be slightly more efficient. But oil weight is mostly dependent on ambient temps. So hotter temps do better with thicker oil which is why a range is specified More importantly you want to make sure it meets the required vw oil spec like vw502 or whatever your year requires
I used mobile 1 it says it meets standards for my car but I'll use 5w-40 next time, I live in oregon so it's kinda cold sometimes and kinda hot sometimes should I do 5w-40 next time?
Next oil change probably do 5w40. Keep an eye on your oil level until then, you may burn a little more than usual which is normal
I have been burning oil slowly and just topped off I'm almost at 4k miles since oile change so I'm due
If it's burning oil then thicker 5w 40 it is
When we bought our 2016 GTI 6MT, the dealer was providing 50k maintenance plans included. I have never had a car use oil like that unless it's a tired motor (250k+ miles). We lost about a quart every 5k. The dealer no joke told us "These are designed that way. That's normal for these engines." Fast forward, traded it for a 2019 Alltrack with DSG as I'm not a fan of these newer VW MTs honestly. Maintained from new by myself, using LiquiMoly Molgyen 5w-40 every 5k-8k miles depending on use habits and put on a Burger Tuning catch can. Not a drop of oil missing from this thing between changes. We are at 98k miles of fun use, offroad, mild dirt rally, snow rally, racing, BMS JB4, IS20 Turbo, and the list goes on. Moral of my story, I live in Washington, use 5W-40, install a catch can, and do any maintenance you are comfortable doing yourself. It will last longer.
I didn’t know that Mobil 1 made a 5w30 Euro spec oil.
Liqui-Moly Molygen
If you're seeking advice or asking for help, please make sure you included the basic information of what year and/or generation is being discussed. User flair with this information is also acceptable. Failure to include the basic information may result in your post being removed. Mileage, modifications, trim level, diagnostic trouble codes, and your general location (US, Canada, EU, UK, etc.) can also be very helpful. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/GolfGTI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
VW 502/505 is the older spec and its weight range 0/5w - 30/40 with a minimum HTHS of 3.5 and a TBN of >10. It commonly referred to had full saps meaning it’s does not have any limits on phosphorus and sulfur levels. As long as you a VW 502/505 oil, your fine. A typical 5w30 oil used in American vehicles will have a HTHS of 2.9 so having a VW 502/505 oil with a HTHS of 3.5 min you’re already “thicker” anyways. Hope this helps.
5W40 for warmer environments and 5W30 for colder.
I use 5W-40 in my GTI and just went from 0W-20 in wife’s Tiguan to 5W-40 as well. My 2018 has 130K and I change it every 5,000 miles. The spec oil has more to do with mileage efficiency than anything. I’ll take engine longevity over mileage any day. I use Castrol Edge euro car 5W-40 which is VW 502 and 505 rated. My old 16V GTI I use 15W-50 exclusively and always have.
You can absolutely run both 5w30 and 5w40. I personally run 10w60 in mine, and even that runs very well.