Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Diesel

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Diesel

The service intervals are shorter if you use diesel with a high sulphur content ⇒ BookletService schedule,  . A Volkswagen dealership will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content.

Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel.

Winter diesel

When using summer-grade diesel, difficulties may be experienced at temperatures below 0°C (+32°F) because the fuel thickens due to paraffin separation. For this reason winter-grade diesel is available in countries such as Germany during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures lower than -20°C (-4°F).

In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel sold generally has different temperature characteristics. Check with a Volkswagen dealership or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the types of diesel available.

It is not unusual for a cold diesel engine to be louder in cold temperatures that in warm weather. In addition, exhaust emissions may be tinged with blue while the engine starts and reaches operating temperature. The amount of exhaust fumes depends on the outside temperature.

Filter preheater

Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter preheating system. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational even down to approximately -24°C (-11.2°F) provided that winter-grade diesel which is safe down to -15°C (+5°F) is used.

However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start at temperatures below -24°C (-11.2°F) simply place the vehicle in a warm garage or workshop for a while.

Supplementary heater

Vehicles fitted with a diesel engine may also be equipped with a fuel-driven supplementary heater. This heater is powered with fuel from the vehicle tank. In this case, odour and water vapour may escape from the vehicle, and there may be a greater quantity of smoke. This is quite normal when the system is in use, and does not indicate damage or a fault in the system.

The supplementary heater will be switched off automatically if the level in the fuel tank is low (reserve level).

WARNING

• Your vehicle is not suitable for use with biodiesel and must not be filled up or driven with biodiesel. Failure to observe this point can result in damage to the fuel system and engine.

• Some diesel manufacturers blend biodiesel with diesel in compliance with European Standard 590 or an equivalent standard (in Germany e.g. DIN 51628). This diesel is suitable for use in the vehicle and will not damage the engine and fuel system.

• The diesel engine has been developed for use with diesel only. For this reason, petrol, heating oil or other unsuitable fuels may not be used. These fuels can cause serious damage to the fuel system and engine.

• The service life of the diesel particulate filter can be reduced considerably if diesels with a high sulphur content are used. A Volkswagen dealership will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content.