2024 Volkswagen Polo Engine Oil and Fluids Guide

2024 Volkswagen Polo Engine Oil and Fluids User Manual

The engine oil and fluids of the 2024 Volkswagen Polo are essential components that guarantee the powertrain’s lifetime and seamless functioning. These fluids are essential to sustaining maximum performance and dependability, from the engine’s heart to the many parts that work together to keep it operating properly. Come along as we explore the world of engine oil and fluids in the Volkswagen Polo 2024, including their importance, correct care, and the crucial function they play in keeping your vehicle operating well for many years to come.

2023 – 2024 Volkswagen Jetta Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review

Volkswagen Engine Oil

Engine oils are matched to the requirements of the engines, exhaust purification systems and fuel quality. Due to the way in which a combustion engine works, engine oil always comes into contact with combustion residues and fuel, which has an effecton the ageing process of the oil. The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of the engine. A special multigrade high-lubricity oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally be used as an all-season oil. The vehicle can consume engine oil. Engine oil consumption can vary and can change during the service life of the vehicle. Depending on driving style and operating conditions, engine oil consumption can be up to 1 l (1 qt) per 2,000 km (1,200 miles). In new vehicles, it is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km (3,100 miles). The engine oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably before long journeys.

WARNING
Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running. If engine oil is handled without due care, this can cause serious burns to the body. This can result in serious or fatal injuries.

• Always allow the engine to cool down before performing any work with engine oil.

WARNING
Engine oil is toxic. Contact with engine oil, and especially ingestion of engine oil, can cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Seek medical attention immediately after swallowing engine oil.
• Seek medical attention if you have health problems after working with engine oil.
• Always keep engine oil out of the reach of children and only in the original sealed container. This also applies to used oil until it is disposed of.
• Never store engine oil in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may then drink the engine oil.
• Avoid regular contact with engine oil to avoid damaging the skin.
• Protect skin, face and especially eyes while working with engine oil.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with engine oil.
• Wash your skin with soap and water after working with engine oil.

Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.

Engine oil standards

Vehicles with an engine oil sticker
There is a sticker on the lock carrier in the front of the engine compartment that indicates which engine oil is to be used for filling → Fig. 1.

If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that complies with the specified engine oil standard and engine oil viscosity → Fig. 2.

1. Information about the engine oil standard.
2. Information about the engine oil viscosity.

If the specified engine oil → Fig. 2 is used, the engine oil level can be corrected as often as necessary (→ Engine oil) . If you do not have access to engine oil that complies with the prescribed standard, in an emergency you may top up with a maximum of 0.5 l (0.5 qt) of the following oils once before the next regular oil change:

1. Petrol engines: standards VW 504 00 and ACEA C3, ACEA C4, API SP or ILSAC GF-6A. All viscosity classes of these standards are permitted.
2. Natural gas engines: standards VW 504 00 and ACEA C3, ACEA C4, API SP or ILSAC GF-6A. All viscosity classes of these standards are permitted.

It is recommended to have the oil change carried out by a suitably qualified workshop.

Vehicles without an engine oil sticker
You can obtain information about the specified engine oil standard and engine oil viscosity from a suitably qualified workshop. If it is necessary to add engine oil, use an oil with the specified engine oil standard and viscosity. If the specified engine oil is used, the level can be corrected as often as necessary (→ Engine oil).

NOTICE
The use of engine oils that are not approved in accordance with the corresponding VW standard can cause engine damage.

• Use only engine oils that meet the quality requirements of the corresponding VW standard for refilling.
• Only in an emergency, top up with a maximum of 0.5 l (0.5 qt) engine oil of the engine oil standards mentioned differently.
  • Volkswagen recommends Volkswagen genuine oil.

Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly and in accordance with the service interval (→ Service) . Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.

WARNING
Engine oil can cause environmental damage, severe burns or a fire if the engine oil is changed carelessly. This can result in serious or fatal injuries.

• Always allow the engine to cool down completely before changing the engine oil.
• Always wear eye protection when changing engine oil.
• Keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drain plug with your fingers to prevent the emerging oil from running down your arm.
• Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be at least large enough to hold the entire filling quantity of engine oil.

NOTICE
Oil and filter changes require special tools and expert knowledge. Vehicle damage can result if this work is not carried out correctly.

• You should always have engine oil and filter changes performed by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
  • Dispose of the engine oil in an environmentally responsible manner and only at a collection point for used oil, e.g. a recycling centre or specialist company.

Checking the engine oil level and adding engine oil

Preparations
To avoid an incorrect reading of the engine oil level, observe the following steps:

1. Park the vehicle safely on a horizontal and firm surface with the engine at operating temperature (→ Parking) .
2. Wait for at least 5 minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
3. Open the bonnet.
4. Identify the engine oil filler opening and oil dipstick.

The engine oil filler opening can be recognised by the symbol on the cap → Fig. 1 and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle.

Checking the engine oil level

• Engine oil level is too high.
• Engine oil level in the normal range.
• Engine oil level too low.

The steps should be carried out in the given order only:

1. Pull the oil dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
2. Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the guide tube when inserting.
3. Pull out the oil dipstick again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows→ Fig. 2 :
   1. Engine oil level too high – observe the messages on the instrument cluster display or contact a correspondingly qualified workshop, if necessary. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
   2. Engine oil level in the normal range. The engine oil can be filled to the upper limit of this range, for example if the engine is operated at high loads.
   3. Engine oil level too low. It is essential to refill engine oil. If necessary, observe the messages in the instrument cluster display.
4. After reading off the engine oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will go. If necessary, continue to refill with engine oil.

When the vehicle is working particularly hard, the engine oil level should be kept within the upper permissible area, for instance during extended motorway trips in summer or when climbing mountain passes.

Adding engine oil

WARNING
When refilling, engine oil can spill or overflow and ignite if it gets onto hot engine parts. This can cause fires or burns. This can result in serious or fatal injuries.

• Always ensure that the engine oil filler opening cap is securely tightened after refilling, and that the dipstick is properly inserted back into the guide tube.
• Always ensure that no engine oil is spilled on cold engine components.

These steps should be followed in the given order only → → :

1. Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap → Fig. 1 .
2. Fill engine oil gradually in small quantities, not more than 0.5 l( 0.5 qt) in total, or observe the recommendation on the instrument cluster display.
3. In order to avoid overfilling, wait for at least 1 minute after each refill step to allow the engine oil to flow into the sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
4. Read the engine oil level on the engine oil level display on the Infotainment system screen again before refilling with a smaller quantity of engine oil.
   • Or: read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a smaller quantity of engine oil. Never overfill with engine oil. After filling, the engine oil level should be in the middle of the area Fig. 2 B. It should not be above → Fig. 2 B, i.e. in area A, and must not be in the area above Fig. 2 A.
5. Do not start the engine if you have added an excessive amount of engine oil by accident and the engine oil level is thus above area → Fig. 2 A → . Seek expert assistance.
6. After refilling, close the engine oil filler opening with the cap Fig. 1.
7. Close the bonnet.

Displaying service information on the Infotainment system
Vehicles with an Infotainment system:

1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Select and tap the Car function button.
3. Tap the Settings function button.
4. Tap the Service function button.

After a service event, the service message will be updated after around five days or after you have driven around 500 km (311 miles). Until then, the Infotainment system screen shows Inspection in — km / — days Oil change: in — – km / — days.

NOTICE
If the engine oil level is too high after topping up and the engine is started, this can damage the engine.

• Do not start the engine and seek qualified professional assistance.

NOTICE
The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.

• When refilling service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings.
  • Volkswagen recommends the use of approved engine oils in accordance with the respectively relevant VW standard.
  • If you cannot find the cap and oil dipstick, please contact a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

Troubleshooting

Engine oil pressure too low
The warning lamp flashes red. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

Do not drive on! The engine could otherwise be damaged.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).
4. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is flashing even when the engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level very low
The warning lamp flashes red. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

Do not drive on! The engine could otherwise be damaged.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil) .
4. If necessary, fill engine oil gradually in small quantities, not more than 0.5 l( 0.5 qt) in total, or observe the filling recommendation on the instrument cluster display.
5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is lit up even though the engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level too low
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil) .
4. If necessary, fill engine oil gradually in small quantities, not more than 0.5 l( 0.5 qt) in total, or observe the filling recommendation on the instrument cluster display.
5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the indicator lamp is lit up, even though the engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level too high
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking) .
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil) .
4. If the engine oil level is too high, do not drive on or leave the engine running. The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

or Fault in engine oil system
The indicator lamp flashes yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

Volkswagen Engine Fluids Owner’s Manual

Do not work on the cooling system unless you are familiar with the task, aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries → . Have all work carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop if necessary. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership. Information on warning and indicator lamps that light up can be found in the troubleshooting sections at the end of the chapter (→ Coolant).

WARNING
Coolant is toxic. Contact with coolant, particularly if coolant is swallowed, can lead to serious or fatal injuries.

• Consult a doctor immediately if you have swallowed coolant.
• Consult a doctor if you experience health problems after working with coolant.
• Always keep coolant out of the reach of children and only in the closed original container.
• Never store coolant in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may then drink the coolant.
• Avoid regular contact with coolant in order to prevent damage to the skin.
• Protect your skin, face and particularly your eyes when working with coolant.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with coolant.
• Wash your skin with soap and water after working with coolant.

WARNING
Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. This can lead to the heating no longer working in the vehicle. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could freeze to death.

• Make sure that the coolant additive is always adapted corresponding to the ambient temperature.
• Use only coolant additives that have been approved by the manufacturer.
  • Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected and disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.

Coolant specification
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% coolant additive G12evo (TL 744-L). The proportion of coolant additive must always be at least 40% to protect the cooling system. If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 55 %, as this would  reduce the frost protection and the coolingeffect. The coolant additive is dyed a violet colour. The mixture of water and a coolant additive offers anti-freeze protection down to around -25°C (around -13°F), protects the alloy parts in the cooling system against corrosion, prevents limescale deposits and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant. When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% of the coolant additive G12evo must be used in order to obtain the optimum corrosion protection →.

NOTICE
The colour of the coolant results from mixing the purple coolant additive with distilled water. If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is not violet but brown, for example, the suitable coolant has been mixed with another unsuitable coolant. This can result in serious malfunctions or damage to the drive and cooling system.

• Use only coolant additives that have been approved by the manufacturer.
• Have the coolant replaced immediately by a suitably qualified workshop if it has a brown colour. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
• When adding coolant additives, never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolant additives that have not been approved by Volkswagen.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment.

1. Spilt service fluids must be collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.

Checking the coolant level and refilling the coolant

Preparations

1. Park the vehicle safely on a horizontal and firm surface (→ Parking).
2. Allow the engine to cool down →.
3. Open the bonnet.

The coolant expansion tank is identified by the red symbol on the cap → Fig. 1 .

WARNING
Escaping hot steam or hot engine coolant and hot vehicle parts can cause severe burns.

• Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant coming out of the engine compartment.
• Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.

WARNING
The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. If the cap is opened carelessly, engine coolant can spray out and cause severe burns or fatal injuries.

• Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot.
• Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth if you have to open the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
• Turn the cap of the coolant expansion tank slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting slight downwards pressure on the cap.

Checking the coolant level

The coolant may be above the marked area upon delivery of new vehicles or after repairs to the cooling system. This is normal. The coolant does not have to be sucked off. The coolant level cannot be checked accurately in all models as visibility of the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank may be obstructed. If the coolant level cannot be read exactly, contact a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

1. When the engine is cold, check the coolant level at the side markings of the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 2 . The coolant level must be between the marks.
2. Have coolant added if the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking “min”. When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper mark.
3. Do not add coolant if there is no longer any coolant visible in the coolant expansion tank→.

Adding coolant

1. Unscrew the lid carefully →.
2. Fill only with new coolant according to Volkswagen’s specification (→ Coolant) . If in an emergency you do not have access to coolant in the required specification, add only distilled water initially. Then have the correct mixture ratio with the coolant additive restored by a suitably qualified workshop as soon as possible. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership →.
3. Add coolant up to the upper level marking. After adding the coolant, the coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank → Fig. 2.
4. Close the cap tightly.
5. Check the coolant level after one day. If the level of the coolant tank drops below the “min” marking again, visit a correspondingly qualified workshop and have the cooling system checked. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

NOTICE
Coolant expands when it is heated. If coolant is added so that the level is above the marked area, excess coolant could escape and damage the vehicle.

• Do not fill the coolant above the top edge of the marked area on the coolant tank.

NOTICE
Air may have entered the cooling system if there is no longer any coolant in the coolant expansion tank. This could cause damage to the engine.

• Do not drive on.
• Do not add coolant.
• Seek expert assistance.

NOTICE
Use of water other than distilled water can cause considerable corrosion damage in the engine due to the chemical substances contained in the water. This can lead to failure of the engine.

• Refill only with distilled water!
• Have the fluid in the cooling system completely replaced by a suitably qualified workshop if you have not refilled with distilled water. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

NOTICE
Use of the wrong service fluids can cause serious malfunctions and damage the engine.

• When refilling or replacing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service fluids into the corresponding openings.

Troubleshooting

Coolant
The warning lamp flashes red. The engine coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low.

Do not drive on! The engine could otherwise be damaged.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Allow the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank (→ Coolant).
5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp does not go out even though the coolant level is correct.
6. Seek expert assistance.

Coolant
The indicator lamp lights up blue. Engine coolant temperature is low, and the engine has not warmed up.

1. Avoid high engine speeds and high engine loads as long as the indicator lamp is lit.

FAQs

Useful Links

2023 – 2024 Volkswagen Jetta Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review

2024 Volkswagen Polo Fuses and Fuse Box Guide

2024 Volkswagen Polo windscreen Wipers Guide