Engine oil is essential for keeping your car running smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the road. And choosing the right type of engine oil for an old vehicle such as a Volkswagen Beetle may be difficult for you.
In this post, I will talk about the exact type of oil that will suit your 1974 VW Beetle. In addition, I will also mention how often you will need to get it changed. Read on to learn more.
What Oil Type is Recommended for 1974 VW Beetle?
1974 VW Beetle has a rear-wheel drive and an air-cooled engine. The engine’s quite different from the modern car engine since they have water and any other coolant. However, the Beetle’s air-cooled engine gets hotter compared to the other engines. So, you will need a thicker, more viscous oil.
Now, if you know about engine oils, you will know that there are conventional (Mineral) engine oils and synthetic oils. Synthetic oils are now more common in modern engines since they last much more than mineral oils.
However, synthetic oils are a total waste when it comes to old engines like Volkswagen Beetle. Because most VW engines lack filters and require oil changes every few thousand miles to keep them clean, the long-lasting qualities of synthetics are useless in these engines. So, with frequent oil changes, synthetic oil’s higher cost is completely unnecessary.
So, my recommendation for VW Beetle’s oil grade is SAE 20W-50. During very low-temperature months i.e. in winter, you can go with 10W-30, especially when the temperatures go below freezing point.
Also read: Is it Safe to Drive a 20-Year-Old Car? The Facts
Here’s the list of oils out there you can use for your 1974 VW Beetle.
- Castrol GTX ® 20W-50 and 10W-30 (Winters)
- Contains premium additives for sludge protection
- Premium conventional oil
- Advanced protection against breakdown
2. Valvoline XLD Premium 20W-50
- High-quality mineral for older vehicles like Beetle
- The detergent technology prevents sludge formation
- Suited for unleaded, light vehicles
3. Pentosin Pentolub 20W-50 Classic
- Multigrade mineral oil for vintage cars
- Comes with a special additive package for sludge protection.
What are the Negative Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Oil?
If you use the wrong oil in your 1974 VW Beetle, it could lead to a number of negative consequences.
Overheating
For one, it could cause your engine to overheat. This is because the wrong oil will not be able to properly lubricate your engine, leading to friction and heat build-up. And the Beetle’s engine, as I told out earlier, is air-cooled, so it will heat up quite well if the wrong oil is used.
Engine Noise
The heating effect will burn up oil and parts will have to work harder to overcome friction. So, this could result in more noise and sometimes the car can stall.
Shorter Engine Life and Costly Repairs
Additionally, using the wrong oil can shorten the lifespan of your engine and lead to costly repairs down the road.
How Often Should You Change Oil for the 1974 VW Beetle?
The frequency with which you should change your oil will also depend on a few factors, such as how often you drive and the type of oil that you are using. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you change your oil every 4000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.
However, the 1974 VW Beetle is an old and antique car and more importantly possesses no oil filter in most cases, you should try to replace its oil within 3000 miles or 2 months. By following this schedule, you can be sure that your engine is always properly lubricated and running smoothly.
How Much Oil Does the 1974 VW Beetle Take?
The amount of oil that your 1974 VW Beetle takes will depend on the type of engine that it has. Most Beetles will have an engine that holds between four and five quarts of oil. However, it is always best to consult your owner’s manual to be sure.
How Much is an Oil Change for VW Beetle?
An oil change for a VW Beetle will typically cost between $100 and $200. The typical oil bottle will cost around $100-160, while the rest is the labor cost. However, the exact price will depend on the type of oil that you use, as well as the location of the service center.
What Oil Filter Should You Use for the VW Beetle?
As per my research, back then, the beetles didn’t have an oil filter. The modern beetles do have one. Previously, there was a steel mesh screen to filter out the dirt particles.
So, whenever the oil change is required, you loosen all of the nuts holding the sump plate and take it out. Below that sump plate is the oil mesh screen. It has to be cleaned and washed with kerosene, every time you change the engine oil.
Also read: 4 Bad Things that Will Happen if You Don’t Change Motor Oil
What Else Should You Change During Oil Change?
When changing oil, you should also change the oil filter, check and replace the air filter, and get your tires rotated and brakes checked.
Change Air Filter
When changing your oil, be sure to also change your air filter. A dirty air filter can impede the flow of air to your engine, causing it to run less efficiently. Most auto parts stores sell replacement air filters for a variety of makes and models.
Rotate your Tires
Another routine maintenance thing that should be done every 3000 miles is tire rotation. This simply means moving the tires from one position to another so that they wear evenly. To save up time, you can do this maintenance with an oil change.
Get Brakes Checked
Most service centers will also check your brakes at the same time. This is important because worn brake pads can cause decreased braking power and shortened stopping distances.
These are all routine maintenance items that should be done every 3000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.
FAQs
- Why synthetic oil cannot be used in VW Beetle?
Synthetic oil is much more effective in modern engines and can last more than 10,000 miles However, it cannot be used in 74 VW Beetle. The reason is simple, Beetle lacks an oil filter, meaning that you will have to replace the oil every 3000 because it will get eventually get dirtier by then, regardless of its health. So, it is useless to waste money on synthetic oil, in this case.
2. Will 20W-50 work for VW Beetle in winter?
20W-50 will work well in normal working conditions, hot or cold. However, if you reside in an area where the temperature can drop below freezing, then you can switch to grade 10W-30 in winters.
3. How is VW Beetle’s Engine different from modern car engines?
Modern engines are water or coolant-cooled. Moreover, they do have an oil filter. However, VW Beetle’s engine is air-cooled, and the earlier models lack an air filter. Instead, there is a mesh screen for oil filtration.
Final Words
Changing your Volkswagen Beetle’s oil is an important part of keeping it running smoothly. By following the recommended schedule and using the correct type of oil, you can help ensure that your car will last for years to come.
