Engine oil

[apcbbb]

I’m confused by the A5/B5 or C3 etc ratings for the oil needed in my 2007 SC430. I understand the oil should be fully synthetic 5w-30 but does the rest really matter?  Advice please 

[scudney]

Apparently it does,but don't ask me why lol, for whatever reason these days there seems to be specific oil ratings for specific cars/engines,unlike in the past when any 5/30 would do as long as it was fully synthetic. 🤔

[Bob King]

Trouble with engine oil specifications it changes as the oil blending gets better over the years , or a code of spec has now been superseded.

 Both my previous sc430’s I used Shell Helix oil. 

Type your Reg number in to get the oil recommendation…

 

https://www.shell.co.uk/motorist/engine-oils.html

[Bob King]

with this graph the SC when built, would be using an API SL spec oil but the spec has moved on is SN .

[Ken Timbers]

Hi Bob,

Given that it's a specialist oil, is there a problem when topping up—i.e. does it have to be exactly the same type of oil? It's obviously a bit of a difficult question for the new owner who may not know which type was used when last filled.

[Las Palmas]

I have been told that if  need to top up (and was at same time told that would not happen if having service when needed) I should use Shell Helix Ultra SN Plus 0W20.

[Bob King]

31 minutes ago, Ken Timbers said:

Hi Bob,

Given that it's a specialist oil, is there a problem when topping up—i.e. does it have to be exactly the same type of oil? It's obviously a bit of a difficult question for the new owner who may not know which type was used when last filled.

The oil in a Lexus SC430 is a common for that age of the vehicle , both my 2005 RAV4 petrol and 2006 Aygo petrol use the same 5w/30 grade…..I choose fully synthetic, but it’s not necessary.

     As to topping up…me personally I would buy the same oil but if I was in desperate need, any that’s the same grade I’d be happy .

     

[Lexiguy]

I have always been a big fan of Shell Helix Oil.

That was probably, initially misguided as it was based upon the fact that when Shell Helix Oil was first introduced I worked in the motor industry and was sent a plethora of free, really good merchandising gifts!

Now that was one way to curry lasting favour considering that was back in the 1990's! 

Anthony

[Bob King]

8 minutes ago, Lexiguy said:

I have always been a big fan of Shell Helix Oil.

That was probably, initially misguided as it was based upon the fact that when Shell Helix Oil was first introduced I worked in the motor industry and was sent a plethora of free, really good merchandising gifts!

Now that was one way to curry lasting favour considering that was back in the 1990's! 

Anthony

Back in my motor trade days I was told to add.."the good, the bad and the ugly" in engine oils 🙄

Back then (80’s) I would add Castrol to my own vehicles, in more recent years I’ve converted to Shell Helix oil, great product and good price 👍🏻

[Lexiguy]

12 minutes ago, Bob King said:

Back in my motor trade days I was told to add.."the good, the bad and the ugly" in engine oils 🙄

Back then (80’s) I would add Castrol to my own vehicles, in more recent years I’ve converted to Shell Helix oil, great product and good price 👍🏻

Blimey Bob you are taking some of us older guys on a memory lane trip of our early oil memories!

[Bob King]

29 minutes ago, Lexiguy said:

Blimey Bob you are taking some of us older guys on a memory lane trip of our early oil memories!

Simple times….every car had 20w/50 end of story 👍🏻

Todays oil is a nightmare, ever other manufacturer having an oil made just for its vehicles , semi or fully synthetic, low ash, long life…the list goes on 🙄

[Lexiguy]

Definitely not a case of one size fits all then, but if apple and android can be finally be made to agree on a universal phone charging plug socket there is a chance that commonsense will prevail and more engine lubricant uniformity will ensue!! 🤞

 

[Malc1]

3 minutes ago, Lexiguy said:

and more engine lubricant uformaty will ensue!! 

it used to be Duckhams 20/50  .  universally accepted and used whatever the car and climate in the UK 

Now I'm told, for some years,  it's best to use a semi-synthetic oil in my Ls400 .  due to engine wear and whatever else pertains .  no mention of any specific make tho'

Guess it's simply best to follow whatever the manual tells you these days ................ .  all I do know it's got to be at a silly expensive price for sure

Malc