Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Diesel

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Diesel

Diesel fuel must comply with the European standard EN 590 (in Germany DIN EN 590)  .

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.

Where diesel fuel complying with the EN 590 standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships and filling stations will have information on which fuels do comply with the EN 590 standard.

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

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 dealer or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel fuels 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 pre-heater system. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational even down to approximately -15°C (+5°F) provided that winter-grade diesel which is safe down to -24°C (-11.2°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.

WARNING

• Before filling up with diesel, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's requirements according to the fuel standard information at the pump.

• Only use fuel that complies with the EN 590 standard and has the correct cetane number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The engine can also lose power or fail.

• 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 fuel in compliance with European Standard 590 or an equivalent standard (in Germany). Use of this diesel is allowed and will not damage the engine or 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.