Oil Loyalty

[BudgetPhoenix]

I did the LM from FCP euro but now that I live on the other side of the country, shipping back old stuff makes it not quite the deal it used to be.

So I usually now wait until Advance Auto has a M1 oil change special and get an extra quart for like $40 all in with filter.

Typically I go with the 0w40 FS, if I remember to send it out for testing this time, I’ll finally be able to tell if it’s good or not.

The last oil sample I sent off in this engine was likely whatever the dealer uses, but wear metals were shockingly low. Might have to stock up on the VAG oils if that’s the case lmao.

I find you can fit everything for an oil change in a med flate rate usps box for ~$14 for shipping back to FCP

 

[jay745]

Returning used oil feels so scummy I can't bring myself to do it ?

 

[scrllock]

I did it once and it was a fucking mess. UPS and Fedex really don't want to ship any used automotive fluids, so had to pray nothing got loose and leaked.

Shipping back coolant was fun since it's obviously mixed with water, so put whatever in the bottle as long as it's still vaguely pink, not like they're gonna test it.

 

[CasperGTI_17]

Genuine question. How van you tell you have much better results?

No oil usage and ran smoother.

 

[Oreorz]

Liquid Moly 5w40

 

[tigeo]

Currently on Sportwagen (and W8) it's High Performance Lubricants (HPL) Euro 5W40 for the last few years PAO/ester base with Star viscosity index improvers (VIIs). Have used lots of different oils in this car...M1 0W/5W40. Liquimoly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W40 and Molygen 5W40. Quaker State Euro 5W40 (Shell Helix). I have lots of used oil analysis data.

 

[vjmvjm]

Constantly swapping between brand(s), every change for whatever brand X is on sale that day ...CAN.... cause an increase wear depending if they have competing additive package chemistry, but most won't keep a car long enough for that increase amount in wear to be an issue.

"CAN"? CAN you document that? And not just anecdotal evidence.

Unless you buy a pallet of oil when you do your first oil change, you're not using the same oil even if the brand name and model is the same. Oil companies change their base oil sources, additives, and specifications regularly.

 

[Parabola]

I’ve used Castrol, Mobil and Liqui Moly so far. As long as oils are correct weight and conform to VW spec, it’s all the same to me.
Same with gas, as long as it’s labeled as top tier and correct octane, who cares where it’s pumped.

 

[scrllock]

I’ve used Castrol, Mobil and Liqui Moly so far. As long as oils are correct weight and conform to VW spec, it’s all the same to me.
Same with gas, as long as it’s labeled as top tier and correct octane, who cares where it’s pumped.

The downside of the spec stuff is how it's regulated, fuel economy and catalytic converter life handicaps oils, in addition to price targets. Loyalty means a bit more when you're relying on the brand's recommendation vs. the spec, as with the boutique stuff (redline, driven, motul 300v, amsoil signature series, HPL, etc.).

For gas it's very regional, I know that Shell will consistently take more ignition timing without noise than any of the other top tier stations around me. Doesn't matter as much for stock cars since everything is tuned for 91 and we've got 93, but on a tuned car I try to stick to the good stuff.

 

[uberdot]

I won't even pretend here, I'm not going to do that. TDI with 11yr/165k warranty. I'll hit 11 years before 165k. At which point I'll get phase two of the recall done which gives me another 5yr/60k.

I probably put 45K on it in the first 3 years and have only done another 16K in the last 4 after moving much closer to work. The 60k service is due and scheduled. I have VW care through 100k.

TDI is a different animal compared to TSI

 

[parapraxis24]

Returning used oil feels so scummy I can't bring myself to do it ?

I've done it when I was using the RBF600 brake fluid. At $20 per 1/2 L, you bet your tiddies I'm taking advantage of that when that fluid needs to be changed yearly.

 

[Cuzoe]

TDI is a different animal compared to TSI

Same animal to me. Loyal to whatever the dealer is putting in ?.

 

[jay745]

I've done it when I was using the RBF600 brake fluid. At $20 per 1/2 L, you bet your tiddies I'm taking advantage of that when that fluid needs to be changed yearly.

And I use Castrol srf at $65/bottle ?

Still don't return used fluids cause its scummy

 

[scrllock]

And I use Castrol srf at $65/bottle ?

Still don't return used fluids cause its scummy

yeah but what if they like it

 

[parapraxis24]

And I use Castrol srf at $65/bottle ?

Still don't return used fluids cause its scummy

Is it? Their warranty doesn’t exclude it and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them promote it on their social media pages.