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Motors Can someone explain engine oil to me

Discussion in 'General' started by CrapBag, 4 Sep 2016.

  1. CrapBag

    CrapBag Multimodder

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    I have been using fully synthetic 5w 30 oil in my old Vectra (126000 miles) and the other week I noticed that Tesco had a sale on motor oil and I need to do an oil change soon.

    They had various oils including one stating it was for Vauxhalls but I plumped for the high mileage one I found as my car does indeed have high mileage and it was a few quid cheaper. It's the same 5w 30 but its a C3 variant where as my manual states I should use A3 or B3.

    I have also read on the net that these high mileage oils can contain additives to help seal leaky seals (I don't have any that I'm aware of but my car does use a small amount of oil) but this same additive can damage the seals too.

    So is this oil appropriate for my car or should I take it back and buy the Vauxhall specific stuff.
     
    CrapBag, 4 Sep 2016
    #1
  2. David

    David μoʍ ɼouმ qᴉq λon ƨbԍuq ϝʁλᴉuმ ϝo ʁԍɑq ϝμᴉƨ

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    I honestly couldn't say how much better the branded stuff is (if at all) compared to generic oil sold by the likes of Tesco but, given how infrequently we change oil, I'd rather spend a little extra on the branded stuff.
     
    David, 4 Sep 2016
    #2
  3. fix-the-spade

    fix-the-spade Multimodder

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    In an ideal world you should match the oil spec in the manual to the oil spec you buy.

    The spec is more important than the brand, ACEA C3 is ACEA C3 whoever's name is on the bottle, it's an industry standard and oils that don't match can't put it on the bottle.

    A and B spec oils are for what we would consider 'normal' petrol and diesel engines. C is for Diesels with exhaust after treatment systems.

    In practice putting ACEA C spec oil in your car is unlikely to do serious harm, but it is not the ideal formula as specified by Vauxhall. I'd probably take it back and get exactly the right stuff, the cost difference won't be huge.
     
    fix-the-spade, 4 Sep 2016
    #3
  4. Mr_Mistoffelees

    Mr_Mistoffelees The Bit-Tech Cat. New Improved Version.

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    Mr_Mistoffelees, 4 Sep 2016
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  5. kingred

    kingred Surfacing sucks!

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    Remember to always purchase it with a length of hose, some sweets and a teddybear.
     
    kingred, 4 Sep 2016
    #5
  6. Guest-16

    Guest-16 Guest

    :lol: :hehe:
     
    Guest-16, 5 Sep 2016
    #6
  7. DXR_13KE

    DXR_13KE BananaModder

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    It is slippery.
     
    DXR_13KE, 5 Sep 2016
    #7
  8. legoman

    legoman breaker of things

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    I always found it really oily.

    With my old Vauxhall I ended up putting a heavier oil in as the seals were worn, moved from 5W30 to 10W30. The day it went the stem seals were so bad I ended up carving some 20W50 an dropping that in, engine laboured a bit to say the least :D
     
    legoman, 6 Sep 2016
    #8
  9. DXR_13KE

    DXR_13KE BananaModder

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    Don't put it in your salad. It will not mix well with water.
     
    DXR_13KE, 6 Sep 2016
    #9

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