VW Rabbit Basic Maintenance Questions

I don't have a Rabbit with the 2.5-liter engine, but Volkswagen is shifting away from several different specifications toward the 504.00 spec for gasoline engines and the 507.00 spec for diesels. I don't think there is a big problem if you use something like Mobil 1 0w40, which meets VW 502.00 and 505.00. That engine has a relatively large oil capacity, 6.5 liters/quarts I believe, so the engine will be very gentle on the oil. After the initial oil changes at 5k and 10k miles, with the proper motor oil you should have no worries about going 10k miles between oil changes.

There are other motor oils that meet 502.00/505.00 but Mobil 1 0w40 is the easiest to find at the usual autoparts stores and at Walmart, etc for around $6/quart. (Some Walmarts sell a 5-quart jug for around $22, a real bargain.)

There are other motor oils that meet the newest VW 504.00/507.00 spec. I think these are all 5w30 viscosities, and some of the brands that are available in the US are Elf, Motul, and Castrol. Some VW dealership charge $6-7/liter, while others charge nearly $10/liter.

Considering that it may take more than 6 liters per oil change, it will be worth your while to find an economical source and then stock up. If you search on the Internet for a vendor, some of them offer free shipping if you buy more than a certain amount.

Final note: DO NOT just pick any cheap motor oil, because you might void the factory warranty. Furthermore, using the wrong oil could lower your vehicle's resale or trade-in value. I know of someone at tdiclub who is thinking about buying a one-ownere 2002 Golf TDI -- the price is extremely attractive but most of the advice he's receiving is to pass unless he's prepared to replace the engine. With a good maintenance history, this 2002 Golf would be worth at least $4k-$5k more -- but the owner decided to cheap out on the motor oil he used. Now nobody wants to take a chance on it.

Replies to this message:

600kgolfgt (Sep 25, 2007 3:41 pm)

#83 of 99 Re: Recommended oil weight [jbaustian][kevin2008] by 600kgolfgt

Sep 25, 2007 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: jbaustian (Sep 24, 2007 4:13 pm)

Final note: DO NOT just pick any cheap motor oil, because you might void the factory warranty. Furthermore, using the wrong oil could lower your vehicle's resale or trade-in value.

As a 25+ year VW owner, I concur. I would also advise to make sure you use the VW factory (MANN) oil filter. AVOID those cheap aftermarket filters like the FRAMs and Purolators of the world.

The factory filters are expensive, but they are for a reason - these filters are not only robust, but they also aid in regulating your engine's oil pressure...

#84 of 99 Oil change by imgdoc

Nov 26, 2007 (8:28 am)

Hello to everyone. I am due for my first oil change at 5000 miles. I was wondering can I change the oil at a place such as Jiffy Lube if it will be cheaper then going to the dealer? Will they know what oil and filter to put? Any advice? Thanks.

Replies to this message:

fosterokc (Nov 26, 2007 9:18 am)
- imgdoc (Nov 26, 2007 9:50 am)
- fosterokc (Nov 26, 2007 5:37 pm)
jbaustian (Nov 26, 2007 7:26 pm)
- imgdoc (Nov 27, 2007 5:57 pm)
  - jbaustian (Nov 27, 2007 6:14 pm) and 5 more...

#85 of 99 Re: Oil change [imgdoc] by fosterokc

Nov 26, 2007 (9:18 am)

Replying to: imgdoc (Nov 26, 2007 8:28 am)

I would not consider Jiffy Lube unless you are confident they are experienced with the current Jetta/Rabbit. This is NOT the simple oil change of the past. If you use someone other than the dealer -- be sure to use a VW approved oil, e.g., Castrol 5-30 synthetic (often hard to find) and an approved oil filter, e.g. Mann.

If you use the dealer be prepared to spend up to $100.

Replies to this message:

imgdoc (Nov 26, 2007 9:50 am)
fosterokc (Nov 26, 2007 5:37 pm)

#86 of 99 Re: Oil change [fosterokc] by imgdoc

Nov 26, 2007 (9:50 am)

Replying to: fosterokc (Nov 26, 2007 9:18 am)

Thanks for your response! You are right. I should not take a chance. I called the dealer and asked for the price - he said $50-60. I was surprised as I expected higher price. But I will go there and see.

#87 of 99 Re: Oil change [fosterokc] by fosterokc

Nov 26, 2007 (5:37 pm)

Replying to: fosterokc (Nov 26, 2007 9:18 am)

Sorry I misled you on the price. I checked my records and found that I was charged $53 after using a $10 promotional coupon for the 5K service. The $100 charge related to my 10K service -- which includes an oil/filter change, tire rotation, and a quick check of fluid levels.

#88 of 99 Re: Oil change [imgdoc] by jbaustian

Nov 26, 2007 (7:26 pm)

Replying to: imgdoc (Nov 26, 2007 8:28 am)

Jiffy Lube (a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell) markets mostly Quaker State products. Quaker State is also a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell.

Here is a list of Quaker State motor oils that meet the VW502.00 spec. Each Jiffy Lube should have at least one of these:

Quaker State Q European Engine Ultra SAE 5W-30
Quaker State Quaker State European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
Quaker State Quaker State Full Synthetic European Formula SAE 5W-40
Quaker State Quaker State Full synthetic European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

If you go to Jiffy Lube, ask to see the oil container before agreeing to have them change your oil. In other words, before you pay them a cent, make sure they will be using the right oil. If they don't have the right oil in stock, have them give you a call when they get it.

Replies to this message:

imgdoc (Nov 27, 2007 5:57 pm)
- jbaustian (Nov 27, 2007 6:14 pm)
  - jeffyscott (Nov 28, 2007 6:13 am) and 4 more...

#89 of 99 Re: Oil change [jbaustian] by imgdoc

Nov 27, 2007 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: jbaustian (Nov 26, 2007 7:26 pm)

Thanks! Very useful info.
I just went to the dealer and had the oil changed for $60 incl tax. I think JL will charge about the same for synthetic. And how about the filter? What are the odds they will have VW approved filter?

Replies to this message:

jbaustian (Nov 27, 2007 6:14 pm)
- jeffyscott (Nov 28, 2007 6:13 am)
  - jbaustian (Nov 28, 2007 8:27 am) and 3 more...

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