How to Get Deals on Engine Oil

Cheemeister on 13/11/2024 - 17:55

For those of you who do your own oil changes, how do you buy engine oil? How do you get good deals on it? Yes, there are always a few good deals around but the problem is there are SO MANY grades / specs of oil that the chances your exact spec is on special is rare.

For example, one of my cars requires 10W-30, API grade SL "Energy-Conserving", SM "Energy-Conserving", SN "Resource-Conserving" or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. It's hard enough finding that amongst the 100s of other oils on the shelves, let alone finding one on special.

Associated question - Is it bad if I don't exactly follow the spec, eg I get a 5W-30, SP or whatever?

Automotive Engine Oil

Comments

  • MS Paint on 13/11/2024 - 18:05
    +3

    All of the big auto parts suppliers allow you to enter your car registration to identify it. Double check it selects the correct model/engine option etc.

    From there you can shop only for parts that suit your vehicle. Filter down the parts selection to oil and a list of suitable oils will be presented.

    See which one is on special and compare to other outlets to double check it's a deal.

    LPT: buy it when it's on special not when you need it. Oil stores well in the garage. The week you need it you can guarantee there's none on special.

  • SYLTB on 13/11/2024 - 18:54
    +1

    10W-30 API SL Oil
    Bookmark particular websites' pages for your oil (SCA, Autobarn, ebay, gumtree, amazon, google etc) and check them regularly. When you get a deal buy bulk 10L, 20L, don't worry oil last for very long time up to 10 years. Buy for your car's specs, not brand. e.g Gulf western as good as Penrite.

  • Ghost47 on 13/11/2024 - 19:24

    What do you consider to be a good deal? SCA has 50% off oil a few (?) times a year. As mentioned just buy it in bulk when a deal comes around.

    I recommend Penrite as it's Aussie made (supporting local is important).

  • Nitrollparty on 13/11/2024 - 19:50

    the ol girl gets the fluid changed every 5000ks, every 50% off deal, i buy alot

  • JIMB0 on 13/11/2024 - 20:04
    +2

    Find someone who changes their oil every 5000km and get their used oil for free.

    • MS Paint on 13/11/2024 - 20:26
      +1

      Used oil saves cents. Cheers

  • shxhshzhz on 13/11/2024 - 20:35
    +2

    10W-30 is a very common oil on sale frequently. If your manual says 10W only, don't use 5W.

    requires 10W-30, API grade SL "Energy-Conserving", SM "Energy-Conserving", SN "Resource-Conserving" or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.

    For the API, you can use any oil that has the second letter higher up in the alphabet than L as they're newer and compatible. E.g. SP is a newer standard than SN.

    • Cheemeister on 13/11/2024 - 20:43
      +2

      I didn't know that, thank you! I was having a lot of trouble finding SL, SM or SN

      • MS Paint on 13/11/2024 - 21:05
        -1

        10w30 is a pretty old grade. I assume your car is greater than 10 years. 5w30 will be fine as a substitute.

    • JIMB0 on 13/11/2024 - 20:46

      If your manual says 10W only, don't use 5W

      5W will be fine, so will 0W.

  • yellowfever on 14/11/2024 - 22:46

    What car is this

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