Today, I’ll be sharing my experience with changing the oil in my 2017 Volkswagen Golf R. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of any vehicle, especially a high-performance car like the Golf R. I’ll walk you through the process step by step, sharing some personal insights and tips along the way.
Gathering the Supplies
Before getting started, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. You’ll need a new oil filter, the appropriate grade of synthetic oil (5W-30 for the Golf R), a new drain plug washer, a filter wrench, a socket wrench, a funnel, and a drain pan. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have some gloves and rags on hand to keep things clean.
Preparing the Car
I like to start by driving the car for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This helps the oil flow more freely during the draining process. Once the car is warmed up, I park it on a level surface and engage the parking brake for added safety.
Draining the Oil
With the car securely parked, I locate the oil drain plug underneath the engine. Using a socket wrench, I carefully loosen the plug and position the drain pan underneath. As the oil begins to flow, I also remove the oil filler cap from the top of the engine to allow for smoother draining.
Replacing the Oil Filter
While the oil is draining, I use a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. It’s important to take care not to spill any oil that may be trapped in the filter housing. After removing the old filter, I apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter before installing it. Then, I hand-tighten the filter and give it an additional quarter-turn to ensure a proper seal.
Adding New Oil
Once the oil has finished draining, I clean the drain plug and install a new washer before reinstalling the plug and tightening it to the manufacturer’s specifications. With the drain plug secure, I use a funnel to carefully add the new oil to the engine. I pour in the recommended amount, being mindful not to overfill.
Final Steps
After adding the new oil, I replace the oil filler cap and start the engine for a few seconds to circulate the fresh oil. Then, I check the oil level using the dipstick, making sure it falls within the appropriate range. Finally, I inspect around the drain plug and oil filter for any leaks before cleaning up my workspace.
Conclusion
Changing the oil in my Golf R is always a satisfying experience, knowing that I’m taking proactive steps to keep my car running smoothly. With regular oil changes, I can ensure that my Golf R continues to deliver the exhilarating performance and reliability that I love. I hope this detailed guide has been helpful for anyone looking to tackle this maintenance task themselves.