[Barry T]

How much oil is your Atlas using. I have about 5000 miles on my odometer and have added almost a full liter.

 

[hashamhk]

How much oil is your Atlas using. I have about 5000 miles on my odometer and have added almost a full liter.

if your Atlas has a 3.6L engine, its full capacity will be 5.5 liters with a filter. For 2.0L four-cylinder Atlas models, you have 4.7 liters (again with a filter) to work with.

Have you had the oil light go off? Have you had the oil changed since purchasing?

On new vehicles I tell people to change their oil within 2-3K miles since the engine is still braking in there are a lot of chances that metal shavings or any other components are moving around.

 

[KarstGeo]

Seeing some consumption in line with that over the first 5K miles is nothing to be concerned with and will be in-line with what is presented w/r to this subject in the manual. I saw some drop over the first 5K as you have described (the engine is breaking in, you will get that) but as of current with 25K on the clock I have no significant oil consumption that requires adding/drops the level to the "fill" portion of the dipstick over my change intervals which to-date have averaged around 6K miles. I get my used oil analyzed and so far, everythign looks fine/in-range for wear metals, viscosity drop, fuel dilution, etc. with the dealer/bulk Castrol 5W40. I'll be going to DIY soon and will switch it up to Liquimoly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W40 going forward. The factory fill I believe is an 0W30 (not sure whether it's 502 or 504 approval) - you will see less with a thicker oil such as a 5W40.

 

[KarstGeo]

if your Atlas has a 3.6L engine, its full capacity will be 5.5 liters with a filter. For 2.0L four-cylinder Atlas models, you have 4.7 liters (again with a filter) to work with.

Have you had the oil light go off? Have you had the oil changed since purchasing?

On new vehicles I tell people to change their oil within 2-3K miles since the engine is still braking in there are a lot of chances that metal shavings or any other components are moving around.

Oil capacity per the specs for both engines off the VW site below. There is no need for the old-school "early break-in oil change" - that's what an oil filter is for. If this was so critical, you would change the oil out about an hour after you started it for the first time b/c that's when all the initial break-in wear occurs. Certainly doesn't hurt, but also not necessary to have a well-maintained long-lasting vehicle.

2.0

3.6

 

[hashamhk]

Oil capacity per the specs for both engines off the VW site below. There is no need for the old-school "early break-in oil change" - that's what an oil filter is for. If this was so critical, you would change the oil out about an hour after you started it for the first time b/c that's when all the initial break-in wear occurs. Certainly doesn't hurt, but also not necessary to have a well-maintained long-lasting vehicle.

2.0 View attachment 1376
3.6 View attachment 1377

Oil filters don't catch everything and since the engine is still breaking in, still a chance for something to get through. Better to be safe

Not sure where on vw sites you pulled that but I can tell if you do an oil change I would not put 7 quarts in you will ruin your Atlas.

Straight from my manual.

 

[KarstGeo]

The specs I showed were screen shots straight from the VW site for the Atlas with the 2.0 and 3.6. I can tell you with 100% surety that the 2.0 takes about 6 quarts, not 4.5 - the 1.8 has the same oil capacity and I change my own regularly in my Sportwagen and 6 is dead on top of the dip stick, the kits all come with 6. The Atlas is supposed to be the same, about 6 quarts but I have read reports of that not being enough - I haven't DIY'd mine yet to test it but based on the VW site info, maybe it takes more? Maybe those specs are assuming a dead empty fill? I agree the manual contradicts it.

On the early change outs - whatever makes you comfortable. For every person that does this there are a lot more that don't with no issue. MK4 Jetta with the 2.slow ran up to close to 300K/20 years with a first oil change at 5K. This is always a good discussion.

 

[hashamhk]

The specs I showed were screen shots straight from the VW site for the Atlas with the 2.0 and 3.6. I can tell you with 100% surety that the 2.0 takes about 6 quarts, not 4.5 - the 1.8 has the same oil capacity and I change my own regularly in my Sportwagen and 6 is dead on top of the dip stick, the kits all come with 6. The Atlas is supposed to be the same, about 6 quarts but I have read reports of that not being enough - I haven't DIY'd mine yet to test it but based on the VW site info, maybe it takes more? Maybe those specs are assuming a dead empty fill? I agree the manual contradicts it.

On the early change outs - whatever makes you comfortable. For every person that does this there are a lot more that don't with no issue. MK4 Jetta with the 2.slow ran up to close to 300K/20 years with a first oil change at 5K. This is always a good discussion.

Thats concerning, when I did my last oil change per the dip stick it was at a good level. But if the website is saying something different thats something very serious; I will reach out VW directly because either they need to send people new owners manuals or confirm the correct oil amount. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! Can you please share the link, I might create a thread for this topic

 

[KarstGeo]

Thats concerning, when I did my last oil change per the dip stick it was at a good level. But if the website is saying something different thats something very serious; I will reach out VW directly because either they need to send people new owners manuals or confirm the correct oil amount. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! Can you please share the link, I might create a thread for this topic

Look, in the end the dipstick wins...ahahahaha. The 3.6 change kits you buy online are 6 quarts. You just go to the VW site, go to models, choose Atlas, and go to explore. Then choose trims, choose whichever you want to look at, and choose specs. I'd say this is a different fill volume than reality and your manual will be correct.

2021 VW Atlas | Volkswagen

www.vw.com

There is a huge thread on the Atlas sub-forum on vwvortex re oil changes:

Atlas V6 Oil Change Routine

Oil Filter Location Just curious, can anyone who owns an Atlas tell me where the oil filter is located? I hope it's as accessible as the one in my GTI! I want to be able to use my oil extractor and avoid crawling under the car for every change! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

forums.vwvortex.com

Also several Atlas/3.6 threads on bobistheoilguy.com forums under the Euro subforum.

 

[Barry T]

Thanks for the info, I will watch the oil consumption after the first oil change, which will probably be soon.
However, I would like to make a few comments.
1. There is a lot of controversy on the proper amount of oil to add. It seems to me that VW must have added larger oil pans that can account for the 5.5 to 7 quart range. Earlier vehicles seem to have a smaller oil capacity. I am sure that as long as the dipstick shows the proper level, everyone will be OK.
2. An oil filter will not catch any metal. It's like panning for gold, the heavier metal shavings are commonly found in the oil pan, with more metal especially with higher mileage cars. For this reason, I would not recommend using an oil extractor. In fact, for the DIY people, I would recommend swapping out the single use, plastic VW oil plug and substitute a metal plug with a magnet to catch metal particles. This is very popular with high performance cars where the wear factor is higher and you will be surprised how much metal is on that plug at oil changes.

 

[KarstGeo]

Thanks for the info, I will watch the oil consumption after the first oil change, which will probably be soon.
However, I would like to make a few comments.
1. There is a lot of controversy on the proper amount of oil to add. It seems to me that VW must have added larger oil pans that can account for the 5.5 to 7 quart range. Earlier vehicles seem to have a smaller oil capacity. I am sure that as long as the dipstick shows the proper level, everyone will be OK.
2. An oil filter will not catch any metal. It's like panning for gold, the heavier metal shavings are commonly found in the oil pan, with more metal especially with higher mileage cars. For this reason, I would not recommend using an oil extractor. In fact, for the DIY people, I would recommend swapping out the single use, plastic VW oil plug and substitute a metal plug with a magnet to catch metal particles. This is very popular with high performance cars where the wear factor is higher and you will be surprised how much metal is on that plug at oil changes.

I'm with you on the capacity - some say the 5.7 quarts isn't enough to even touch the dipstick so maybe this is right - capacity changed?

The plug on the 3.6 is metal - the plastic disposable one is on the 2.0 (and my 1.8). I think the mag plugs are probably worth it for such a low cost.

 

[mlvswoll]

I did my first oil change on my 2019 Atlas today at 6500 miles. I wanted to convey my experience regarding capacity. I purchased 6qts based on manual info. After adding all 6, the oil only reached the bottom of the hash marks on the dipstick. In order to show full capacity on the dipstick I had to add an additional quart, for a total of 7qts. The YouTube video I checked out also noted the 6qts not being enough to fill his vehicle. Just my .02cents but I’d buy 7 and check your stick after filling with 6. It may save a second trip to the store for more oil which is a pain in the ass when you’re trying to finish up the job. I used Castrol Edge 0w40.

 

[sidewinder]

i put in bit shy of 6qt and it went to middle of dipstick after sitting for few hours. noticed one side of the dipstick was near low mark while other side was in the middle. went with the side that had the higher level. had bad experience after overfilling on previous car and i'm very careful about overfilling. will have to check again to see if anything has changed since the car has been driven.

actually just checked and looks like it was an optical illusion. it looks like both sides are even and the back side actually looks higher due to shorter area. either way 7 quarts seems like it will be too much.

 

[mlvswoll]

I’m going to check it again and if need be I have an extractor to take some out.

 

[Barry T]

If you change your oil you have the opportunity to let the junk drip out of your motor. I usually change my own oil and pull the plug and filter and leave the car on the ramps overnight. The oil was so clean after refilling that I had a hard time to see the oil level and put a piece if tissue on the dip stick to find the level. I am at 9000 miles and I normally let the dealer do the first one or two oil changes, but the difference in the cleanliness of the oil is remarkable if you get the crap out.

 

[Cross Sport Pete]

My 2020 Atlas cross sport with a 2.0 engine is experiencing excess oil consumption. The dealer actually had the nerve to tell me I should carry oil and check the level once a week and top it off. Totally outrageous what a cover up. I tried to call VW 800 number as the dealer gave me and they toss you back to the dealer saying that they are not technical experts.
The question I have is will these vehicles burning oil pass an emissions test? Does anyone know? If they don't pass that can be another avenue to go after VW. We the people need to get this issue to the court of public opinion. The VW standards must be challenged as they are outrageously wrong

 

[KarstGeo]

My 2020 Atlas cross sport with a 2.0 engine is experiencing excess oil consumption. The dealer actually had the nerve to tell me I should carry oil and check the level once a week and top it off. Totally outrageous what a cover up. I tried to call VW 800 number as the dealer gave me and they toss you back to the dealer saying that they are not technical experts.
The question I have is will these vehicles burning oil pass an emissions test? Does anyone know? If they don't pass that can be another avenue to go after VW. We the people need to get this issue to the court of public opinion. The VW standards must be challenged as they are outrageously wrong

You need to measure it and do it accurately. Top it up to the top of the dipstick. Check it cold or after it has been running you need to let it set a few minutes. Level ground. Record it. That's really all a dealer will do. Read your owner's manual on this topic - like it or not or agree or not, it does specify what is considered "normal". When these engines are new, the 2.0 will have some consumption that will level out over time. Is this the factory fill? Which oil is it? The 0W20/VW508 oils are light and you will see more consumption that say a 502/5W40.

Great video on this subject which I do agree with:

How much engine oil consumption is normal? (In a modern engine.) | Auto Expert John Cadogan - YouTube

 

[Cross Sport Pete]

If you think this is normal burning 8 QTS as VW says is acceptable between oil changes then you just tipped your hand.
What VW dealer do you work at ?

 

[Barry T]

If it is normal, all engines will have basically the same oil consumption. I have the 6 cylinder motor and what I thought was oil construction was the dealer adding 6 qts per oil change when it takes 7 to be in the normal range on the dip stick.
it sounds like an engine ring or could be an engine seal problem.The oil has to go somewhere

 

[KarstGeo]

If you think this is normal burning 8 QTS as VW says is acceptable between oil changes then you just tipped your hand.
What VW dealer do you work at ?

hahahahah - holy crap, say anything counter to someone having an issue with a car online and you work for the manufacturer. Hardly. I'm a geologist.

The book says up to a quart in 1200 miles (I think?) is normal. I don't agree as that's a lot but many factors in oil consumption and maybe under certain conditions you could see that for a short period.

You never put any data up - how much oil have you been losing and over how long? You didn't answer my questions - what oil? How many miles on your Atlas? How does your consumption look against what your owner's manual says?

 

[KarstGeo]

If it is normal, all engines will have basically the same oil consumption. I have the 6 cylinder motor and what I thought was oil construction was the dealer adding 6 qts per oil change when it takes 7 to be in the normal range on the dip stick.
it sounds like an engine ring or could be an engine seal problem.The oil has to go somewhere

My Atlas uses what we will call zero - I did go down a bit over the first oil change interval which was 7K. Since then, it's been minor/normal amounts using VW502 00 5W40. My VW Golf Sportwagen that is boosted/tuned to the moon uses zero and I beat the crap out of it, track it, drag race it. We had a 2000 Jetta with the 2.slow that used so much oil over the first 10K miles it shocked me when I pulled the dipstick and it was dry. Switched to a 5W40 and ran many of the changes out to 10K with min. oil consumption and that car went upwards of 300K. It actually had a known issue with the rings and VW did an oil consumption test and it was within spec so no fix. I think you are on it though - 6 vs. 7. I'm getting ready to DIY mine and will see if my 6 is enough.