What oil to use?

Grimspoon

Grimspoon

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I am curious what oil one should use? I drive an A4, and if I ever need oil I let the garage attendant top it up with whatever they use, I never query what type of oil they use, but I assume it is decent?

I heard from someone that owns a Merc that Merc said you should only put in their special oil that they use, whatever that may be. Is this hogwash?

Is the garage oil ok, or should I buy a 5l of something better and do it myself?
 
Your car should come with a little instruction book, this info will be in there... they usually give you a range of oils to choose from depending on your operating temperatures.
 
Specific engines are designed to work with lubricants of specific viscosity. Check your car's documentation for what viscosity you should be using (it'll be something like 5w-30 or 5w-40) and ensure you ONLY use that. Using incorrect oil is guaranteed to cost you big at some point down the line.
 
I always get offered to have my oil done by the attendants, I always refuse. I assume they would use absolute crap or not know what they are doing.
 
Hmmm ok, will check my book. Didn't actually think of that. I have only put in oil twice so hopefully no big deal.
 
I have ProLong in my engine and I never put in oil. If Verimark can drive a Viper without oil in 38-degree heat, I can most certainly drive my Civic without it in 29 degree heat. I even cut off the oil light and buzzer wires. I'm a man!
 
Stay away from the cheapo oils. From experience I know GTX tends to sludge up.
 
Audi/VW put bog standard Castrol GTX (Petrol 20W50, Diesel 15W40) in their cars and Castrol EDGE in high performance variants.
 
Grimspoon said:
I heard from someone that owns a Merc that Merc said you should only put in their special oil that they use, whatever that may be. Is this hogwash?
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Not necessarily the specific oil, but like Audi / VW they have specific standards that the oil should conform to. If you don't use oil that has been approved (e.g. VW 505.01 for the 1.9 TDI) expect accelerated engine wear.

Grimspoon said:
Looking through my book now. A mate with a A3 says he puts in Castrol Long life 3. He says you can get it from the stealers. Would rather try get it elsewhere.
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That's definitely approved and a very good oil, but expensive.
 
Grimspoon said:
if I ever need oil I let the garage attendant top it up with whatever they use,
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NEVER, EVER let petrol attendants top up your engine oil! #epicfail


Look at your car's manual and find the correct oil spec. Then go to Midas/Autozone and get some of that and check the oil level at home when the engine is cold!

If your car is still being service at the stealer, get the same oil. Else switch to a decent full-synth like Mobil 1 or Shell Helix.
 
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Naks said:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! #epicfail

NEVER, EVER let petrol attendants top up your engine oil!


Look at your car's manual and find the correct oil spec. Then go to Midas/Autozone and get some of that and check the oil level at home when the engine is cold!
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Yes I know I know, but I was on my way to client and had no real choice. :rolleyes: :p

Anyway, I will go grab some from Autozone / Midas. Thanks.
 
InternetSwag said:
I always get offered to have my oil done by the attendants, I always refuse. I assume they would use absolute crap or not know what they are doing.
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You do realise you can specify which oil you want to buy? They do actually sell different grades and possibly brands.

Another good option would be to buy a 5l container of oil (your brand/spec), change your own oil and then use the leftover oil for top ups if your car uses oil. My car does not get topups of oil or water during services as the level never drops.
 
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ponder said:
You do realise you can specify which oil you want to buy? They do actually sell different grades and possibly brands.

Another good option would be to buy a 5l container of oil (your brand/spec), change your own oil and then use the leftover oil for top ups if your car uses oil. My car does not get topups of oil or water during services as the level never drops.
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This is true. I did tell the guy to use the best oil they had. This much I managed to get right :p
 
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