Oil change

[belfastmark]

Hi All
My car has just pinged that it is service time. I am just going for an oil and air filter change.
In the past I have used 10/40 semi synthetic oil as that was what was reccommended.
My Dad was saying that I should go for a VW spec oil ?
Question is, does this really matter ?
The car is a 2001 1.6s 16v AZD with about 80,000mls on the clock.
Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks.

Marko.

[S66MJETDI]

It may make your car live a little longer..... the correct spec is designed scientifically to take into account your cars engine requirements. Putting a random oil in which matches only the viscosity required is untested by the manufacturer and therefore a unknown quantity. Check ebay for the correct Quantum oil - it's pretty cheap anyway.

[belfastmark]

Thanks for the reply.
Silly question time ! How do I find out my cars VW oil spec ?

[S66MJETDI]

3.5 litres of 5w-30 synthetic to VW spec 504.

[belfastmark]

I have 5 litres of oil I bought a while ago which I was intending to use for the oil change but have since found out that it is a diesel engine spec

VW 505.00Passenger car diesel engine oil specification, minimum performance level CCMC PD-2. Lists viscosities SAE 5W-50, 10W-50/60, 15W-40/50, 20W-40/50 requiring 13% max. evaporation loss and SAE 5W-30/40, 10W-30/40 requiring 15% max. evaporation loss

[S66MJETDI]

Pass - you would need to ask someone a little more knowledgable.... why not check out the sponsors section. Oilman from opie oils has kept me straight for a few years with different marques over a few forums.

[belfastmark]

The garage sold me that about a month ago. I dread to think that I could possibly have used diesel spec oil in a petrol car !!!
Will have a wee look for oilman and see what he says.
Thanks for your help.

Marko.

[S66MJETDI]

You are welcome.

[zollaf]

diesel oil just has more detergents in it and should be fine in a petrol. a lot of oil can be used in either.

[belfastmark]

Hi Zollaf.
Thanks for your input.
In the past, I have settled with what I would consider to be cheap oils like carlube or exol.
Would there be much difference between say carlube v castrol or mobil ?

Marko.

[zollaf]

not really, as long as the spec is the same. a lot of it all comes from the same place anyway.

[belfastmark]

Looks like I will be calling VW tomorrow.
Going to get the oil from them aswell as the oil and air flters.
Thanks everyone.

Marko.

[Guest 2]

this is VAGs own oil - its castrol edge with their own label.

QUANTUM LONGLIFE 3 FULLY SYNTHETIC 5W-30 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QUANTUM-LONGLIFE-3-FULLY-SYNTHETIC-5W-30-/281091478764?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item41725b94ec)

They will probably give you this anyway.