Service time - what oil?

[Captain Jack]

It's that time of the half-year again. Having done 8000 miles since my last service in October, I need to do a minor service on the car - oil and filter changes. Filters I'll get from the stealer as they are genuine parts and relatively cheap. But what oil do I use in my 2.1TD? I know it's 10W40 semi, but does a brand really make a difference? Last time I used Castrol oil, which worked out expensive ish. 4L bottle - £17, 1L bottle - £5-ish. So that will be 22 quid just for oil. My friend says not to skim on the quality of oil - not something I want to do - but is there anything cheaper with the same quality? What do Pug dealers use during the service?

[steve_earwig]

What do Pug dealers use during the service?

Well, if it's anything like the Citroen dealers who serviced my 2nd BX 16 valve, the wrong oil.

Although having a big name on the side of the tin is good for your confidence, it's probably good enough to have anything with the right numbers on the side, I think that's CF or higher now. Personally, I'm a bit suspect of using oils that say they do both diesel and petrol engines, but that might just be me.

[DaiRees]

I bought the Total semi-syn from the stealer last time, I forget how much I paid but it was competitive...

[mbell666]

I just tend to put in what ever 10/40 semi the dealers sells me. its almost every time been x-power (something to do with rover?!?!) stuff, last time i got some it cost about a £10 because its always on a very good special. Its seems to be ok oil but nothing special.

As i change it every 5k and i am doing longer runs (50+ miles) almost all the time i am not too fussy. I think when i move in just over a week and start walking to work i may spend a bit more on good oils as i will be doing a lot more short runs. (but there again i may just buy a v6 coupe in a few months)

[old codger]

I use Caterpillar oil-if it can stand temperatures in excess of 185 degrees for 24 hr running 7days a week in those beasties it will do for me.

plus the price is right

[steve_earwig]

I use Caterpillar oil

Wow, how many caterpillars do you need to squish to get enough oil to fill you engine?

[old codger]

about 5000 but when they metamorph the car flies

[steve_earwig]

nice!

[Welly]

Any reasonable known make semi syn 10W/40 will be fine.

Don't use custard though. I experienced increased noise from the valve train and had to drain it after 3000 miles, I suppose I should have listened but I was pleased with the viscocity of the Devon Custard even at high temperatures.

[Captain Jack]

Er... thanks there, Welton

Anyhow, following advice here, I went to the stealers down the road who sold me a sump seal, fuel filter, oil filter and Total Quartz 7000 5L bottle for £38, with the latter costing £16. Not bad I thought... They are actually cheaper than Halfrauds... amazing.

The stealer told me that Total is the Peugeot recommended oil, but they use Castrol sometimes in their workshop, which is what I have in my engine at the moment

Now, I am hoping it doesn't piss down tomorrow so I can actually do the work.