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Garage oil change
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"Do garages evaluate the oil that they drain from your car, when doing an oil change?
How do they know that you've used the right oil type?
Lekki cars dont need oil"
It's about those that have a combustion engine  |
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"Do garages evaluate the oil that they drain from your car, when doing an oil change?
How do they know that you've used the right oil type?
Lekki cars dont need oil
It's about those that have a combustion engine "
Just being sure you're sure |
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"Do garages evaluate the oil that they drain from your car, when doing an oil change?
How do they know that you've used the right oil type?"
That’s very unlikely, unless it’s obviously wrong or contaminated with fuel.
It’s assumed (and we all know about that) the right oil was used before, but as we know from cars with wet belts, lots of places must just use whatever they have that’s cheapest rather than the manufacturer’s specification. |
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By (user no longer on site) 12 weeks ago
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"Do garages evaluate the oil that they drain from your car, when doing an oil change?
How do they know that you've used the right oil type?"
No.
You can buy an oil sample test kit from permawearcheck. Or Finning caterpillar dealer.
You have to trust they have put the correct oil in.
If you think they haven't you'll have to get the oil analysed. |
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A good garage will look it up and use what the manufacturer recommends.
A bad garage will use the same 10w/40 they use for everyone else because that's what they have a barrel of.
Ask them. If you're really fussed, do it yourself - it's not all that hard if you have some time and a level driveway. |
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By (user no longer on site) 12 weeks ago
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They drain the oil straight into an oil drainer mixed with other engine oils from other cars that the drainer was used on. Most garages will use the cheapest brand as long as the weight and viscosity match what the manufacturer recommends |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec."
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them "
Electronic control unit has just come up from a search |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them
Electronic control unit has just come up from a search "
I'm guessing that you mean that would say the wrong oil has been added |
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As a guy that does his own service normally but got the service kit done this time I allways use a medium spec to high spec recommended oil, and top up with same stuff if i can will let it settle in the pan then glove across the bottom to check for metal flakes or contaminates as its a sign of good health if Neither are present |
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Buy a simple car that isn't fussy about what oil it uses (and preferably one that doesn't have a cambelt). Change the oil yourself at intervals relevant to the amount of use the car gets and whether or not you thrash it like an idiot.
That way you will learn a litle bit, save yourself money and not have to rely on somebody whose competence you can't even be sure of. |
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By *lan157Man 12 weeks ago
a village near Haywards Heath in East Sussex |
"Those that change their own oil how do you dispose of it ?
I heard it costs more to dispose of your own oil that it cost to pay a garage for an oil change "
The council run recycling centres ( tips) near me have a large tank for people to pour in their used engine oil. |
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"Those that change their own oil how do you dispose of it ?
I heard it costs more to dispose of your own oil that it cost to pay a garage for an oil change "
Paint the garden shed with it. Just as good as creosote, if not better. Dries reasonably quickly and stays nice and dark looking.
Otherwise, the council tip has a huge tank I can pour it into. |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them
Electronic control unit has just come up from a search
I'm guessing that you mean that would say the wrong oil has been added "
The ECU has a bunch of sensors that it uses to monitor the health of the engine. There isn't a "oil type" sensor but all the sensors (and the engine) are calibrated with the recommended oil type in mind. On some cars that's quite loose ("Just use oil in the area of 10w/40") on others it's quite tight ("Use this specific brand").
How far out of spec was the oil you put in  |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them
Electronic control unit has just come up from a search
I'm guessing that you mean that would say the wrong oil has been added
The ECU has a bunch of sensors that it uses to monitor the health of the engine. There isn't a "oil type" sensor but all the sensors (and the engine) are calibrated with the recommended oil type in mind. On some cars that's quite loose ("Just use oil in the area of 10w/40") on others it's quite tight ("Use this specific brand").
How far out of spec was the oil you put in "
Apparently it's 0-w30 but 5w-30 used |
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"Apparently it's 0-w30 but 5w-30 used"
Right, yeh, a car requiring 0w-30 will struggle with anything thicker - basically on startup the oil won't get where it needs to go fast enough. Once it's warmed up it's the same but if you're mostly driving short trips then it might never get up to temperature.
Additionally, if it requires fully synthetic and you put in semi (or regular) then that's going to be even worse. At the very least, the ECU is going to be reporting weird readings. But you might also be able to hear it, depending on the car.
Go put the right oil in, quick 😅 |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them
Electronic control unit has just come up from a search
I'm guessing that you mean that would say the wrong oil has been added
The ECU has a bunch of sensors that it uses to monitor the health of the engine. There isn't a "oil type" sensor but all the sensors (and the engine) are calibrated with the recommended oil type in mind. On some cars that's quite loose ("Just use oil in the area of 10w/40") on others it's quite tight ("Use this specific brand").
How far out of spec was the oil you put in
Apparently it's 0-w30 but 5w-30 used"
The viscosity is to do with the temperature it operates at, the difference between lubrication of 0W and 5W might be significant at -20C but in the UK it’s not too serious.
Put the right oil in next time and don’t worry about it. |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Thanks. What's ECU? I only drive a car and know next to nothing about them
Electronic control unit has just come up from a search
I'm guessing that you mean that would say the wrong oil has been added
The ECU has a bunch of sensors that it uses to monitor the health of the engine. There isn't a "oil type" sensor but all the sensors (and the engine) are calibrated with the recommended oil type in mind. On some cars that's quite loose ("Just use oil in the area of 10w/40") on others it's quite tight ("Use this specific brand").
How far out of spec was the oil you put in
Apparently it's 0-w30 but 5w-30 used
The viscosity is to do with the temperature it operates at, the difference between lubrication of 0W and 5W might be significant at -20C but in the UK it’s not too serious.
Put the right oil in next time and don’t worry about it."
I've not done a full oil change, just need to top-up. I assume it all mixes up, once in. |
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"Apparently it's 0-w30 but 5w-30 used
Right, yeh, a car requiring 0w-30 will struggle with anything thicker - basically on startup the oil won't get where it needs to go fast enough. Once it's warmed up it's the same but if you're mostly driving short trips then it might never get up to temperature.
Additionally, if it requires fully synthetic and you put in semi (or regular) then that's going to be even worse. At the very least, the ECU is going to be reporting weird readings. But you might also be able to hear it, depending on the car.
Go put the right oil in, quick 😅"
Thanks |
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"My car has a sticker in the engine bay advising what oil to use.
It is also stated in the vehicles handbook or service book."
Thanks. I know the oil type - it's about the question and points raised |
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By (user no longer on site) 12 weeks ago
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec."
Absolute bollox.
I've never ever seen an ECU that can tell what grade of oil is in the sump.
The only way you can tell is buy a sample kit and send it to the lab.
The ECU will at most measure the oil temperature and pressure, |
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Absolute bollox.
I've never ever seen an ECU that can tell what grade of oil is in the sump.
The only way you can tell is buy a sample kit and send it to the lab.
The ECU will at most measure the oil temperature and pressure, "
Okay then genius, so tell me what happens to pressure in a system when viscosity changes.. |
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By (user no longer on site) 12 weeks ago
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"Do garages evaluate the oil that they drain from your car, when doing an oil change?
How do they know that you've used the right oil type?"
No I doubt they do that . Just put the right oil in by a chart hopefully.. if your lucky they'll not overtightennthe drain plug, put new washer on drain plug and a new oil filter if your lucky |
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Wrong oil in a modern engine running a wet timing belt could be disastrous as the oil would cause the belt to prematurely disintegrate! Leading to blocked oil pathways and ultimately knackered engines - the worst of these being the dreaded for Ecoboost 2013 - 2019! Followed by the PSA 1.2 puretech engine.
Basically I mean come on - who would design an engine using a rubber belt that sits internally in a pool of oil? |
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By (user no longer on site) 11 weeks ago
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"I misunderstood the question. How do THEY know YOU used the wrong oil type? You can usually smell it, and the ecu will go nuts anyway on modern cars if it's too far out of spec.
Absolute bollox.
I've never ever seen an ECU that can tell what grade of oil is in the sump.
The only way you can tell is buy a sample kit and send it to the lab.
The ECU will at most measure the oil temperature and pressure,
Okay then genius, so tell me what happens to pressure in a system when viscosity changes.."
Did you read the original question?
Did you read that the ECU measures oil pressure?
I've worked on engines upto 11000hp and had technician level ECU access for Perkins, Cummins and MTU engines.
What's your experience?
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"Those that change their own oil how do you dispose of it ?
I heard it costs more to dispose of your own oil that it cost to pay a garage for an oil change
Paint the garden shed with it. Just as good as creosote, if not better. Dries reasonably quickly and stays nice and dark looking.
Otherwise, the council tip has a huge tank I can pour it into."
Useful to know !
Do you need ramps or just a jack ?
What tools do you need ? Do you also change the filter ? Is that easy to do ? |
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"Wrong oil in a modern engine running a wet timing belt could be disastrous as the oil would cause the belt to prematurely disintegrate! Leading to blocked oil pathways and ultimately knackered engines - the worst of these being the dreaded for Ecoboost 2013 - 2019! Followed by the PSA 1.2 puretech engine.
Basically I mean come on - who would design an engine using a rubber belt that sits internally in a pool of oil?"
The Ford Ecoboost wet belt design is arguably the WORST design in automotive history.
Doesn't matter what engine oil you use in those, they'll fail regardless  |
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By *m3232Man 11 weeks ago
maidenhead |
"Do garages evaluate the oil that they drain from your car, when doing an oil change?
How do they know that you've used the right oil type?"
You can send the oil away to be tested and get the results back. Very interesting results and can tell you an engine problem is on its way.
Last test I sent away was £70. |
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"Apparently it's 0-w30 but 5w-30 used
Right, yeh, a car requiring 0w-30 will struggle with anything thicker - basically on startup the oil won't get where it needs to go fast enough. Once it's warmed up it's the same but if you're mostly driving short trips then it might never get up to temperature.
Additionally, if it requires fully synthetic and you put in semi (or regular) then that's going to be even worse. At the very least, the ECU is going to be reporting weird readings. But you might also be able to hear it, depending on the car.
Go put the right oil in, quick 😅"
I thought it was te other way round. 5 is hot viscosity and 30 cold. Doesn’t oil get less viscous when hot? If this is true, then the cold oil would be both the same. I believe that the thinner oils are used to reduce drag, making the engine more efficient. |
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"I thought it was te other way round. 5 is hot viscosity and 30 cold. Doesn’t oil get less viscous when hot? If this is true, then the cold oil would be both the same. I believe that the thinner oils are used to reduce drag, making the engine more efficient. "
Your logic is right but oil grades are fucking weird. The numbers are all based on old motor oils which would just have one number - SAE 30 or some such - but additives now allow oils to behave like different oils at different temperatures. So, 5w30 means it behaves like an SAE 5 (thinner oil) when cold and like an SAE 30 (thicker oil) when hot. It doesn't actually thicken, it just thins less, if that makes sense?
So the oil is the right spec when it's hot but not when it's cold, basically. |
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Ultimately how much 5w out is going to affect the car is going to be down to the car though, but back in the day you could almost throw vegetable oil in one and it'll keep moving - whereas nowadays the tolerances are much tighter and cars are cost-cut to within a cough of their warranty period. |
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"I thought it was te other way round. 5 is hot viscosity and 30 cold. Doesn’t oil get less viscous when hot? If this is true, then the cold oil would be both the same. I believe that the thinner oils are used to reduce drag, making the engine more efficient.
Your logic is right but oil grades are fucking weird. The numbers are all based on old motor oils which would just have one number - SAE 30 or some such - but additives now allow oils to behave like different oils at different temperatures. So, 5w30 means it behaves like an SAE 5 (thinner oil) when cold and like an SAE 30 (thicker oil) when hot. It doesn't actually thicken, it just thins less, if that makes sense?
So the oil is the right spec when it's hot but not when it's cold, basically."
and am i right in thinking people use thicker oils as cars age and and a thicker oil in warmer/colder environments |
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"I thought it was te other way round. 5 is hot viscosity and 30 cold. Doesn’t oil get less viscous when hot? If this is true, then the cold oil would be both the same. I believe that the thinner oils are used to reduce drag, making the engine more efficient.
Your logic is right but oil grades are fucking weird. The numbers are all based on old motor oils which would just have one number - SAE 30 or some such - but additives now allow oils to behave like different oils at different temperatures. So, 5w30 means it behaves like an SAE 5 (thinner oil) when cold and like an SAE 30 (thicker oil) when hot. It doesn't actually thicken, it just thins less, if that makes sense?
So the oil is the right spec when it's hot but not when it's cold, basically.and am i right in thinking people use thicker oils as cars age and and a thicker oil in warmer/colder environments "
It used to be true when engines were much simpler and wore out more - the oil pressure would drop and putting thicker (higher number) oil in would help it live a bit longer.
Nowadays as engines last much longer and oil control is more complex, just stick with what the manufacturer recommends. |
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"I thought it was te other way round. 5 is hot viscosity and 30 cold. Doesn’t oil get less viscous when hot? If this is true, then the cold oil would be both the same. I believe that the thinner oils are used to reduce drag, making the engine more efficient.
Your logic is right but oil grades are fucking weird. The numbers are all based on old motor oils which would just have one number - SAE 30 or some such - but additives now allow oils to behave like different oils at different temperatures. So, 5w30 means it behaves like an SAE 5 (thinner oil) when cold and like an SAE 30 (thicker oil) when hot. It doesn't actually thicken, it just thins less, if that makes sense?
So the oil is the right spec when it's hot but not when it's cold, basically.and am i right in thinking people use thicker oils as cars age and and a thicker oil in warmer/colder environments
It used to be true when engines were much simpler and wore out more - the oil pressure would drop and putting thicker (higher number) oil in would help it live a bit longer.
Nowadays as engines last much longer and oil control is more complex, just stick with what the manufacturer recommends."
It's a pity that many shops just sell 1 or 2 types now |
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We had an old Triumph Herald and the big ends and mains were shot, we used to put EP90 in it , it stopped the knocking and gave it a bit of oil pressure, those were the days, can’t see one of your modern engines standing too much of that. |
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"Those that change their own oil how do you dispose of it ?
I heard it costs more to dispose of your own oil that it cost to pay a garage for an oil change
Paint the garden shed with it. Just as good as creosote, if not better. Dries reasonably quickly and stays nice and dark looking.
Otherwise, the council tip has a huge tank I can pour it into.
Useful to know !
Do you need ramps or just a jack ?
What tools do you need ? Do you also change the filter ? Is that easy to do ? "
Sometimes I don't neet any tools as I use a pump to do oil changes. The oil needs to be warm and the car preferably level. Luckily, in my area you are allowed to park partly on the footway which helps with levelling and also with draining if doing a full clear out.
Filters don't cost much and on every car I've had are easy to get at. That could be different on craped new designs. A rubber glove usaullygives enough grip to start unscrewing the filter.If not you can buy a mtal and fabric combination wrench to get it started. Years ago filters were cleanable but now are universally throw away.
Remember if changing the filter to add extra oil to replace the content of the filter.
One advantage of the pump method is that if you use old containers you can measure accurately the amount needing replacement. Most containers have a visible side strip showing the level..
What you will almost certainly need is a decent sized plastic funnel capable of standing upright in the filler hole without tying up one of your hands. The can of new oil will never pour easily otherwise and you will make a big mess.
Do it yourself and you will know how properly the job was done and what oil was used, as well as saving a lot of money whilst simultaneously learning about your car and doing some other checks as part of the operation. Good luck. It should be easy, so long as the car wasn't designed to make the job difficult.
Regarding jacks, only the sort of mug who gets sold a modern car which comes without any tools wouldn't own at least one decent jack and a decent wheelbrace anyway! |
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