What’s the Best Oil for VW MK7 GTI? (Solved)

by
Table of contents

Volkswagen is regarded as the people’s car, thanks to its history of serving the masses and offering affordable cars. The Beetle was the first compact hatchback from Volkswagen, and amid the 1970s, they launched another hatchback that went on to become utterly popular, the VW Golf.

The 7th generation of the VW Golf is a result of technological evolution and a modern iteration of a legendary car. It comes with different powertrain options, both manual and automatic transmissions, and a tuned-up version named GTI. Like other cars, VW Golf requires regular maintenance and care to stay in top condition. Which engine oil is right for your VW MK7 GTI? How to keep your MK7 in pristine condition, and which oil grade is best? Let’s get detailed answers to all these questions in this article.

Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk7): A General Overview

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 comes with a 2.0L TSI engine. It is a Euro-6 rated turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine, that produces 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to either a manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic transmission).

Being a turbocharged engine, it has a low compression ratio and uses an electronically controlled direct-injection system. It is also equipped with a double overhead camshaft and a variable valve timing technology with the electronic lift control system.

This gas engine requires a specific grade of engine oil or can work optimally in a range of them. It is crucial to remember that the temperature and fuel type are the two main factors that define the engine oil typing, and VW Golf GTI works perfectly when the right oil type and grade are used.

Also read: MK6 GTI- What Oil Type is Recommended?

Which Oil Should You Use for Your MK7 GTI?

Before listening to any advice or guessing the engine oil, you must go through the owners’ manual of your Golf GTI and learn about the right type of oil and change interval. Nonetheless, 0W40 is widely regarded as the best oil for VW Golf GTI MK7 and should be your firsts pick.

Based on the constituents, consistency, refining process, and overall quality, the engine oil can be divided into three main types.

Mineral Oil – Conventional oil

 Mineral oils are the most fundamental oils on the market. These are the least expensive oils on the market and are produced by simply refining crude oil. These oils have the lowest quality of the three and are typically found in older cars, other mechanical devices such as generators, and lawn mowers. Because these oils respond poorly to high temperatures and have a weak cold start in low temperatures, using them in modern cars can reduce their performance and fuel efficiency.

Semi-Synthetic oils

This is positioned in the middle of the spectrum between fully synthetic and mineral oils. These oils also referred to as synthetic blends, are essentially created by mixing entirely synthetic oil with conventional oils during manufacturing and have greater properties. These are among the most widely used lubricants and are excellent for both high and low engine temperatures. For the majority of contemporary cars, the 5W-30 is the most popular type, and oil companies and automakers support it.

Fully Synthetic Oils

This fully synthetic engine oil is the most expensive and premium kind. It is made with the best raw materials, refined using the most cutting-edge methods, and processed to the strictest standards. In terms of longevity (fewer oil changes), viscosity grade, performance in lower temperatures, suitability for diesel, hybrid, and gasoline engines, and fuel efficiency, totally synthetic oil types are the best oils for your car. 0W-40 is a type of fully synthetic oil that’s manufactured and marketed by different brands.

As mentioned, 0W-40 is the best oil for Golf MK7 and it is a premium, fully synthetic oil that keeps the engine running in tip-top condition, over the years. Although you could use a semi-synthetic oil as well, for example, 5W-30 but it would not unlock the true potential of the engine and you’d need oil changes more frequently.

Why Choosing the Right Oil for Your Engine Is Important?

For a layman, engine oil only lubricates the internal parts of the engine and prevents the mechanical parts from rubbing against each other. In actuality, there’s much more to an engine oil than most people realize, and it is important that the right oil is chosen when you take your car for service. Engine oil lubricates the engine, prevents friction and reduces heat generation, neutralizes the harmful acids, performs cleaning by clearing out debris and sludge, and also prevents corrosion of the metal parts.

Also read: Does Volkswagen Keep Value? 6 Popular Models Value Loss

What Happens if You Choose the Wrong Oil Type and Grade?

  1. Frequent Overheating

If the engine oil type and grade are not right, it won’t be able to offer optimal cold starts or maintain its integrity at high temperatures. Additionally, the viscosity of the oil won’t be able to reduce the friction optimally and cause excessive overheating.

  1. Reduced Fuel Economy and Performance

A poorly lubricated engine would not work at its best, hence affecting the fuel economy as well as the performance.

  1. Oil Leakage and Engine Damage

The wrong engine oil can’t get rid of slush and harmful acids in the engine, causing the seals to leak and cracker hoses. This leads to oil leakage and damage to fragile parts.

  1. Engine Seizure

This is the worst-case scenario but is highly likely to happen if you keep using the wrong grade and type of engine oil. Your engine will stop working when it can no longer bear the grunt of damage.

Also read: Is MK6 GTI Reliable? (Read This First!)

How to Change Your MK7 GTI Oil Yourself?

Here’s how you can easily change your MK7 GTI oil yourself (DIY);

  1. Park your GTI on level ground, lift it using a floor jack, and secure it with the help of jack stands.
  2. Make sure you’ve warmed up the engine and let the car sit for a while.
  3. Place an oil drain pan underneath the oil drain plug and open the plug using the filter wrench.
  4. After draining, put the drain plug back properly.
  5. Open the oil cap and unpack a new bottle of engine oil.
  6. Use a funnel and a firm grip on the bottle as you pour the oil into the engine to prevent spills.
  7. Fill the engine up to three quarters before checking the oil level with a dipstick to prevent overfilling. After checking, carefully add the remaining amount, then reinstall the oil cap.

How Long Should Be the Intervals Between Oil Changes?

Each oil type and grade has different constituents and consistency. Although there are different oil change instructions that the manufacturers recommend, you should stick to your car maker’s advice and follow the intervals in your owner’s manual. While you have to change your normal 5W-30 every 5,000 miles, you could drive your MK7 with a fully synthetic oil up to 20,000 miles even.

Here’s a general overview of engine oil change intervals;

Engine Oil Life in Miles: 10,000 miles (average)

Engine Oil Life in Months: 8-12 months (average)

Tips for better engine health of your MK7 GTI

Here’s how you can keep your MK7 GTI’s engine in pristine condition;

  • It is important that you follow the official maintenance schedule and get your car serviced at authorized VW dealerships.
  • Use the correct engine oil grade and highest quality available. Replace your engine oil every 10,000 miles or 8 months.
  • Use top-quality fuel, with the lowest amount of lead. This prevents damage to the engine.
  • Always get the fuel injectors serviced on time, and replace all the filters timely.
  • Use engine flush to get rid of debris and slush inside the engine, and layer the inside of your engine with a protective coat, such as Liqui Moly Cera Tec. This reduces friction and enhances performance.
  • Replace spark plugs and timing chain every 75,000 miles, and get the catalytic converter serviced every 40,000 miles.