DIY Car Service - What Size Oil Jugs Do You Usually Buy ?

notJV on 05/09/2024 - 14:36
Last edited 05/09/2024 - 15:12 by 1 other user

Hi, I usually service my cars in my garage myself around 8-10k kms.

Both of our cars are fairly recent requiring Fully Synthetic 5w30. I generally buy oil jugs on special, paying attention to meeting manufacturer requirements. My oil of choice usually is Castrol 5w-30 LL and Castrol 5w-30 A3/A4. Similar oils, but one is approved for VW, and other is approved for BMW.

So I am wondering, if there is an oil which can be used in both cars. If I can use same oil for both motors, I would love to buy a larger jug like 10L or 20L. But no idea, how practical it will be to pour oil out of a larger jug. I currently buy 5L jugs when they are on special.

Thanks.

Automotive Engine Oil

Comments

  • Dollar General on 05/09/2024 - 14:36
    +7

    Oils ain’t oils

    • jv on 05/09/2024 - 14:57
      -2

      What are they then?

      • Dollar General on 05/09/2024 - 15:01
        +11

        Extra virgin oil use the really ugly olives that have no chance

        • Kiro on 07/09/2024 - 15:02

          Every olive needs to be stuffed.

      • darshu on 05/09/2024 - 15:01

        liquid gold.

    • djones145 on 05/09/2024 - 16:30
      +3

      Valvoline, you know what i mean

      • Chris Topher on 06/09/2024 - 12:10
        +3

        Vasoline, if you know what I mean…

    • HeWhoKnows on 06/09/2024 - 13:35
      -1

      But if they were engine oils you’d get 5 or 6 litres

  • battler on 05/09/2024 - 14:55

    But no idea, how practical it will be to pour oil out of a larger jug

    Pour 10L into old 5L jug.

    • pjetson on 05/09/2024 - 16:17
      +21

      Pour 10L into old 5L jug

      Maybe don't pour all of the 10 litres of oil into the 5L container.

      • altomic on 05/09/2024 - 16:56
        +4

        The math checks out

  • jv on 05/09/2024 - 14:57
    +17

    What Size Oil Jugs Do You Usually Buy ?

    I prefer huge jugs…

    • theHMASfriendship on 05/09/2024 - 15:02
      +1

      How much do you usually pay for them??

      • jv on 05/09/2024 - 15:04
        +3

        Try the Entertainment Book.

    • Murkymerv on 05/09/2024 - 16:02
      +5

      JV , "you've done it again".

    • beach bum on 07/09/2024 - 04:11

      Small jugs also good ,
      and easier to lug around .

  • All Blacks NZ on 05/09/2024 - 15:05
    +4

    In my Euro cars I usually run Penrite. Penrite is usually best priced in 5L bottles especially when they are on special.

    It also depends on how much oil you need. I need 6.5L in my car so its always expensive to get a 5L and then 2 X 1L bottles. I don't buy 10L as I don't want the big bottle sitting for a year in the garage.

    In regards to oil, I used to use Castrol as I owned a Bridgestone and used to buy Castrol in bulk. I found out from personal experience that Audis and BMWs actually burn Castrol engine oil more than other brands (My Audi recommends Castrol as per the oil cap). I always had to top up 500ml every 2-3000 kms. I stopped having that problem with Liqui Moly and Penrite. YMMV.

    • notJV on 05/09/2024 - 15:51

      Would you recommend Penrite HPR 0 0W-30 for BMW B58 engine ?

    • knasty on 06/09/2024 - 15:06

      There is a lot of room for variation within a particular oil weight. When you look at the typical characteristics on the bottle Castrol tends to be at the lower end of the viscosity range and Penrith at the upper end for standard weights such as 5W30 or 5W40. Hence why you would burn more Castrol as they tend to be 'thinner' in general.

  • EFC94 on 05/09/2024 - 15:12
    +2

    I always just get the 5L bottle, my car uses I think 4.5 or 4.7L. Empty the old stuff into the oil pan, fill the new oil, old oil goes into the bottle the new stuff came out of and then taken back to wherever for recycling.

    Top tip, never use milk bottles for the old oil, they can break far too easily and leave a mess in the return tubs at auto stores. If you don't wanna clean the mess yourself it's not really fair on the minimum wage worker to clean it either.

  • sumyungguy on 05/09/2024 - 15:21
    +3

    Castrol 5w-30 LL is the higher spec

  • oscargamer on 05/09/2024 - 15:56
    +1

    If you told us the full specs of the oils your two cars use, we could actually help you.

    Better still the make model and year of each.

    Better better still, you go to the Supercheap website, enter both cars regos, and look for yourself as to which oil suits both…..

    • notJV on 05/09/2024 - 15:58

      BMW 540i B58, so LL01
      VW Polo 6C, so VW 504 00

      • oscargamer on 05/09/2024 - 16:03
        +2

        Penrite Enviro+ C3
        Can get in 5L 7L 10L and 20L

        Sometimes on special. I got mine last time for $95 delivered for 10L.

        Set up a search on OZB

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 05/09/2024 - 17:11
    +1

    Juggalo post?

    • mapax on 05/09/2024 - 17:31
      +1

      Whoop whoop

  • Nugs on 05/09/2024 - 17:14

    DIY Car Service - What Size Oil Jugs Do You Usually Buy?
    20l drums
    we have multiple cars for all oils used so makes it easier e.g. HPR5 covers 3 of our cars
    pour 20l into 5/6/10 litre as needed, it's a lot easier on the second and subsequent pours once you've got the first 5l out of the drum
    paint markings on side of 5/6 litre bottles where the see thru bit is with vehicle names
    you can also buy taps that can screw into base of oil drum, or more expensive option is the oil pump that screws on where the cap comes off (I was given one but never used it)
    and also better to not switch oil types/brands if possible in each engine
    .

  • [Deactivated] on 05/09/2024 - 17:15

    After you've played with your oily jugs make sure to lubricate the hinges

  • MS Paint on 05/09/2024 - 18:11
    +1

    Stick with the 5L or 6L jugs. Handling the 20L drums is a complete pain the arse. Ask me how I know.

    • mapax on 05/09/2024 - 19:01
      +1

      You’re meant to use a pump with the drums. One of those pumps that only works correctly for the first 3L and then leaks oil everywhere except where you want it…

      • MS Paint on 05/09/2024 - 20:00
        +1

        I just used a wide mouth funnel and poured into an old 5L jug. Worked ok but not worth the hassle unless the oil is really cheap. In my case it was worth it.

  • JDMcarfan on 05/09/2024 - 18:26

    check specs. imo i usually just look for MB229.5 certified oils for any of my cars as that is the most stringent testing available (as advised by a mech engineer). Pretty sure the LL just means Long Life to cater for the BMW condition-based intervals and not a true oil spec (correct me if i'm wrong)
    i also usually find that a 5L comes cheaper when on sale than buying a 10-20L jug and is easier to pour so don't think its worth the potential minimal savings if available. My go to is the Shell Helix Ultra range which goes for 40% off quite frequently on the vivaenergy page (approx. $50 a bottle)

  • JIMB0 on 05/09/2024 - 21:20

    I buy whatever is on special. I'm not fussed by the size.

    • MS Paint on 05/09/2024 - 21:27

      I assume you're still talking about oil?

      • JIMB0 on 05/09/2024 - 21:34
        +1

        Jug size is just part of the equation.

        • gromit on 06/09/2024 - 15:10
          +3

          especially if needed for motorboat.

  • brad1-8tsi on 05/09/2024 - 23:32

    I buy 10L because that's the cheapest per litre and my car takes 7.2L

  • Rob-4x4 on 06/09/2024 - 07:51

    What is the oil capacity of the engine ?

    In my case it is 11.5 l buy enough oil to suit.

    I usually until supercheap/repco has good sales on a reasonable brand and buy a few 10l or 20l if available . Often they can be up to half price on sale

    • MS Paint on 06/09/2024 - 10:16

      Patrol?

  • Wildberry on 06/09/2024 - 08:05
    +1

    Juggernaut

  • 2esc on 06/09/2024 - 08:32
    +2

    Just buy the oil in the 5lt when on special. Often when on a good special they are actually cheaper than the 10 or 20s. The larger sizes rarely come on special and are more awkward to handle.

    • Herbs on 06/09/2024 - 16:13

      Yes, smaller jugs are easier to handle.

  • ErlichBachman on 06/09/2024 - 16:33
    -1

    Not trying to be rude but if you need to ask this question what makes you think you're qualified enough to service your own car // a potential lethal weapon on the road if it goes wrong

    • Mrgreenz on 07/09/2024 - 09:58
      +2

      Title: "Overfilled"

      INT. MECHANIC'S GARAGE - NIGHT

      The camera pans over a cluttered garage, tools scattered across workbenches. A solitary overhead light casts shadows over the dimly lit space. The sound of a ticking clock is almost deafening in the silence.

      NARRATOR (V.O.)
      In the world of machinery and oil, every choice matters. One mistake can tip the balance between routine and disaster.

      Cut to a close-up of a hand gripping a 10-liter jug of oil. The camera focuses on the jug as it's being poured into a car’s engine, the liquid cascading in a smooth, seemingly innocuous stream.

      NARRATOR (V.O.)
      Tonight, a simple oversight will ignite a chain reaction of unforeseen consequences.

      The camera shifts to a gauge on the dashboard, the needle creeping up past the maximum line. The engine roars to life, its sound growing more intense. The mechanic, a middle-aged man with grease-streaked hands and a weary expression, looks up from his work, oblivious to the impending danger.

      NARRATOR (V.O.)
      In the pursuit of perfection, one man’s small lapse will prove fatal.

      The screen fades to black as the sound of the engine reaches a deafening crescendo.

      Text on screen:
      "Sometimes, the smallest mistake can have the deadliest consequences."

      The screen fades to the title card: "OVERFILLED".

      Cut to black.

  • mirz on 06/09/2024 - 17:11

    I was used to buy 5 liters (Castrol Edge LL 5w30). But my car takes 7.5 liters in one oil change, so switched over to 20 liters drum.

    Last time paid $195 for 20 liters including home delivery.
    It’s cheaper and convenient for more than 2 oil changes.

  • DazMon on 06/09/2024 - 20:04
    +1

    This is the first time I've heard them called 'jugs'?

    • Nugs on 06/09/2024 - 20:08
      +1

      AmericaniZation
      .

  • Maglia Nera on 06/09/2024 - 20:36

    ya know wat they say — big jugs with big oil

  • mrhugo on 06/09/2024 - 21:52

    I used to use 5L bottles but because of my spec I'm using 20L Castrol Professional bottles.

    20L bottles are crazy difficult (impossible) to pour without tap or nozzle adaptors. I've attached a flexible nozzle onto the end but still need to use an adaptor as the size and threads are different.

    I then pour into a 5L HDPE new bottle which I get from peopleinplastic, I usually get 10 X 5L bottles at a time. Once I've put the required oil in the car the old stuff goes back in that bottle and recycled at Super cheap auto.

    20L lasts me approx 2-3 years which is fine as long as you inspect the oil to make sure nothing has gone to the bottom. A shake off the bottle fixes this, but as if stands the oil has always appeared fine without any mixing.

    I only get 20L as I can't get 5L bottles without paying a massive premium per L over 20L, so I'm stuck with 20L

    I usually get my 20L when sparesbox have it on sale and there is a 17% off eBay sale. It's like double dipping and I'm getting it delivered for free.

    I'd recommend sticking with 5L bottles as you will save the headache of getting nozzles, bottles for the old stuff and adaptors and then checking your oil all the time. Just get 5L 5W30 is a pretty common spec.

    Regarding the oil brand, just make sure you nail the spec. I've got a euro, car recommends Castrol but prior to this was using Penrite. IMO Castrol are better mainly because of its additional anti wear FST additive.

  • Oofy Doofy on 07/09/2024 - 10:55

    I just buy 20L containers. Pour into 10L containers.

    I only buy semi-syn 10w40 and 15w40 acea e9/e11/ck-4 rated low saps and use it in everything, petrol or diesel.

  • Kiro on 07/09/2024 - 15:04

    Always calculate the amount your filter will absorb as well. Usually 200ml.

  • beach bum on 07/09/2024 - 16:37

    Put a little oil into your filter and roll it around to let the paper soak it up ,
    the oil pump will find it easier to get oil up into the top end again .
    Or even fill it if it’s in a vertical position and won’t overflow when fitting ,
    the oil up the o-ring and make sure the old one came out with old filter .

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