1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils

Enhance and Protect Your 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon with Quality Engine Oils

Maintaining the performance of your 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon starts with choosing the right parts, and high-quality Engine Oil help ensure a reliable and efficient vehicle. At Advance Auto Parts, we offer Engine Oils specifically for the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon, ensuring a perfect fit and lasting durability. Choosing to shop with Advance Auto Parts means you’re making a smart decision to prioritize both quality and reliability for your vehicle.

Affordable and Reliable Engine Oils for Every Budget

Finding affordable, quality Engine Oil is easy at Advance Auto Parts. With prices starting as low as $3.25 and an average price of $38.76, you can choose one that fits your budget while delivering the quality you expect. Our Engine Oils are competitively priced, ranging from $3.25 to $234.99, so you get value without compromising on strength or reliability.

Explore Related Parts for a Complete Solution

To further enhance your 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon, don’t miss our related parts categories, including SAE 30 Conventional and Synthetic and Blended Motor Oil. These additions will round out your repair or upgrade project and ensure your vehicle is ready for any adventure.
Please Select your Vehicle to See Exact Fit Parts

Engine Oils for Your 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon

Mobil 1 – Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart, 120768 (Part No.120768)

Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart, 120768

from

$42.99
Mobil 1 High Mileage motor oil utilizes our signature Triple Action Formula to deliver outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness to vehicles of all ages. Specialty components in synthetic oil extend engine life by reducing the friction that causes deposits and sludge buildup – keeping critical engine parts clean and protected for up to 15,000 miles between oil changes.(1) Mobil 1 High Mileage motor oil meets ILSAC GF-7 standards, offering superior oxidation control, enhanced protection against pre-ignition and timing chain wear, and excellent cold-start and low-temperature performance. Mobil 1 is the No. 1 selling motor oil in America at retail,(2) trusted and recommended by car builders and experienced mechanics, and is the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR(R). Volume: 5 quarts.
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Mobil 1 – Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart, 120765 (Part No.120765)

Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart, 120765

from

$48.99
Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oil utilizes our signature Triple Action Formula to deliver outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness to vehicles of all ages. Specialty components in synthetic oil extend engine life by reducing deposits and sludge buildup – keeping critical engine parts clean and protected for up to 25,000 miles between oil changes.(1) Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oil meets ILSAC GF-7 standards, offering superior oxidation control, enhanced protection against pre-ignition and timing chain wear, and excellent cold-start and low-temperature performance. Mobil 1 is the No. 1 selling motor oil in America at retail,(2) trusted and recommended by car builders and experienced mechanics, and is the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR(R). (1)Protects for 25,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (2)Source: Circana/ Retail Tracking Service/ Dollar Sales/ 52 weeks ending February 1, 2025 (3)vs GF-7 fuel economy requirement Volume: 5 quarts.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 550036541 (Part No.550036541)

Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 550036541

from

$13.49
Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 is designed to maximize engine protection and is backed by a 15,000-mile protection guarantee to protect your pursuit of every mile. Made with natural gas, it is formulated for complete protection for top engine performance. Pennzoil Platinum offers cleaner pistons (based on Sequence IIIH results; does not apply to SAE 0W-16 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oil), helps protect engines from loss of power, delivers better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standard), provides unsurpassed wear protection (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30), and provides excellent performance in extreme temperatures. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 provides the same engine protection as a 5W-20 and is suitable for use in vehicles currently using SAE 5W-20. (Pennzoil Platinum Lubrication Limited Warranty: Protection for up to 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Volume: 1 quart.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Stops Leaks, 1 Quart, 550042728 (Part No.550042728)

Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Stops Leaks, 1 Quart, 550042728

from

$13.49
Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30 is designed to maximize engine protection and is formulated to help stop leaks in engines with more than 75,000 miles. Backed by a 15,000-mile protection guarantee to keep you covered between oil changes and for the long run (see Warranty Information below), it is the first of its kind full synthetic high mileage oil made with natural gas and is designed to deliver less oil burn off than other high mileage oils (based on Sequence IIIH results). Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage motor oil conditions seals on older engines to give added protection to high-mileage vehicles. It offers complete protection mile after thrilling mile as it protects engines from loss of horsepower, offers excellent performance in extreme temperatures, provides unsurpassed wear protection (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30), and provides better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standards). (Pennzoil Platinum Lubrication Limited Warranty: Protection for up to 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Use an oil filter designed for longer oil change intervals and follow OEM manual and vehicles oil life sensor to maintain OEM warranty. Excludes severe driving conditions, including racing and commercial use. Your engine must have fewer than 125,000 miles and have been manufactured in the past 72 months. Enrollment required. Other conditions apply. See pennzoil.com/warranty to enroll and for full details and terms.) Volume: 1 quart.
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Mobil Delvac – Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil, Extends Engine Life, 2.5 Gallon, 44820 (Part No.44820)

Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil, Extends Engine Life, 2.5 Gallon, 44820

from

$56.99
Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and durability for diesel vehicles and equipment. This premium synthetic blend is designed to extend engine life, meeting or exceeding OEM requirements for a wide range of heavy-duty applications. Developed in collaboration with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers, it ensures reliable operation in both on- and off-highway environments. With the ability to perform up to 50% beyond OEM-recommended oil drain intervals, it offers outstanding value and reduced maintenance downtime. Fully backward-compatible, it provides excellent protection for both newer and older heavy-duty engines, as well as gasoline engines requiring API SN specifications. Its advanced formulation ensures superior soot and viscosity control, minimizes oil consumption, and resists corrosive wear, making it a trusted choice for demanding conditions. With a 15W-40 SAE weight and a 2.5-gallon capacity, this oil is a dependable solution for maintaining peak engine performance. Volume: 5 gallons.
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Castrol – Castrol GTX 10W-40 Premium Conventional Motor Oil, 1 Quart, 14CD5A (Part No.14CD5A)

Castrol GTX 10W-40 Premium Conventional Motor Oil, 1 Quart, 14CD5A

from

$10.99
Castrol GTX 10W-40 superior sludge protection to help extend engine life. Severe driving conditions such as heavy traffic, poor fuel quality, harsh driving conditions and exceeding oil change intervals can all cause the build-up of a thick, tar like substance called sludge. Sludge can block your engine’s vital oilways like cholesterol and if untreated, can rob an engine of its power and ultimately its life. Castrol GTX is specially engineered to prevent harmful build-up of sludge while protecting against new oil splatter formation better than tough industry standards. Volume: 1 quart.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Stops Leaks, 1 Quart, 550042724 (Part No.550042724)

Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Stops Leaks, 1 Quart, 550042724

from

$13.49
Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-20 is designed to maximize engine protection and is formulated to help stop leaks in engines with more than 75,000 miles. Backed by a 15,000-mile protection guarantee to keep you covered between oil changes and for the long run (see Warranty Information below), it is the first of its kind full synthetic high mileage motor oilmade with natural gas and designed to deliver less oil burn off than other high mileage oils (based on Sequence IIIH results).Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage motor oil conditions seals on older engines to give added protection to high-mileage vehicles. it offers complete protection mile after thrilling mile as it protects engines from loss of horsepower, offers excellent performance in extreme temperatures, provides unsurpassed wear protection (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30), and provides better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standards). (Pennzoil Platinum Lubrication Limited Warranty: Protection for up to 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Use an oil filter designed for longer oil change intervals and follow OEM manual and vehicles oil life sensor to maintain OEM warranty. Excludes severe driving conditions, including racing and commercial use. Your engine must have fewer than 125,000 miles and have been manufactured in the past 72 months. Enrollment required. Other conditions apply. See pennzoil.com/warranty to enroll and for full details and terms.) Volume: 1 quart.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Boosts Fuel Economy, 550038111 (Part No.550038111)

Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Boosts Fuel Economy, 550038111

from

$35.99
Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil is uniquely engineered from our revolutionary PurePlus gas-to-liquid technology, which is a patented process that converts pure natural gas into a high quality, full synthetic base oil. Our high-quality base oil is 99.5% pure, contains fewer impurities than base oils made from crude oil, and when combined with our advanced additive technology creates one of the best formulations in our Pennzoil portfolio. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil is licensed and meets the vehicle warranty requirements of GM’s dexos 1 Gen 2 specifications that are set forth to meet today’s modern engine technologies. This means that our Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic products meet the stringent requirements of leading car manufacturers. Why does this matter? Modern engine technologies have evolved over the years and today’s engine parts have reached an unprecedented level of fine manufacturing tolerances which require a high-quality engine oil to help provide complete engine protection. This includes protection against abnormal combustion phenomenon like low-speed pre-ignition observed in modern turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) engines. Volume: 5 quarts.
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Quaker State – Quaker State Advanced Durability 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil, Reduces Engine Wear, 1 Quart, 550035082 (Part No.550035082)

Quaker State Advanced Durability 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil, Reduces Engine Wear, 1 Quart, 550035082

from

$6.29
Quaker State 5W-20 motor oil is formulated to help engines survive daily commutes from high-speed highway operation to repetitive, stop-and-go driving. It reduces engine wear to provide durable wear protection and combats engine sludge and deposits. Quaker State motor oil also provides corrosion protection from harmful acids generated by engine contaminants. Recommended for all vehicles that require use of SAE 5W-20 motor oil, it maintains the required viscosity from start to finish. . (Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty: Free warranty of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles, whichever is first, if you exclusively use Quaker State Full Synthetic motor oil, Quaker State Synthetic motor oil, Quaker State High Mileage motor oil, or Quaker State motor oil. Enrollment required. Keep your receipts. Other conditions apply. See QuakerState.com/warranty for details.) Volume: 1 quart.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Platinum 10W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Stops Engine Leaks, 5 Quart, 550045274 (Part No.550045274)

Pennzoil Platinum 10W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Stops Engine Leaks, 5 Quart, 550045274

from

$45.99
Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic 10W-30 is designed to maximize engine protection and is formulated to help stop leaks in engines with more than 75,000 miles. Backed by a 15,000-mile protection guarantee to keep you covered between oil changes and for the long run (see Warranty Information below), it is the first of its kind full synthetic high mileage motor oil made with natural gas and designed to deliver less oil burn off than other high mileage oils (based on Sequence IIIH results). Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage motor oil conditions seals on older engines to give added protection to high-mileage vehicles. It offers complete protection mile after thrilling mile as it protects engines from loss of horsepower, offers excellent performance in extreme temperatures, provides unsurpassed wear protection (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30), and provides better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standards). (Pennzoil Platinum Lubrication Limited Warranty: Protection for up to 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Use an oil filter designed for longer oil change intervals and follow OEM manual and vehicles oil life sensor to maintain OEM warranty. Excludes severe driving conditions, including racing and commercial use. Your engine must have fewer than 125,000 miles and have been manufactured in the past 72 months. Enrollment required. Other conditions apply. See pennzoil.com/warranty to enroll and for full details and terms.) Volume: 5 quarts.
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Quaker State – Quaker State Synthetic Blend 5W-20 Motor Oil, Helps Engines Survive Daily Commutes, 5 Quart, 550044965 (Part No.550044965)

Quaker State Synthetic Blend 5W-20 Motor Oil, Helps Engines Survive Daily Commutes, 5 Quart, 550044965

from

$34.99
Quaker State 5W-20 motor oil is a synthetic blend formulation that helps engines survive daily commutes from high-speed highway operation to repetitive, stop-and-go driving. It maintains the required viscosity from start to finish, providing optimal protection. Quaker State Motor Oil combats engine sludge and deposits, providing rust protection from harmful acids generated by engine contaminants. It reduces engine wear, providing durable wear protection. Quaker State 5W-20 Motor Oil meets or exceeds the following OEM requirements: Chrysler MS-6395; Ford WSS M2C945-A, Ford WSS M2C945-B1; GM 6094M. It exceeds the requirements of the following industry specifications: API SP and all previous categories; ILSAC GF-6a and all previous ILSAC standards. For a full list of equipment approvals and recommendations, please consult your local Quaker State Technical Help Desk and always consult your owner’s manual. Volume: 5 quarts.
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FRAM – FRAM Straight-Viscosity 30W Conventional Motor Oil, Reduces Motor Wear, 1 Quart, F530 (Part No.F530)

FRAM Straight-Viscosity 30W Conventional Motor Oil, Reduces Motor Wear, 1 Quart, F530

from

$6.49
FRAM Engine Oil SAE 30 is single grade or straight-viscosity motor oil that meets the stringent API SP, SN Plus / SN, SM, SL & CF specifications. It contains a balanced blend of high VI base stocks and an advanced additive package to deliver superior performance. It is designed to provide thermal and oxidation stability, deposit control, anti-wear protection, corrosion protection and improved pumpability. FRAM Engine Oil SAE 30 may be used in turbo-charged or naturally aspirated foreign and domestic engines recommending straight weight API SP/CF quality oil. This motor oil exceeds the stringent lubricating performance requirements of American, European, Korean, Japanese and other worldwide engine manufacturers where straight weight engine oil is recommended. Volume: 1 quart.
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FRAM – FRAM 20W-50 Conventional Motor Oil, Reliable Motor Protection, 1 Quart, F650 (Part No.F650)

FRAM 20W-50 Conventional Motor Oil, Reliable Motor Protection, 1 Quart, F650

from

$6.49
FRAM Engine Oil SAE 20W-50 utilizes a blend of high-quality conventional base stocks coupled with a robust additive system to provide reliable engine protection across a broad range of operating conditions. Specifically formulated for use in modern gas-direct engines (GDI) and turbo gas-direct engines (TGDI) as well as older carbureted or normally fuel injected gasoline engine designs. FRAM Engine Oil SAE 20W-50 contains additive technology designed to prevent low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) while also providing increased wear protection, oxidation and shear stability over previous oil categories. FRAM Engine Oil SAE 20W-50 meets the requirements for API SP, SN Plus, SN, SM and ILSAC GF-6A, GF-5 and earlier API and ILSAC Service Categories. Volume: 1 quart.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Maximizes Engine Protection, 946 mL, 550036473 (Part No.550036473)

Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Maximizes Engine Protection, 946 mL, 550036473

from

$234.99
Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 is designed to maximize engine protection and is backed by a 15,000-mile protection guarantee(1) to protect your pursuit of every mile. Made with natural gas, it is formulated for complete protection for top engine performance. Pennzoil Platinum offers cleaner pistons (based on Sequence IIIH results; does not apply to SAE 0W-16 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oil), helps protect engines from loss of power, delivers better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standard), provides unsurpassed wear protection (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30), and provides excellent performance in extreme temperatures. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 provides the same engine protection as a 5W-20 and is suitable for use in vehicles currently using SAE 5W-20. ((1) Use an oil filter designed for longer oil change intervals and follow OEM manual and vehicle’s oil life sensor to maintain OEM warranty. Excludes severe driving conditions, including racing and commercial use. Your engine must have fewer than 125,000 miles and have been manufactured in the past 72 months. Enrollment required. Other conditions apply. .) Volume: 6 gallons.
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Pennzoil – Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Extends Engine Life, 5 Quart, 550045202 (Part No.550045202)

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Extends Engine Life, 5 Quart, 550045202

from

$45.99
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 motor oil is our most advanced formulation with unbeatable wear and sludge protection, as well as unbeatable cleanliness. When it comes to torturous driving conditions, trust the unbeatable engine protection of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. It far exceeds the most stringent car manufacturer requirements for cleanliness and protection (based on ILSAC GF-6); it offers outstanding performance in extreme temperatures and better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standard). Pennzoil Ultra Platinum helps extend the life of your engine and protects for up to 20 years or 750,000 miles, whichever comes first, to give you peace of mind to drive every mile as hard as you can, from your daily commute to sand dunes and mountain terrain (Based on Sequence IVA wear test; Sequence IIIH oxidation and deposit test; and the Sequence VH sludge test. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Lubrication Limited Warranty: Up to 20 years or 750,000 miles, whichever comes first, if you exclusively use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic motor oil. Your engine must have fewer than 125,000 miles and have been manufactured in the past 72 months. To maintain your warranty, change your vehicles oil and oil filter at least as often as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Enrollment required. Keep your receipts. Other conditions apply. See pennzoil.com/warranty to enroll and for full details and terms.) Volume: 5 quarts.
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ARGOS – ARGOS 30W Conventional Motor Oil: Reduces Motor Wear, 1 Quart, AR530 (Part No.AR530)

ARGOS 30W Conventional Motor Oil: Reduces Motor Wear, 1 Quart, AR530

from

$8.99
ARGOS Engine Oil SAE 30 is single grade or straight-viscosity motor oil that meets the stringent API SP, SN Plus / SN, SM, SL & CF specifications. It contains a balanced blend of high VI base stocks and an advanced additive package to deliver superior performance. It is designed to provide thermal and oxidation stability, deposit control, anti-wear protection, corrosion protection and improved pumpability. ARGOS Engine Oil SAE 30 may be used in turbo-charged or naturally aspirated foreign and domestic engines recommending straight weight API SP/CF quality oil. This motor oil exceeds the stringent lubricating performance requirements of American, European, Korean, Japanese and other worldwide engine manufacturers where straight weight Engine Oil is recommended. Volume: 1 quart.
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FAQs for 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils

Which Engine Oils are the top sellers for the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon?

Out of 16 Engine Oils that fit 1981 Volkswagen Vanagons, the following parts are the top sellers:

How can I make sure that a part will be compatible with my 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon?

Our Volkswagen Vanagon aftermarket and OEM parts are designed specifically for the 1981 model. You can always find your specific fitment and compatibility for your 1981 Volkswagen on an individual product page.

What is the price range for 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils?

The range of prices of Engine Oils for the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon goes from $3.25 up to $234.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils?

1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils average $38.76 for our selection of OEM and aftermarket parts.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Engine Oils for other Volkswagen Vanagon model years?

Yes, we currently stock Engine Oils for 10 model years of Volkswagen Vanagons, from 1980 to 1991. Model years 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, and 1983 are the most popular for Engine Oils purchases.

Which Engine Oils are highest rated for the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon?

Based on 23,436 customer reviews, our 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils have an average rating of 5. Explore our top-rated Engine Oils here:

Can I get help with 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils orders?

Contact our customer support team, by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Volkswagen Engine Oils and more.

What is your return policy for Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Volkswagen Vanagon Engine Oils and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.