Volkswagen Polo Maintenance Guides - Common Volkswagen Polo Repair Questions Answered
The Volkswagen Polo is one of the top 20 most popular cars in the UK, and the WhoCanFixMyCar garage network provides thousands of quotes every week for the model.
The Polo has been zooming along our roads since 1975, and since its creation has gone on to come in a multitude of styles; hatchback, sedan and estate. It's reputation as a reliable car precedes it, with light, comfortable steering and excellent visibility.
Volkswagen Polo Tyre Pressure
What is the recommended tyre pressure of a Volkswagen Polo?
The standard tyre pressure for a Volkswagen Polo is between 30 and 35 PSI.
However, we would recommend that you consult your car’s manual to find the recommended tyre pressure level for your vehicle.
How to check a Volkswagen Polo tyre pressure?
Testing tyre pressure can be done at home easily using a pressure gauge; gauges are relatively cheap and easy to use.
Match your readings up against the recommended tyre pressure, (see above) topping up the tyres if needed or contact a garage.
What should I do once I see a tyre pressure warning?
The tyre pressure warning light turning amber/yellow on your dashboard can be an indicator of tyre deflation.
Check your tyres as soon as possible, topping up if needed.
An amber warning light may also be indicating that you have a serious puncture that needs replacing or there is a slow puncture and you should take your car to a garage.
How do I reset a Volkswagen Polo tyre pressure light?
The exact process of resetting the tyre pressure light on your Volkswagen Polo will differ depending on your Polo’s year and model.
Some cars have a tiny button in the top left of their glove box, simply press this in and hold until it makes a beep.
However, if you have an infotainment system in your car, you must navigate your way through the system menus for the reset option.
Car Menu > Setup > Tyres > ‘Set’ button under Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Volkswagen Polo Warning Lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Volkswagen Polo?
Volkswagen polo warning lights on your dash follow a traffic light colour system. Green ensures that the system is working correctly or is in use. Yellow is an indication that something isn’t working properly, and you should get it checked out. Red tells you that there is a serious and potentially dangerous problem. Halt driving as soon as possible and seek help.
When you turn your ignition key to engine on, these lights will go out. If they remain on, then it’s an indication of a problem and the traffic light system applies.
Volkswagen Polo lights that you must pay special attention to include:
Ignition
The ignition warning light coming on whilst driving indicates a malfunction. It may be that the alternator is not charging the battery, or it could be another issue that a professional will be able to diagnose.
Oil
The oil pressure warning light for the Volkswagen Polo may stay on when you start the vehicle or come on whilst you are driving. If this happens, switch the engine off and check the engine oil levels. Top up if necessary and if the light remains on seek professional assistance from a trained mechanic.
Brake System Warning
If the red light of this (looks like an exclamation mark in a circle with brackets on either outer side) stays on after releasing your parking break, it can mean that brake fluid is low, or your automatic braking system isn’t working properly. You should not risk driving once this light comes on as it is one of the most important safety features of the Volkswagen Polo.
What does a Volkswagen Polo engine oil warning light mean?
The engine warning light does what it says on the tin, it gives you a warning or indication that there is an issue with your engine oil level. The extent to which, can be identified or at least understood with a few simple steps.
If the engine oil warning light pops up on your dash, switch off the engine immediately and do not restart!
The next step is to check the oil level, if the level is off, top it up to the correct level.
Once the engine has been started, wait 5 seconds and if light goes out, you’re good to go.
If not contact a trained mechanic for oil change assistance.
How to reset a Volkswagen Polo oil warning light?
Turn the ignition to run (one position before starting engine).
Access the settings menu:
a) Use the windshield wiper lever toggle switch or
b) Use the buttons on the right-hand side of the multi-function steering wheel
Settings > Service > Reset > Confirm
Turn the ignition off and then start the engine to verify the indicator has been reset.
Volkswagen Polo Service Intervals
When are Volkswagen Polo service intervals?
Volkswagen recommends a full service after 1 year, you should also have an interim service every 6 months in between annual services.
Volkswagen Polo Common Problems
Are clutch problems common on a Volkswagen Polo?
Clutch problems are no more common with the Volkswagen Polo than any other cars of a similar design and consumption. However, if you do encounter any issues with your clutch, you must have them dealt with promptly to avoid any further damage to your car. We recommend seeking out a trained professional to take a look at any clutch problems, as they are such an important component of your vehicle.
What causes a Volkswagen Polo clutch to shudder?
Clutch shudder is a vibration or stutter that occurs when the clutch is released. It can be one of the most difficult clutch problems to diagnose and subsequently repair. There are several issues that may be causing the clutch chatter.
Your Volkswagen Polo clutch may be shuddering because of a warped flywheel caused by excessive heat build-up, this may have to be resurfaced or replaced.
Clutch shudder may also be related to the disc, pressure plate distortion or a damaged release bearing. Your best bet to get the problem resolved, is visiting a garage for a professional diagnosis and clutch replacement.
What’s the noise I can hear coming from my Volkswagen Polo?
A lot of Polo drivers have remarked about a higher level of cabin noise as well as a lot of drivers noticing a humming sound coming from the gearbox. If this becomes a cause for concern or the noises persist, we recommend that you contact a local garage via Who Can Fix My Car to ensure that there is not an overarching problem causing the noises.
Volkswagen Polo Oil
What the best oil to use for a Volkswagen Polo?
Volkswagen Polo comes with both fuel options; petrol and diesel. And the car comes with three engine options; there are two petrol engines 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engine and 1.2-litre diesel engine. The best oil to use in your polo depends on the exact model and year, however Volkswagen recommends synthetic engine oil 5W30 for both the Volkswagen Polo petrol and diesel variants. The semi synthetic engine oils do not need to be changed quite so often and makes the engine frugal and sludge free.
What is the oil capacity for a Volkswagen Polo?
The exact oil capacity for your vehicle can be found in the capacities section of your car manual, as Polos differ slightly depending on the model year. Most Polos have an oil capacity which sits between 3 and 4 litres and they all have a suggested oil change interval of 12 months/a mileage of 10,000.
What to do if a Volkswagen Polo leaks oil?
Fixing an engine oil leak in your Volkswagen Polo is necessary to prevent further damage to your vehicle. Regular maintenance will keep the risk of oil leaks down; make checking your oil a regular occurence. If an oil leak does occur, it is imperative to find a professional to fix it promptly. Entering your details on Who Can Fix My Car gives you free access to a ton of quotes from local garages. Choose from the local garages by assessing prices and customer reviews and get your oil leak fixed efficiently.
Volkswagen Polo Battery
What are the signs that I need a new battery?
A car battery has an average lifespan of 3-5 years, but obviously this varies depending on your car model, driving style and in many cases sheer luck!
If you're noticing issues with your car early into the life of your car battery, there are a few symptoms which can help you diagnose battery failure.
Usually, the first few signs of battery-related problems range from dim lights, corroded connectors and a misshapen battery case to a bad smell.
A slow starting engine is usually the final sign before your battery gives up entirely, if this becomes a regular occurrence, we would recommend contacting a mobile mechanic or garage ASAP.
It is better to pre-empt any failure and avoid any further damage from developing within your vehicle by getting your battery tested when it reaches around three years old.
What to do if a Volkswagen Polo battery dies?
If the battery in your Volkswagen Polo dies, you will need to consult a garage about a battery replacement quickly.
A mechanic will be able to come out to a location best for you and replace the battery to get you back out on the road!
Common Volkswagen Polo Questions
I am unsure whether to purchase a diesel or petrol Volkswagen Polo
If you tend to do lots of short journeys, you are better opting for a petrol model rather than a diesel one.
This is because it has been widely reported that the diesel particulate filters in VW Polo’s can clog up if they don't get regular motorway exercise.