I can't believe I even have to ask this since I'm a mechanic by trade(not automotive, aircraft) but...I just bought a 2003 Jetta GL 2.0. It didn't come with a owners manual so thats why I'm asking. But I changed the oil the weekend I got it because I wasn't sure the last time it had been changed. I put regular non synthetic in there because I figured its not a turbo engine or anything so why would it be synthetic, and now I'm wondering if VW's come with synthetic from the factory. So...did I **** up? Do they use synthetic oil or regular oil? If it was synthetic how bad is this going to be for the engine? Whats the best way to go about fixing what I ****ed up. Obviously aircraft engines are different from car engines...so thats why I'm asking. Thanks in advance.

Adam

And I'm definitely going to start double checking **** before I do it.

 

No..you didn't f_ck up. They come with regular oil....but you will notice that you'll go through approx. 1/2litre to 1 litre per 1000-1500klms as per VW spec (?). When I worked at a VW dealer we saw alot of this oil consumption problem on 2.0l Jetta's due to how high the vehicle revs.We always suggested using synthetic oil and the client,and we noticed a difference. Plus...it'salwaysbetter to use synthetic oil anyways.(personal opinion)
Hope this helps...

 

I was told that if you put conventional oil in a car you should never put synthetic oil in there because since they are so different it will affect the seals. Is there any truth to this? Thanks.

 

you definitely ought not to mix them, but if you change your oil and go from mineral to synthetic youre ok. Just dont always switch back and forth between mineral and synthetic