Oil Changed - Serious questions

[Rattnalle]

We don't maintain our cars they way you guys do, Ratnalle, so the definition of reliable over here is 'I didn't fix or replace anything'

Just like you will find a trashed V70 from someone who changed the oil three times over its life, you will find plenty of trashed Aisan and American cars for sale for parts here.

CR recent APRIL 2018 ranking of reliability/satisfaction puts

Genesis (Hyundai), audi, and bmw on top, FWIW

I don't think the average car owner here cares very much either. A lot of the happy Toyota owners here are sort of the same. "I love my car I've only done the dealers scheduled maintainance for the last ten years - nothing else". Most people actually do device the car when the light comes on though. But at the dealer since we don't have those questionable oil change shops.

I think pretty much all the Asian brands are on top of reliability charts here. The Germans are ok but not more. They've had their share of issues with excessive oil consumption for example. Though their volume engines here are very small and often diesels which I guess they don't sell as many of over there.

[viper69]

...The guy used 76's 5W30 weight synthetic blend oil...

What is 76's?

Phillips 76.

[misha]

Never heard about that brand of oil.
Quality oil is a must in order to keep the engine in good condition.
Castrol,Total,Liqui(Lubro) Moly,Elf,Motul,Mobil...etc.

[Rattnalle]

Never heard about that brand of oil.
Quality oil is a must in order to keep the engine in good condition.
Castrol,Total,Liqui(Lubro) Moly,Elf,Motul,Mobil...etc.

The brand isn't important as long as it's the right kind and spec. It's not cutting edge technology where someone is likely to have much of an advantage we're talking about. It's much better to get a cheap synthetic than an expensive mineral oil.

[viper69]

I've always used Castrol GTX, until yesterday. so busy with work, I forgot to ask what oil he had.

But equally as important is the oil filter.

What are good oil filters, and what makes a good one better than another (I know it cleans better hah). I mean the structure or features of the filter.

[misha]

...The brand isn't important as long as it's the right kind and spec. It's not cutting edge technology where someone is likely to have much of an advantage we're talking about. It's much better to get a cheap synthetic than an expensive mineral oil.

Kinda agree with you...but the fact is that reputable brands have high quality base oils and detergents.
You can't say that one Shell,Total or Castrol...if you want...have the same quality like some 3rd class brand of oil with the same spec on paper or label.

[misha]

...What are good oil filters, and what makes a good one better than another (I know it cleans better hah). I mean the structure or features of the filter.

Mann,Knecht(Mahle),Delphi,Bosch,Hengst,Champion.

[Rattnalle]

...The brand isn't important as long as it's the right kind and spec. It's not cutting edge technology where someone is likely to have much of an advantage we're talking about. It's much better to get a cheap synthetic than an expensive mineral oil.

Kinda agree with you...but the fact is that reputable brands have high quality base oils and detergents.
You can't say that one Shell,Total or Castrol...if you want...have the same quality like some 3rd class brand of oil with the same spec on paper or label.

For these old cars using specs that have been around for 20 years I don't believe any such difference matters. Especially not if the price difference adds up to being able to get a synthetic for the same price as a premium mineral or semi. Most of us don't really drive the cars very hard either. And they all get their base oils from a much smaller number of sources than there are brands.

The market for synthetic oils is different over here since it's more likely to actually be synthetic but I always go for the cheapest 5w40 Acea A3 I can find. There are quite a few that are just above 3€ per litre if I get 20 liters at a time.. The premium brands are double that or more. Not worth it imo.

Om not saying I'm right but it's my conclusion from reading around and personal experience.

[misha]

Age of the car is not important for me.As long as the car and it's engine are in excellent condition i always buy high quality oils and fluids for my cars.
If the engine is in bad condition...than i would use cheapest oil i could get.

[WhatAmIDoing]

You can get Mobil1 full synthetic at walmart for $4 a quart, so I really don't see the need to cheap out on oil. I buy Mann filters, but K&N also makes really good wrench-off oil filters, IMHO.