The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL trims were equipped with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine with an oil capacity of 6.3 quarts. Your owner’s manual recommends 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic motor oil.

If your VW Jetta is in need of an oil change, make sure you know which engine it has. The best way to do this is to check your owner’s manual, but you can also always pop the hood to find information on the size and type of your engine.

If you have a 2013 Jetta SE or SEL, it would have been equipped with the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine.

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2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 engine oil capacity

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta’s 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine has an engine oil capacity of 6.3 quarts.

Notice that the oil capacity is not 2.5 liters—this designation refers to your engine’s displacement, a way to distinguish engine size. Don’t mistake this number for oil capacity!

What kind of oil does a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta need?

Your 2013 Vokswagen Jetta’s owners manual recommends using a high-quality, full synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 motor oil.

If you’re new to reading viscosity ratings, here’s the trick. “W” stands for “Winter,” and the number before it represents the oil’s viscosity at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The second number represents the oil’s viscosity at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the regular operating temperature of a gasoline combustion engine.

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Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5

You’ll need to change your 2013 VW Jetta 2.5’s synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Changing your oil on time is a key part of keeping your engine in good condition. You should check your oil at least once a month.

If you haven’t been keeping track of your miles driven since your Jetta’s last

oil change

, look out for these symptoms indicating that you’re past due:

Does the oil look dirty? If you can tell that your oil is dirty and opaque, it’s probably in need of a change.

Take a little oil from the dipstick between your fingers and see if it feels gritty or coarse. Gritty oil is definitely dirty and in need of changing.

If you’re noticing unusual noises or smells coming from your engine, checking your oil is a good place to start.

Any noticeable changes in engine performance should prompt you to check your oil.

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How to test an oil pump

How to change your oil and oil filter

Changing your own oil can save you money and can also be a fun way to become more acquainted with your car. Here are some supplies that you’ll need to change your own oil:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

6.3 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil

Funnel

Rags (for the mess)

Once you have everything you need, start the oil change by starting your engine, and let it run for about 5 minutes. This will warm up the oil and allow it to drain faster. Then, turn off the engine, and proceed with the following steps:

Pop the hood, find the oil fill cap, open it, and set the cap aside in a safe spot.

Then, get underneath your car’s engine. Place the drain pan below the oil drain to catch the old, draining oil. Plan ahead and look at where the oil will go when you start draining.

Once you’re ready, unscrew the oil drain bolt and washer with the socket wrench. Prepare for a bit of a mess!

Once the oil is flowing, make sure that the oil pan is catching all of the oil—you might need to reposition it quickly.

When you’ve noticed that the draining is slowing down, it’s time to unscrew the old oil filter and screw on the new one, following any instructions provided.

Once you’ve drained all of your Jetta’s old engine oil, reattach the oil drain bolt with a new washer, and tighten it to 22 lb-ft.

Now, grab your 6.3 quarts of new synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 oil. Use the funnel to pour the new oil cleanly into the oil fill opening. Then, grab the oil fill cap and screw it back on.

Once you’re finished, crank your car and let it run for about 30 seconds to circulate the oil through the new filter. Then, turn off the car and look at the dipstick to double-check your oil level. Add more oil if you need it, check for any oil leaks, and you’re done!

Pro Tip Old oil should be poured into sealable containers and recycled. You should NEVER dump dirty oil down the drain, onto the ground, or into the garbage!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Look at you, saving yourself some money and a trip by changing your own oil! If you’re looking to save even more money on your 2013 Volkswagen Jetta expenses, you should use the

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