Engine oil

[norseman]

It annoys me when they sell oil in 4ltr cans. It’s never enough for most cars and a single litre can is about half the price of a 4ltr can. Our A3 is supposed to take 3.6 litres. 4ltrs is never enough though.

Maybe I need a longer dipstick……

My BM takes 6.5L including the filter, fortunately my supplier markets a 7L pack.

You're quite right, the cost of a single litre is way out of proportion to a 5L.

 

[JohnD]

My BM takes 6.5L including the filter, fortunately my supplier markets a 7L pack.

You're quite right, the cost of a single litre is way out of proportion to a 5L.

I've discovered that if you buy two 5 litre bottles, and use 6.5 litres, you have 3.5 litres left over, which you can use next time, or for top ups.

 

[norseman]

I've discovered that if you buy two 5 litre bottles, and use 6.5 litres, you have 3.5 litres left over, which you can use next time, or for top ups.

Next oil change certainly though not top-ups in my case, as despite covering 173k my 27 year old BM doesn't use any oil between annual 5k services.

 

[JohnD]

Next oil change certainly though not top-ups in my case, as despite 173k my old BM doesn't use any oil between annual 5k services.

I keep a one-litre bottle in the boot, out of habit, in each car. Next to the spare washer fluid, wiper blades and bulbs. Seldom needed.

 

[norseman]

I keep a one-litre bottle in the boot, out of habit, in each car. Next to the spare washer fluid, wiper blades and bulbs. Seldom needed.

Engine oil, ready mixed coolant/AF & a compact jump starter pack in my case, plus of course breakdown/recovery membership.

 

[Avocet]

Start with the grade of oil recommended. Typically either an ACEA grade (something like "A3" or "B4" or "A6" or whatever), or the American equivalent, API "SJ" or "CF" or something like that). It should be in your handbook. After that, pick the viscosity (5W30 or whatever). It doesn't really matter whether it's part of fully synthetic, as long as it is of the right grade. Oil selection used to b simple when the only sort you could get, was mineral oil. Now it's very complicated. Much of the complexity has nothing to do with lubrication, by the way, it's to do with what sort of ash the oil forms when it gets burned. Some sorts are better for cats and particulate filters.

Opie Oils aren't the cheapest, but their website is good and they know a great deal about engine oils, so are well worth talking to,:

Opie Oils - Automotive Fluids, Oils, Parts, Tools

The UK's largest independent supplier of automotive oils, fluid and parts. We've products to suit any vehicle, from full blown Race / Track weapons, to Daily Drivers looking to save money. Plus FREE expert advice & recommendations - OPIE KNOW OILS

www.opieoils.co.uk

 

[JohnD]

Start with the grade of oil recommended.

Try as I might, I can't find a supply of the "710" grade my car requires.

710-cap

• JohnD
• 6 Mar 2017

 

[Londoner2]

Over the past 14 years all my cars get a 2 oil changes per year despite doing 7k a per, i just used the cheap mannol 5w30 fully synthetic stuff.

 

[Brigadier]

Over the past 14 years all my cars get a 2 oil changes per year despite doing 7k a per, i just used the cheap mannol 5w30 fully synthetic stuff.

I've seen some YouTube videos where they advise halving the manufacturer's recommended interval (at least for some marques: Audi and VW among them, iirc).

Whether that is good practice or just generating business, I don't know.

 

[Londoner2]

I've seen some YouTube videos where they advise halving the manufacturer's recommended interval (at least for some marques: Audi and VW among them, iirc).

Whether that is good practice or just generating business, I don't know.

It does help prolong engine life, no way will I go 12 to 20k miles without an oil change, VAG cars are know to drink oil and some cars will started to drink once they reach 80k miles.

 

[Avocet]

It does help prolong engine life, no way will I go 12 to 20k miles without an oil change, VAG cars are know to drink oil and some cars will started to drink once they reach 80k miles.

You wouldn't happen to have an estranged twin brother who goes by the name of DIYnutjob, by any chance, would you...?

 

[Mottie]

You wouldn't happen to have an estranged twin brother who goes by the name of DIYnutjob, by any chance, would you...?

He uses special oil that lasts 10 years or more…..

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Over the past 14 years all my cars get a 2 oil changes per year despite doing 7k a per, i just used the cheap mannol 5w30 fully synthetic stuff.

I do it once a year, but only do 4 or 5,000 miles. It's worked for me over the years. All vehicles I've binned have been because of body corrosion - the engines were still running sweet as a nut.

Like the old saying - oil is cheap, engines are expensive.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

It does help prolong engine life, no way will I go 12 to 20k miles without an oil change,

I know oils have come on a lot in recent years, but 20,000 is daft. Especially on a diesel. Makes you wonder if the manus want their products to wear out early. Especially with bonkers wet belts, etc.

 

[norseman]

I know oils have come on a lot in recent years, but 20,000 is daft. Especially on a diesel. Makes you wonder if the manus want their products to wear out early. Especially with bonkers wet belts, etc.

It's all about marketing, kid perspective buyers (that don't know any better) that their new toy has long service intervals