How to Change the Engine Oil and Oil Filter on a 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf (Engine: Inline 4 1.8L)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Change the Engine Oil and Oil Filter on a 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf (Engine: Inline 4 1.8L)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change
On your Golf, the oil is drained from the bottom of the engine and the oil filter is a top-mounted cartridge style. Replacing both together keeps the engine protected and gives you a clean baseline for maintenance.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Work on a level surface and let the engine cool before starting.
- The engine oil will be hot if the car was just driven.
- Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
- Keep dirt out of the oil filler and filter housing.
- Do not overtighten the drain plug or filter cap.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Drain pan, 8-quart minimum
- 19mm socket
- 3/8-inch ratchet
- Oil filter cap socket 74mm 14-flute (specialty)
- Torque wrench
- Funnel
- Shop towels
- Latex or nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Engine oil (VW 502.00 approved full synthetic 5W-40) - Qty: 6 quarts
- Oil filter cartridge kit - Qty: 1
- Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
- If the engine is warm, let it sit 10-15 minutes.
- Have the new oil ready before opening the drain plug.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Raise and secure the front of the car
- Use the floor jack to lift the front of the Golf at the approved lift point.
- Place the car on jack stands before going underneath.
- Make sure the car is steady before continuing.
Step 2: Remove the undertray access panel
- Use the correct fastener tool for the lower engine cover if equipped.
- Set the cover and fasteners aside in order.
- Keep hardware organized.
Step 3: Drain the engine oil
- Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
- Use the 19mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug.
- Let the oil drain completely.
- Install the new drain plug crush washer.
- Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).
Step 4: Replace the oil filter
- Open the hood and locate the top-mounted oil filter housing.
- Use the oil filter cap socket 74mm 14-flute (specialty) to remove the filter cap.
- Lift out the old filter cartridge and remove the old O-rings from the cap.
- Install the new O-rings from the filter kit and lightly oil them.
- Install the new filter cartridge into the cap.
- Reinstall the cap and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
Step 5: Refill with fresh oil
- Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
- Use the funnel to add about 5.5 quarts of new engine oil first.
- Wait a minute, then check the dipstick or electronic oil level display if equipped.
- Add oil slowly until the level is near the full mark.
Step 6: Start and inspect
- Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
- Check under the car and around the filter housing for leaks.
- Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes.
- Recheck the oil level and top off if needed.
Step 7: Reinstall the undertray
- Use the original fasteners to reinstall the lower cover.
- Make sure it is seated correctly before lowering the car.
✅ After Repair
- Check the oil level again after a short test drive.
- Verify there are no leaks around the drain plug or filter housing.
- Reset the service reminder if your Golf displays one.
- Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: ₹6,000-₹12,000 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: ₹3,500-₹6,500 (parts only)
You Save: ₹2,500-₹5,500 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹3,000-₹7,000/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-1.5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Engine Oil replace for these Volkswagen vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf | - | Inline 4 1.4L | - |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | - | Inline 4 2.0L | - |


















