[scmills59]

Given that we can choose to see engine oil temperature on the dash display - is there any guidance as to the ideal temperature one should be seeing for engine oil based on normal driving on a warmed up engine - and would that fluctuate throughout the year as the weather changes?

As a very new owner I also haven't looked into whether the Taos uses synthetic oil or not - as I believe that will also impact the ideal temperature range ...?

 

[FJB]

I've never had a VW reach 230f. And there have been many. But the Taos lives in the 210-220f range.

 

[CorradoG60]

On all vws with analog oil temp, the ideal is 1/2 way. Whatever that is.

 

[CRVW]

Yep, synthetic. VW 508.00 specifically.
(Another Brit by the way, haha!)

 

[scmills59]

Yep, synthetic. VW 508.00 specifically.
(Another Brit by the way, haha!)

So this is interesting - and why I'm still rather mystified (being of simple mind) ... based on FJB's comment above that he runs at between 210 - 220 - if you Google synthetic oil running temperature it gives a pretty broad range of anything from 250-300 - right up to a potential 450 degrees F - so I remain unclear as to what to expect to see, and not worry - and at what stage I ought to start being concerned ... ? Thoughts ...?

 

[CRVW]

I think synthetic is probably more forgiving of higher temperatures than conventional oils, and of course lasts longer between changes.
210-220F sounds reasonable to me (I see those temperatures in the GTI, sometimes a bit higher, also synthetic but 5w40) but I haven't looked on the Taos. As long as it is flowing well and not running way too hot it is fine, and the 508.00 is a 0w20 which is pretty thin. The lower viscosity oils are really used to reduce drag in the engine and thus help fuel economy.
Basically any 508.00 spec oil is exceedingly good oil.

 

[FJB]

On all vws with analog oil temp, the ideal is 1/2 way. Whatever that is.

This is correct. I remember on my 1984 Rabbit GTI there was a center gauge cluster near the shifter. The oil temp gauge always stayed pegged dead center (approx 228f).

 

[FJB]

So this is interesting - and why I'm still rather mystified (being of simple mind) ... based on FJB's comment above that he runs at between 210 - 220 - if you Google synthetic oil running temperature it gives a pretty broad range of anything from 250-300 - right up to a potential 450 degrees F - so I remain unclear as to what to expect to see, and not worry - and at what stage I ought to start being concerned ... ? Thoughts ...?

I have an oil temp readout in my cluster. I don't remember if I had to use the Carista to add that to the list. It's always well below 220f unless I'm really getting on it, but mostly at lower speeds. I also for that matter added a feature to show the amount of fuel needed to fill up the Taos (again using the Carista). This useful when I when I want to pay cash and don't know exactly how much it will take. A quick mental calc of the cash on hand divided by the fuel cost and I'm good.

 

[roundel]

Given that we can choose to see engine oil temperature on the dash display - is there any guidance as to the ideal temperature one should be seeing for engine oil based on normal driving on a warmed up engine - and would that fluctuate throughout the year as the weather changes?

As a very new owner I also haven't looked into whether the Taos uses synthetic oil or not - as I believe that will also impact the ideal temperature range ...

Mineral oil is generally safe to 270 degrees, synthetic considerably higher. It's not something you'll need to worry
about, VW's do not run high temps even on a race track. On a 95 degree day you might see the temp go up
5 degrees. I'm kind of amazed that VW puts oil temp gauges in their cars, most owners will never look at the
oil temp.