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Engine Oil - Help Please

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Deskdiary | 12:32 Sat 04th Nov 2017 | Motoring
35 Answers
I know nothing about mechanics so this question is probably stupid......

My car takes 5W/30 engine oil.

I've just been to Halfords and the own brand 5W/30 for my make of car is almost double the price of their 5W/30 for a Ford - therefore, tight sod that I am, I've bought the Ford oil.

My question is, as both are 5W/30, does it really makes any difference?

Thanks
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Years back a lot of motor mechanics said Duckhams oil was the best. The reason given was that Duckhams only made oil not fuel, additives or cars , so they had no outside interest , just producing the best oil .
Always seemed a good argument to me.
Not all 5W/30 fully synthetic motor oils are the same - there is more to consider than just the viscosity.

For example:
Halfords 5W/30 Fully Synthetic BMW/MB Oil meets ACEA specifications A3/B4 and C3 (where C3 is intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with Diesel Particulate Filter) [5L @ £39]

Halfords 5W/30 Fully Synthetic Ford Oil meets ACEA specification A5/B5 and is not formulated to increase DPF and catalytic converter life. [5L @ £29]

http://vexxol.com/en/how-to-read-the-names/acea-specifications.html
ABerrant....there is more to this than meets the eye, thats for sure !
If it’s still under warranty best to use. MB approved as written on back of can. Your manual should give makes. Otherwise any good 5/30
Make sure you change the oil filter as well. No point putting nice clean oil if the filer is dirty or clogged up.
malagabob , If it's under warranty changing the oil yourself is likely to void it. Use to be done by a registered dealer /repair shop.
One of the reasons for asking the age of the car.....still no response...
^ Yes I was wondering that. If it's 5 or more years old the brand of oil doesn't make any difference.
Oils ain't oils.

ABerrant is correct.

The wrong oil will decrease the life of a DPF quickly.

These are expensive to replace.
TTT But he need full synthetic
maybe, not much "needs" fully synthetic. Still don't know what the car is do we?
3ltr diesel merc! you put any old *** in that!
Eddie51. True, but if you use a vacuum extractor via the dipstick entry like I do nobody knows the difference.
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