Check Volkswagen Engine Oil Level | VW
Do you need to check the fluid level of your Volkswagen engine oil? Learn how to check the engine oil level by following the procedures below.
Summary
Checking Volkswagen (VW) engine oil levels is very easy. Turn off the engine and wait at least five minutes for the oil to return to the pan. Open the hood and remove the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and reinsert the dipstick. Wait two seconds, and then remove it. Check the VW engine oil level by looking at the dipstick. The oil level should be in the shaded dipstick area between the MIN and MAX marks.
Procedure
Step-by-step instructions on how to check the VW engine oil level.
- Park your Volkswagen on level ground.
- Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake(s).
- Wait at least five minutes. This will allow the oil to return to the oil pan so that you can take an accurate measurement.
- Pull the hood release under the dashboard. Go to the front of the vehicle, release the hood latch, and lift the hood. Secure the hood with the hood rod or ensure it stays up. If you need help with this step, see our guide on how to open the VW hood.
- Under the hood, you will find a yellow round-shaped ring you can pull (dipstick) to check the engine oil.
- Remove the dipstick and clean it with a clean cloth.
- Fully reinsert the dipstick, then pull it out again.
- Determine the engine oil level by looking at the dipstick. The level should be between the MIN and MAX marks.
- If the oil level is below the minimum mark, remove the oil cap from the top of the engine and add the recommended oil type.
Follow these steps to check the engine oil level on the VW Jetta, Passat, Golf, GTI, EOS, CC, Tiguan, Routan, Bettle, etc.
Check VW engine oil level hot or cold?

Theoretically, you can check the VW oil level both ways, with the engine hot or cold. If the engine is hot, you risk getting burned. If you check the engine oil level when the engine is hot, you need to be careful not to get burned. Also, if you’ve just turned off the engine, you must wait at least five minutes before you check the oil level.
We recommend you ensure the engine isn’t hot when you check the oil to avoid getting burned. Allow the engine to cool down first. Keep in mind that the oil itself could burn you.
What do you need to check the VW engine oil level?
- You don’t need any tools other than a clean cloth to check the VW engine oil level. When removing the dipstick from the engine, you must clean it before reinserting it and determining the oil level.
How often should I check the VW oil level?
- Check engine oil levels at least once a month. Specific VW engines, such as the four-cylinder 2.0T, are known to burn oil and may burn up to 1qt per 1000 miles.
- On average, vehicle owners should check their engine oil at least once every month, but we recommend checking it more often, such as once every other week, if your VW burns or loses engine oil.
Why Check VW Engine Oil Level?
- To keep your VW running at peak performance. Check the engine oil level at least once a month and perform an oil change twice a year or as the manufacturer recommends.
We hope you find the Check Volkswagen Engine Oil Level | VW guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volkswagen.