Which Oil? - Advice needed!

[Smythe1981]

Hello all

Just had my car for it's first service at the stealers

It's been changed from longlife service to t&d, probably due to only covering 8500 miles in one year.

Anyway, should i be using the same oil as previous? I have been topping it up with Castrol Edge 5w30

Also according to the print out they filled it up with Shell Helix, even though all stickers on the car recommend Castrol!

any ideas, or should I stick with the same oil as previous, or switch to Shell oil and should i still be using the 5w30 stuff?

Thanks and a happy new year to all!!

[2007GTI]

5w30 is for diesel engines as far as I know, you need castrol edge sport, it has say on the back its rated 504.00 for VW engines.

[AlanD]

I know mine isnt MK5 but I use 5w30 (or is 40 come to think of it) in my MK4 petrol.

[TeddyKGB]

You will want to get them to dump that shell helix crap and get the castrol edge in (long life oil even though you're on T+D now - the best combination)

[Smythe1981]

I hear what your saying and like I said i'd been putting in the Castrol stuff beforehand

but do you really think it makes that much difference, or has it been proven?

Same for V-power over the normal stuff, ran it on V-power for most of the first year, couldnt get it one day when i turned up so put the normal stuff in and I can't tell the difference, possibly only the consumption if i'm being honest, but that doesnt really matter when it's about 8p more a litre than the normal unleaded, so your not making any savings there

I know it's my choice what i put in it, but i'm struggling to see advantages with the 'so-called' better stuff

[Hurdy]

I hear what your saying and like I said i'd been putting in the Castrol stuff beforehand

but do you really think it makes that much difference, or has it been proven?

Same for V-power over the normal stuff, ran it on V-power for most of the first year, couldnt get it one day when i turned up so put the normal stuff in and I can't tell the difference, possibly only the consumption if i'm being honest, but that doesnt really matter when it's about 8p more a litre than the normal unleaded, so your not making any savings there

I know it's my choice what i put in it, but i'm struggling to see advantages with the 'so-called' better stuff

If you are planning on keeping your car for a while, then you need to look after it. The "good stuff" as you call it is designed to a higher specification and means that the engine will keep in better condition for longer. The regular oil is designed more for casual users who wouldn't use most of the performance of the engine anyway. If you are the type of driver who rarely uses the power of the engine, then okay and fair enough, but I suspect that as you chose a sports hatch then you are interested in using the power. As for the V-power, then this too is specified to a higher rating and is specifically for high performance engines like the GTI. Again it contains additives that will ensure that the engine performs to its optimum and also cleans the internal systems as it is used.

If you want to save a few bob on petrol and oil okay, but I believe it is a false economy in the long run for the lifetime of the engine and longer term running costs.

[Smythe1981]

thanks, good advice, think i'm just annoyed by the price of fuel/oil/road tax/insurance etc!!

but suppose thats the price to pay for a quality motor, which i love everytime i drive!

stuck with an engine full of shell oil now though!!!

[speedynz]

Here's a dillema that will test your financial reserves and mechanical integrity.

The oil you should really be using if you want the best for your engine is Castrol Longlife 3 with a rating (on the back of the container) of VW 504/507. This is VW's longlife oil that has a higher HTHS rating (High tempereature, high shear) it costs more to produce, takes longer to refine and will look after your engine infinitely better than than the Helix stuff that your dealer has chosen to use.

You'll need to sit down when they tell you the price (well I did) as you'll think that they are quoting you for a fortnight in the Maldives.

Think of it as the car equivalent of a blood transfusion, you really would like the correct type for the future well being of your engine.

[Smythe1981]

How much are we talking?

[TeddyKGB]

a 4l bottle is about £40 from halfrauds