Scirocco Central

HaVing covered only 11000 km I checked my dipstick and it was black!
I’ve topped up the oil before about 3-4 months ago.
Why is it black? My first service will be at 15000 km.

Modern synthetic oils blacken very quickly but it doesn't affect the lubricating properties, so nothing to worry about.

Phew! Thanks Cuprabob

Its also more pronouced during the first year under 15,000Km as the engine is not fully bedded in, particularly the piston rings.

After the first service it will be better but still black becuase of what Cuprabob states. All quite normal. Don't change the oil early, let it run to 15,000Km or 1st Service even though it is black (Running-in oil). The Engine oil filter will be doing its job.

C.

Cheers RW1

As long as it doesn't smell burnt you'll be fine.

Adamski_mk1 wrote:As long as it doesn't smell burnt you'll be fine.

or have white stuff round the oil cap.

My oil goes black pretty quickly. I tend to throw a litre or so in about midway to the next service and it seems fine.

White stuff around the oil cap is just condensation and is a symptom of short journeys.

It's also a symptom of water in the oil from a broken gasket.

Kev wrote:It's also a symptom of water in the oil from a broken gasket.

Yes, but head gasket failures tend to be rare on VAG cars these days.