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.How much oil is your Atlas using. I have about 5000 miles on my odometer and have added almost a full liter.
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.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 filters don't catch everything and since the engine is still breaking in, still a chance for something to get through. Better to be safeOil 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
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 topicThe 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.
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.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
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?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.