How much is an oil change for a volkswagen

For some, an oil change is like heading to the dentist: inconvenient but necessary.

Today’s newer-tech engines using synthetic oil are engineered to go anywhere from 7,500 to 15,000 miles between oil changes. Thanks to more exacting standards in engine-building technology, the quality of the synthetic oils has improved. And there’s another factor: more than half of today’s new cars have monitoring systems that give you a heads-up when it’s time to change the oil.

Your driving style and needs can also affect how often you need to change your oil. If you just drive around town and put 6,000 miles or so on the odometer every six months, you might change the oil twice a year. If you do a lot of highway or long-distance running or operate your vehicle in sandy or dusty surroundings like the deserts of Nevada or Arizona, you might be a candidate for more frequent changes.

Once upon a time, local service stations and Quick-Lube franchisees recommended changing traditional oil and oil filters every 3,000 miles. That was mostly a marketing ploy. Lately, with the use of synthetic blends and full synthetic oils, owners are now able to push out or extend the vehicle’s oil life further to 10,000 miles or even as much as 15,000 miles.

Regular maintenance won’t just keep your car running well, it’ll help protect your car’s value over time. For more ways to do this, see How to Maintain the Value of Your Car.

The blinking light on my dash reminds me that it’s time to schedule an oil change. The quote sent by the nearest Volkswagen service center was a bit on the higher end. But why are VW oil changes so expensive? 

Volkswagen oil changes are expensive because different models use different types of oil. Synthetic and special blend oils are more costly than standard oil. To lower costs, buy your own oil and take advantage of Volkswagen deals.

If you’re wondering why Volkswagen charges so highly for such a common maintenance procedure, this article is for you. Stick around for answers to your questions.

Volkswagen oil changes are priced depending on the model of car in need of service, the type of oil (synthetic or standard), and the amount of time and labor it consumes.

Type of Oil

A conventional oil change with standard oil can cost anywhere from $25 to $50. Synthetic oil is more costly than regular oil. 

Synthetic oils offer superior protection for your car’s engine and are better for the environment. The price ranges from $45 to $70 per gallon. 

Model of Car

The type of car you own determines the kind of oil you’ll use. High-performance vehicles like SUVs and Vans will require an oil change more frequently. 

Several vehicle issues determine the kind of oil you need, which affects oil change cost.

Type of fuel

Some oils are incompatible with specific unique systems found solely in diesel vehicles. Moreover, diesel burns hotter so it stresses the oil more necessitating the use of more fortified oil.

The engine oil drain duration

Most VW vehicles have the option of longer oil change duration if you use a superior oil.

Type of engine

If your car has a Pumpe-Düse unit injector system (PD TDI), the engine may affect the required specs.

If your car has a  Diesel Particulate Filter, you must use lower SAPS oil. Standard oil will slowly damage your DPF—which is costly to replace.

If your vehicle has a V10 TDI or R5 engine, it requires a special oil.

You can use an online oil comparison tool. It’s an online tool that can assist you in locating lubricating items (motor oils) that fulfill the specifications or approvals you want.

Labor Intensive

Oil changes typically take 45 minutes to an hour. Sometimes it takes a little longer. But this differs depending on the location. 

The process takes a significant amount of time to complete, and the garage factors this into their cost. Thus, the high prices for a simple Volkswagen oil change.

How Much Does Oil Change on a Volkswagen Cost?

Changing the oil in most Volkswagen cars ranges from $25 to $100+. The discrepancy is influenced by the model you own and the type of oil you choose.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of an Oil Change

Although it is quite costly going in for an oil change, there are several interventions you can apply to reduce the amount you spend on this service.

Bring your own oil

Most oil and lube businesses will include motor oil in Volkswagen’s servicing package. However, if you request, you can bring your own oil. You’ll pay less because the cost of the bulk oil is usually deducted from the bill.

However, it all comes back down to the type of oil you buy. Some motor oil brands cost premium dollars, such as the Goodridge PJ1 Goldfire 4-Stroke Synthetic Blend. A gallon will cost you upwards of $50. 

You may end up paying the same amount or even more if you’re planning to use such high-end brands.

Shop around for affordable service

Conduct research to find a garage that offers affordable prices for their services. Check online and ask around for referrals to find a credible mechanic. You may find one that’s offering promotional deals for Volkswagen oil changes. Take note of all potential picks.

Once you narrow down your list, check reviews and read customer testimonials. The feedback will provide insight into the company’s products and service delivery. Too many complaints is an obvious red flag.

Contact the service centers or garages you’ve selected and request a quote. Compare these quotations to find something that falls within your budget. 

However, be wary of unreasonably low prices or someone who asks you to pay for a quote. When the deal is too sweet, always think twice before deciding.

If raising funds seems like an issue, try putting a bit of money away every month between oil changes. I’m pretty sure in 11 months, you can save enough to show your Volkswagen premium love.

Take advantage of deals from Volkswagen

Under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, you are entitled to two free oil changes at 10,000 and 20,000 miles. 

Volkswagen recently changed their terms, so if your warranty period is still valid, read through to see if you qualify for a free oil change. 

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

Volkswagen recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months. However, you must use engine oil that meets Volkswagen’s standards in your car. 

Check your owner’s manual to find out what they recommend for your car.

However, you may have to change your VW’s oil more frequently, including:

• If you go off-roading regularly.
• Driving frequently on a bumpy road.
• Your driving habits.
• Condition of vehicle. You may require oil changes more regularly in older, high-mileage cars.
• You can’t remember the last time you had a maintenance appointment.

Check the oil level weekly rather than wait for the warning light to begin flashing on the dashboard. 

To ensure that your oil level is right, do the following:

1. Warm up the engine by driving at least 6 miles (10 km).
2. Park your automobile on a level area and turn off the engine. Give it about two minutes for the oil to gather in the pan.
3. Open the hood to access the oil dipstick.
4. Clean the dipstick with a lint-free cloth.
5. Insert the dipstick into the measurement hole slowly to avoid the oil from splashing about.
6. Remove the dipstick with caution and check the oil level. 
7. If the reading is between the maximum and minimum levels, you can continue driving. Refill the oil if it’s running low. If it’s too high, get in touch with your local “oil and lube” or “moms-and-pops garage.

If the oil in the engine is not changed according to the recommended maintenance plan and the engine fails, Volkswagen may void the engine’s warranty. However, the rest of the warranty remains in effect, provided nothing else was damaged due to your negligence.

Does Volkswagen Warranty Cover Oil Change?

It depends on your type of warranty. The standard Volkswagen warranty does not cover oil changes.

It is considered routine maintenance; thus, it should be undertaken by the vehicle’s owner. But certain VW guarantees cover the first two oil changes, albeit under special conditions.

Sources

Motor1

Volkswagen of Desmonies

Lindsayvolkswagen

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