Topping up oil?

[Bigjimknickers]

My wife just called to tell me the oil light has come on, last service was in November 2015, not done many miles at all, what should I get to top it up? I'll need to get some fast as she needs the car tonight? 5/40 synthetic?

[Rob1]

can't really help you there mate, but I do know you shouldn't mix different grades of oil

[lukemk5gti]

Chances are you currently have 5W40. It's what is specified for a non upgraded engine.

If the light came on, just top it up with 5W40. People on here tend to opt for Millers nanodrive.

Side note - that low level light comes on well in advance of any serious harm. There's still plenty in it to keep the engine lubricated so she can drive home and not need to stop at the side of the road waiting for more oil.

Hopefully it's just low level and not a blocked strainer.

[Flyingscotsman]

I would definitely advise NOT driving with the oil light on.  It may be just below the min or it might not be, worst case there might be a leak.
Either 5W30 (vw standard spec) or slightly thicker 5W40 (for tuned engines). 1 litre should be more than enough for a top up.  Most important thing is to top up with something! I wouldn't worry about whether its identical to what you have in already. You won't kill your engine by mixing, but you might by running it dry!

[Bigjimknickers]

I was in a rush so I picked up some Sainsburys 5-40 VW spec fully synthetic 1L, topped it up on level ground & it took 1L! Not too bad for 8 months driving I suppose, mate of mine says VW allows 1L for every 1K!! I said mate it's not a two stroke!

On a side note I got to test the PCV too while the hood was up, & that was fine.

[Juliand]

I was in a rush so I picked up some Sainsburys 5-40 VW spec fully synthetic 1L, topped it up on level ground & it took 1L! Not too bad for 8 months driving I suppose, mate of mine says VW allows 1L for every 1K!! I said mate it's not a two stroke!

On a side note I got to test the PCV too while the hood was up, & that was fine.

Two Stroke, ha ha..... glad you sorted it.

How do you test the PCV then? Curious

[Lewo]

Think I've read you take out the dip stick while engine is running and if it splutters then PCV is fine?

[Bigjimknickers]

Loosen the oil filler cap, jus a wee bit, if it drops in revs & runs rough, PCV is ok.
That's what I read, however, if anyone knows better I'll not argue!

[Dan_FR]

Have you really not checked your oil level for 8 months!? I check mine weekly!

Removing the oil filler cap should result in the car near cutting out. Removing the dipstick should result in a very rough idle.

Another test is to remove the U shaped flexi pipe where it attaches to the inlet manifold (and the PCV). Blow down the pipe in the direction of the PCV, and if you can blow down it at all, even in the slightest, then it needs replacing. 

[Bigjimknickers]

Nope, not checked it since its service, it's my wife's car, it's hardly ever used, I know that's no excuse but I've probably done 2k miles since I bought it.