99 Passat 1.8t Oil Changes/Parts
 

Has anyone found a inexpensive VW parts dealer for such things as VW oil filter, air filters, etc? What do VW oil filters for the 1.8t Passat typically cost? Should I always use VW oil filters when changing my Passats oil?? What oil is everyone using - Mobil 1???<br>

Re: 99 Passat 1.8t Oil Changes/Parts
 

How old is your Passat? The Passats come with 2 years of FREE oil changes/maintennace, about twice a year; the car's only been out since 10/97 at the earliest in the US. But down the road, if you're thinking of doing this yourself, I personally have used FRAM filters. The car however, is fairly new but I would imagine since the engine is identical to the Audi A4, just look up the part number for it and you should be ok with it on your Passat. A typical FRAM filter goes for about $5 - $6. A genuine VW part goes for something like $8-10 I believe.<br>From the discussions on the A4 Forum, Mobile 1 Synthetic appears to be the oil of choice.<p>HermanH<br>98.5 Passat 1.8tm

Routine maintenance tips
 

Here's what I've learned so far... Enjoy!<p>Wipers:<p>Bosch Micro Edge refills work much better than the stock ones, $8.00 a pair.<p>Oil Filters:<p>I'm using the OEM oil filter on my 1.8T Passat. I've heard some business about a check valve in VW filters that may or may not be present in aftermarket ones. Who knows. Through Carousel Motors, the OEM filters are $6.25 if you buy 6 or more. Check out www.carouselmotors.com. Don't forget to pre-fill the filter, 1cm from the top is possible w/o spilling any.<p>Air filters:<p>When the factory one is due for replacement I'd get a RamAir or K&N. They are reusable, a major plus, and *might* offer some performance increase.<p>Oil<p>I'm running Mobil 1, 15W50. I'd run this at above freezing, or 10W40 (synthetic) in colder climates.<p>Handy Oil Change Tools<p>For a filter wrench, get the "socket" type that fits nicely on the end. Kragen has a nice one for around $2.00. Perfect with a short 1/4" drive ratchet. Also have a short, wide slotted screwdriver for removing the fastensers on the cover under the engine compartment.<p>