Between 3k and 5k whenever I have the time.

I was using Castrol Syntec 5w40, but changed to Mobil 1 0w40 when I found out it not only met VW spec 502.00, but also 503.01.

BTW: on the V8 make sure you drain the filter and BOTH oil pan dran plugs (upper and lower) to allow for a complete 8 quart oil change.

 

In the UK most (if not all) Tregs are on variable servicing which means 20k between oil changes (using full synthetic (Castrol Edge for R5).

Trouble is the cost of the oil to refill is close to $200.

 

On a V-10, 5K, 10K, then every 10K. VW spec 505.01 ONLY!!!

 

Oil Changes

Unless one is driving in thick dust cross-country, IMHO changing oil more frequently than every 10K miles is a grievious waste of oil and money, particularly quality synthetic at $6+ a quart! The dealer (aka stealer) have sent me a flier for the 15K mile "supplemental" oil change. "Nuts" is my reply. Not required by the factory.

Tom

 

Re: Oil Changes

Unless one is driving in thick dust cross-country, IMHO changing oil more frequently than every 10K miles is a grievious waste of oil and money, particularly quality synthetic at $6+ a quart! The dealer (aka stealer) have sent me a flier for the 15K mile "supplemental" oil change. "Nuts" is my reply. Not required by the factory.

Tom

In my case, I do drive in desert conditions of dust and heat every day.

I also do the oil and filter change myself so the total cost is about $60.

You are right, this frequency of maintenance is not required by the factory, but they go stingy on maintenance recommendations so that they can claim lower operating cost - just as long as the engine makes it to the end of the warranty, eh?

I have never been satisfied with minimum levels of maintenance and besides, it makes me feel better :evil_laugh:

 

Re: Oil Changes

Unless one is driving in thick dust cross-country, IMHO changing oil more frequently than every 10K miles is a grievious waste of oil and money, particularly quality synthetic at $6+ a quart! The dealer (aka stealer) have sent me a flier for the 15K mile "supplemental" oil change. "Nuts" is my reply. Not required by the factory.

Tom

Hey grizzfan

I am a long time griz fan myself. My dad played football at the U in the early 50's when it was still MSU.

Back to the topic - There are several factors that play into determining the optimum time for an oil change. As you mentioned dusty conditions is one, another is severe heat, also the type of driving such as stop and go in heavy commuter traffic on a daily basis and yet another to consider is when a vehicle is parked more than it is driven.

I routinely change oil at less than the manufactures' recommended mileage and have done so for many years with excellent results. I ran my 1987 Acura Legend from new for 165,000 miles changing oil around every 3500/4000 when the suggested mileage was 7500 and I currently have 123,000 miles on my 1997 Chyrsler van using the same practice. Neither car has ever used a drop of oil. Living in Texas we have heat, dust and commuter traffic so I change the Touareg's oil around the 5,000 mark.

Clearly there are those whose oil change habits border on overkill, but my 2 cents is that for a few extra dollars a year I am confident that I can run my cars hard and not have to worry about excessive engine wear. :mrgreen:

 

I have been changing the oil in my 04 V8 every 5K since I bought it used are 13K. I have always used Pentosin 5W-40 full synthetic. It is on the list of approved oils. I am now 800 miles from 30K and plan to do an oil analysis with my next change. I got a sample kit from Blackstone Labs. Once I get the analysis back I will post it. I plan to opt for the additional residual detergent check. This will show if I can safely extend my change interval. If all looks well I plan to wait to 40K for the subsequent change.

BTW, the oil sample kit is free. Just go to there web page and sign up. They will send it in a few weeks. It contains instructions and return shipping containers.

Jesse

 

On my treg I do every 10k. My expedition however, bought with 71k, has now 204k.
I have done 5 oil changes on it and about 15 filter changes. Still running strong.
I use amsoil, long life oil 0W30, to be changed every 35000 miles.
About 40k ago I switched to a 5W30 25000 mile oil since they came out with a 25k filter for it. This way I do oil and filter at the same time.It saved me close to 40 oil changes so far times 6 quarts is 240 quarts of oil saved. If we all did this there would be a lot less pollution. Not to mention the time savings and reduced cost.
In Europe they have been doing long life oils for a long time. But then again most americans still run their cars on mineral oil with additives that break down pretty fast

 

I had the dealer do my first oil change shortly after I bought my (used) '04 this past January. I'm currently at 7500 miles since that change and will be getting another one soon. Called today and the price is still only $89.95 plus tax. Considering it's 8 quarts, plus filter, labor and disposing of the old stuff, I think that's reasonable. Just my 2 cents.

 

Not to rain on your parade, but are you sure your dealer is using synthetic oil? That price seems too inexpensive for 8 quarts of synthetic.

The LAST time I went to a dealer for an oil change (I do it myself now) the service writer asked me if I wanted regular or synthetic oil ... since the only oils that meet VW oil spec 502.00 are all synthetic, I walked out.

FFT

 

I called separately yesterday and asked them what oil to use to 'top off' my car. They said Castrol Pure Synthetic 5w-40.

 

It might be more to the point to ask them what oil they put in your car.

Or, better yet, next time ask to watch them do the work and see what oil they use.

 

I use Mahle filters that i buy from German Filters - OEM Filters for Audi VW Mercedes BMW Porsche Volvo and i use Castrol Syntec 5-40w. I change oil and filter every 5k miles. Maybe not absolutely necessary to do this often, but i simply see it as cheap insurance. Especially at under 60 bucks doing it myself.

 

I change every 5K or less. agree with everyone else calling it cheap insurance...

 

The last time I changed my own oil was ages ago. How easy is it on our Touaregs?

 

Scroll down for other similar threads on oil changes,Marty