Over the counter synthetic oil?
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There's not much over the counter oil that is VW508 compliant for warranty. Pretty much the only ones that are available in the US are the dealer stuff which is now Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W-20, the Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200 0W-20 and Castrol Professional LL IV 0W-20. Of those the ESP X2 is available at NAPA I believe, LiquiMoly is available in a bunch of places including Amazon.
However I'd recommend going FCP Euro. They basically give you free lifetime oil changes less the cost of return shipping. Just return the used oil in the old bottles and old filter to them and they'll refund you. Order the new change, change oil and filter, send old oil and filter back. And yes, they actively encourage people to use this and even have a video on how to properly package oil for refund under their lifetime warranty. Their oil change kit includes 4 quarts (add 1 more for 5qts which is basically what our cars take) and a Mahle filter. VW Oil Change Kit (0W20) - Liqui Moly 04E115561HKT1 (edit looks like they changed to a Hengst filter for now)
I already have one of these kits sitting on my shelf even though I won't need it till 30k miles with the 2 free oil changes.
However I'd recommend going FCP Euro. They basically give you free lifetime oil changes less the cost of return shipping. Just return the used oil in the old bottles and old filter to them and they'll refund you. Order the new change, change oil and filter, send old oil and filter back. And yes, they actively encourage people to use this and even have a video on how to properly package oil for refund under their lifetime warranty. Their oil change kit includes 4 quarts (add 1 more for 5qts which is basically what our cars take) and a Mahle filter. VW Oil Change Kit (0W20) - Liqui Moly 04E115561HKT1 (edit looks like they changed to a Hengst filter for now)
I already have one of these kits sitting on my shelf even though I won't need it till 30k miles with the 2 free oil changes.
This is a pretty good read~
Received my oil change kit from ESC tuning, came in 3 days and cost about $70 total. Probably do my first change at 8k miles and 10k thereafter. I live 200 miles from nearest VW dealer so it's easier for me to DIY (and I'm rarely trusting of dealer service depts, been burned too many times TBH). Even though I have a few free oil changes it doesn't free my mind of what can go wrong lol.
![Liquid Bottle cap Bottle Fluid Drinkware]()
I haven't gotten under there yet, probably won't do the oil change until April. Was also wondering if you have to remove the entire plastic under-pan or if it hinges back (like my Infiniti pan did)???
Was afraid of that
Oils that meet various VW specs (see pages 21-22 of the PDF for what is applicable to the Taos):
Metal. With the more traditional plug and washer.
The GTI has a plastic oil pan, as does the wife's Q3. The drain plug is a pleasure to use!
Either way is fine by me.
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