Date:         Mon, 7 Feb 2000 07:57:32 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: Engine oil change interval (VW content...)
Comments: To: Richard Bias <rbias@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Richard,

Of course changing your oil more frequently will do no harm, just don't
use an all synthetic oil until you have gone 5000 miles to allow the
rings to bed in properly.

VW has a reason for saying this, and it is their 10 year, 100,000 mile
powertrain warranty and free oil changes that go along with it for the
first two years, when most defects will appear. If you or someone else
uses an incorrect oil or filter it could cause problems, and unless VW
can detect this "abuse" it will have to honor the warranty.  I think
Ken's suggestion is the best--stick with Mann filters for in between
changes and use the same oil that the dealer does, and everyone will be
happy.  Just don't tell the dealer you have done this if you have a
warranty claim on the engine!

5000 mile interval is fine for "normal" driving (no frequent short trips
or sustained hot weather driving in dusty areas, etc.) and conserves
resources and money.

Richard Bias wrote:
>
> Good morning All,
>   I see on the list that there are some people like me who have purchased a
> new VW recently.  I have a 1998 Beetle.  I have always changed oil in new
> cars at 1K, then 3K and then every 3K interval after that.  I talked to the
> service manager at the dealer when I bought my car and told him that I was
> thinking about changing my oil in the new Bug at 1K then at 3K and then let
> them do the free oil change at 5K and so on (The recommended oil change
> interval on the new 2L gas VW engines is at 5K, 10K and then every 10K after
> that).  He said to me when I told him what I planned to do, an emphatic "NO.
>   It will void your warranty.  These engines were designed to go 10K between
> oil changes."  Is any one else out there worried about this?  Thanks.
>   Rich and Annemarie
> 85 GL "Buba"
> 98 Bug
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208

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