Taking your 2016 Volkswagen Jetta in for an oil change may not seem like that big of a deal, but this routine maintenance step is critical to protecting the engine.
Also critical is making sure the right oil is used, as too much or too little can literally ruin your engine.
What is the oil type and capacity of a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta requires a 5W40 or 5W30 fully synthetic oil. If the Jetta is a 1.4L (85 ci) four-cylinder engine, it requires 4.2 quarts. The 1.8L (109 ci) four-cylinder or 2.0L (121 ci) four-cylinder engines require 5.8 quarts.
With the right oil, you can protect your engine and enjoy longevity from it. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of your vehicle’s engine oil and how you can change the oil on a 2016 Jetta if you’re trying to save a little money.
Why Using the Right Oil Matters on a Volkswagen Jetta
Engine oil is necessary to keep the moving parts of the engine lubricated. As it does its job, it gets full of grit and grime. It needs to be changed regularly. All vehicles work best on specific oil.
Oil is measured based on its weight and viscosity. Newer vehicles, like the 2016 Jetta, need lighter viscosity oil. With the right viscosity, the engine can work at optimal levels while having the right protection.
Oils can also be synthetic or mineral. Mineral oil has a less consistent particle size. Synthetic oils are more uniform, so they flow better through the engine.
When changing the oil for your Jetta, make sure it’s the right one. These engines are designed to work on 5W50 or 5W30 fully synthetic oil. Using anything else could hurt the car’s efficiency.
Check out this video to see more about how engine oil affects your engine, and why choosing the right oil matters.
How to Change the Oil in a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
This video shows how to change the oil in a Volkswagen Jetta. Below, see the process broken down step-by-step.
If you want to save a little money, consider changing the oil in your Volkswagen Jetta on your own. Before you start, let the car engine run for five to ten minutes so the oil gets a little warm and flows out easier.
- Open the vehicle’s hood. Find the oil fill cap and loosen it, but leave it in place. This also allows the oil to flow more freely.
- Find the Jetta’s splash pan. There are Torx screws holding it in place. Remove these and push the locking tabs to remove the splash pan.
- Locate the engine oil drain plug and put a pan underneath it to collect the oil. Loosen the drain plug with a 19mm wrench. Let the oil drain, and inspect the plug and washer. Replace it if it looks worn.
- Clean the drain plug area. Put the plug and washer back in place, and torque it to 21 lb-ft.
- Put the oil fill cap back on tightly. Remove the decorative engine cover to find the oil filter. Loosen the four grommets on the corners and remove it.
- Replace the Jetta oil filter. Before pulling it out, let it drain. Then grab the filter with towels or shop rags and dispose of it, replacing it again.
- Fill the oil pan with 5W40 or 5W30 oil. Use 4.2 quarts for the 1.4L engine and 5.8 quarts for the others.
- Reinstall the engine cover and splash pan. Check for leaks. Then start the engine and let it run to ensure the oil light goes off.
Vehicle History Helps Ensure Proper Maintenance
If you’re considering a purchase of a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, do your homework. If the previous owner didn’t keep up with routine maintenance, your vehicle could have engine issues. Ask these questions, and always check the Vehicle History before buying.
