Hi all - came across some pretty good deals in the latest Repco catalogue.
Repco 12V Heavy Duty 150 PSI Air Compressor - $99 EA Save $124
Repco Jockey Wheels - FROM $49.99 EA Save Up To $59
Pro-Lift 2000kg Garage Jack - $129 EA Save $120 Lifting range: 135mm – 495mm. Release valve built into handle. Heavy duty steel construction. (G-2000)
Spec is standard fare for many modern cars. Personally I'd buy 2 x 5l @ $42.99
Yep good for improving fuel efficiency figures, not so good for engine longevity, not that I can prove that except that 30W isn't recommended for >30°C - (http://www.elf.com/en/advice-corner/engine-oil-faq/oil-visco…)
Far too simplistic. Oil technology is far more complex than reading an SAE chart. There is no evidence but in theory the bottom winter figure MAY be more important if you're really concerned about the effects of viscosity on engine wear. 30 synthetic is more than adequate for normal operating in Australia.
Car engines have a thermostat, they run at the same temperature summer and winter…..
@Ferkin Tight: amazing discovery Ferkin. Does that mean that the oil in an idle engine is the same temperature/viscosity in winter and summer? In the tropics maybe. Ever wondered why multigrade oils were invented? When last I looked thermostats only regulated the flow of coolant around an engine but maybe they've achieved some new pre-warming status I'm not aware of.
@hoxygt: Which particular bit are you having trouble with? The fact that lower viscosity oil may be better for your car's engine at cold startup? That 30 syn is more than adequate for normal driving in this country? The former is a fundamental of engine/oil performance and you can find tens of thousands of references if you're actually interested. Alternatively put some hypoid gear oil in your engine block at you next oil change. The latter is corroborated by both car and oil manufacturers. But don't take my word for it, do your own research.
The bit about 30W being adequate during Australian summers, some that I've read;
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/518/motor-oils
http://bobistheoilguy.com/putting-the-simple-back-into-visco…
@hoxygt: what does your vehicle spec say? What does the oil manufacturer say about a particular spec oil's suitability?
Taxis driven 20+ hours a day or vehicles driven for long periods in very high ambient temps might warrant a slightly thicker oil than specified. Other than that you should rely on the research and knowledge of both the vehicle and oil manufacturer as to suitability and let the coolant system and the car's ems to do their jobs in maintaining a stable engine temperature.
@Possumbly: Coolant temp and stability is not directly proportional to oil temp. Likewise coolant temp isn't the same throughout the year or even throughout a drive.
I agree you should follow manufacturers spec's but are they more interested in getting you 200,000km+ from your engine or getting more sales by reducing the fuel consumption figures while still getting decent engine life?
@hoxygt: mad scientist ahoy. Time you got back to basics. Coolant, as the name suggests, works to keep your motor within acceptable operational temperature ranges. Coolant itself is cooled by air over the radiator before it gets recirculated around the motor. Your ems should in theory shut the engine down or at least send a warning if operating temp is exceeded. Oil helps to reduce friction, hence wear.
Engine and oil manufacturers have plenty of leeway wrt to usage for any spec - generally speaking. If you believe (and that's the operative word) that a particular oil spec will "save" your motor put whatever makes you feel better in the sump. Alternatively accept the fact that manufacturers and oil companies have far greater expertise than you'll ever have and use the recommended spec.
I doubt you'll see ANY wear difference using a mineral or synthetic oil, or for that matter a 0W30 or 5W40 spec in lieu of, say, a recommended 5W30. "Smart" driving and servicing will preserve any motor better than a slight change in oil spec - under normal driving conditions. But hey, knock yourself out and do whatever makes you feel more secure.
Thanks for the how a engine works 101, what I was really hoping for was some evidence and some real expertise rather than your opinion and trust on face value.
You trust vehicle manufacturers cause we know they never lie, ill keep trusting viscosity ratings based on operating temps and co tinue enjoying my 370,000km engine that uses no oil.
@hoxygt: no problems. You were obviously struggling with the basics of cooling so happy to help out. Your paranoia is noted. I can believe there's a conspiracy among car manufacturers to mislead their customers (after all engines failing early is always likely to improve sales) but for both oil companies and vehicle makers to get it so wrong is just a tad fantastic.
Congrats on the great mileage. Knew a bloke once who drove a his 1.6l without any care. Did have the oil changed once - at 100,000. Black as the ace of spades according to his mechanic but the engine was sweet as. Went for years more despite his neglect. Amazing what dirty old mineral oil can do for a motor eh?
Edge 5W-30 5L is even cheaper at $42.99, so it adds up to $83 for 10L. You can only buy 3 per customer, though.
Buy 3 then go out put on your disguise and buy another 3 .. :-)
$43 x 2 = $86
But otherwise you're right, it's cheaper to buy two 5L bottles rather than one 10L bottle.
I still have some bottles from this sale
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/163258
Very good price then.
gonna wanna use it. engine oils have a shelf life, I believe around 3-5 years.
Garage jacks are fantastic, but they should always be used in conjunction with jack stands if you are going to work under a car. The hydraulic mechanisms are not something to trust you healthy and safety to, especially if other people might be around and could accidentally trigger the release valve.
Agree !! Never get under a car on any jack without stands.
Hi Domingo,
I am planning to change the oil and oil filter on my 2005 Civic, so do you recommend something like the Stanfred 3000kg Ratcheting Screw Axle Stands in the repco catalogue?
Cheers
GTX 15W-40? How's it compare to GTX 1080?
The GTX 1540 is somewhere in 2021 and is low tier, on par with the outdated GTX 1080.
Castrol GTX Modern Engine 15W-40 $16.99
Great price for a fairly typical multigrade mineral oil. I use it in one of my older cars. Personally I wouldn't use it in a new engine but its great for my shitbox.
Edge (5W-30) 10L for $99 is pretty cheap. Bit thin for my liking for summer though.