Built from 2010 to 2014, the MK6 GTI is a powerful vehicle that can produce up to 207 HP of power. However, to ensure the durability of this vehicle, you must use the right engine oil in it. In this article, we will be discussing what’s the best oil for an MK6 GTI. Let’s go!
Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk6): A General Overview
The MK6 GTI features a 1984 cc engine with a power output of 207 HP. You have the option of going with a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission. It is a direct-injected 2-liter turbo four engine that offers high efficiency.
The RPM levels are rated at about 5200 while the vehicle kicks in at 1700, about 100 less than the previous models. Volkswagen recommends full synthetic oil for its engines.
Also read: What’s the Best Oil for VW MK7 GTI? (Solved)
Which Oil is Best for Your MK6 GTI?
Following are some of the oils recommended for the MK6 GTI.
- Castrol – EDGE® Euro Car 5W-40
Castrol oil helps increase film strength to reduce friction and prevent oil breakdown. This ensures maximum performance for the vehicle. It can easily perform under extreme conditions and works well for high-output engines as it has been formulated for the latest technology.
Pros:
- High film strength
- Works for both gasoline and diesel engines
- Fluid titanium technology
- Works well under extreme conditions
Cons:
- Not well suited for winters
2. LIQUI MOLY – Leichtlauf 5W40
This oil has been designed for both diesel and gasoline engines and works in all seasons. It is quite durable and can be used for up to 25,000 miles between oil changes. This is because it is a fully synthetic and low friction motor oil.
Pros:
- Rapid oil delivery despite low temperatures
- High lubrication reliability
- Outstanding engine cleanliness
- Long engine service life
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Pentosin – HP 5W-30
The Pentosin 5W-30 allows for extended oil service intervals and has been specially designed for the latest vehicles. It can easily help run engines with turbochargers as well as those without them. This versatile oil can easily lubricate both gasoline and diesel engines.
Also read: Are Mann Oil Filters Good? (Read This First)
Pros:
- Special friction modifiers for optimum engine performance
- All-season motor oil
- Improved fuel economy even in rough driving conditions
- For all kinds of engines
Cons:
- Vehicle may feel heavier while driving
Also read: Are Bosch Oil Filters Good? (Read This First)
4. Valvoline – SAE 5W-40 Motor Oil
This engine oil works well for heavy SUVs, light trucks, as well as cars. It can easily fight severe engine stress as it has been designed using advanced additive technology. Valvoline provides good protection to your vehicle and helps ensure its durability.
Pros:
- Enhanced anti-wear additives
- Superior antioxidants help resist oil breakdown
- Advanced detergent system helps fight sludge and deposits
- Safeguards vital engine components to minimize expensive repairs
Cons:
- Not for cold weather conditions
5. Pennzoil Platinum Euro SAE 5W-40
This oil features the PurePlus technology that allows it to help run engines of vehicles like Audi, Porsche, VW, and Mercedes-Benz.
PurePlus technology helps convert natural gas into a lower friction base oil. This base oil has greater stability and better low-temperature properties as compared to conventional motor oil.
Pros:
- Good fuel economy
- Superior corrosion and wear protection
- Protects horsepower
- Satisfies vehicle standards of the VW
Cons:
- Expensive
Also read: Are Volkswagens Reliable? (and Models to Avoid)
Why Choosing the Right Oil for Your Engine is Important?
It is very important to choose the right oil for your engine because it helps ensure the engine’s durability. Choosing the wrong oil might cause multiple issues with the engine. Including engine noise, sludge formation, oil burning, hard starting, and many more.
If you are not using correct engine oil for your car you might notice that the engine is making a weird ticking noise on starting. This is because the engine parts have to use more energy to get going as they were stuck in place due to use of incorrect engine oil.
You might find it difficult to start your car in extremely cold conditions because the oil is too thick to easily move around the engine. Using the wrong oil may also damage engine parts leading to oil leakage.
If the engine parts are not being lubricated, they will create more friction causing the oil to burn. The wrong engine oil can also affect engine efficiency and cause the engine to burn fuel more quickly. This is because the engine has to use more energy to get started.
How to Change Your MK6 GTI Oil Yourself
You will need the following tools:
- Motor oil
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Filter
- Gloves
- 19mm wrench
- Shop towels
Follow the steps below to change the oil in your MK6 GTI by yourself:
- Begin by putting the vehicle up on ramps and then open its hood.
- Start the car and let it run for 3-5 minutes, this will help with the drainage of oil. As slightly hot engine surface will ensure that all degraded oil comes out.
- Take your supplies and slip underneath the car.
- Place the drain pan below the drain plug and open it with the help of a socket wrench.
- Remove the engine cover and allow all the oil to drain.
- After that, undo the oil filter that is up top.
- Lube up the seal using engine oil and replace the oil filter.
- Replace the drain plug.
- Pour in about 4.5 quarts of engine oil then stop.
- Replace the oil cap and start up the car.
- Allow it to run for a short while and then use the dipstick to check oil levels again.
- Add more oil if required.
- Replace any caps or covers that you had removed and you are all done.
How Long Should the Intervals be During Oil Changes?
It is recommended that you should replace the oil of your MK6 GTI after every year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. For vehicles that have been manufactured after 2009, the requirement for oil changes every 3000 miles is outdated.
The exact interval mainly depends on the type of oil as well as the model you’re driving. However, most VWs will easily drive 10,000 miles without the need for oil replacement.
Tips for Better Engine Health of Your MK6GTI
Take the following steps to ensure better engine health:
- Perform consistent inspections of the components of the fuel system
- Clean fuel injectors routinely
- Replace filters
- Use high-quality motor oil
- Replace oil filter and motor oil every 3000 miles or every 3 months
- Replace spark plugs when required
- Change air filters regularly
FAQ
- Is Mobil 1 good engine oil for VW?
Answer: Yes, Mobil 1 might be a good choice for your VW car. This is because it fulfills VW standard VW 50900/50800. Not only that, but it also satisfies the standards of most other heavy-duty vehicles such as Mercedes Benz.
- Does VW need special oil?
Answer: Volkswagen engines require synthetic oil for them to operate adequately. Using synthetic oil can go a long way in enhancing the performance and durability of your engine.
- What is the difference between 5w40 and 5W30?
Answer: These ratings represent different viscosities. The number before w shows the oil viscosity at lower temperatures while the number after the w shows oil viscosity at higher temperatures.
Both these oils will have a viscosity rating of 5 at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius, but the 5w40 will perform better when it comes to high temperatures.
- Are VW oil changes expensive?
Answer: The cost of VW oil changes mainly depends on the vehicle model as well as the brand of oil that you are using. However, synthetic oil may cost between $45 and $70 when it comes to oil replacement.
Synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil, however, it is preferred because it offers better fuel efficiency.
- What are signs you need an oil change?
Answer: If you notice any of the following, it means your vehicle needs an oil change:
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Loud noises from the engine
- Vibrations when idling
- Difficulty in changing gears
References
www.klipnik.com, en.wikipedia.org, www.parkers.co.uk, www.rainbowbodyshops.co.uk, www.amazon.com, www.leithvwraleigh.com, www.golfmk6.com, www.schearers.com
