Technical Service Intervals Depend on Which Oil You Use

Currently reading:
Technical Service Intervals Depend on Which Oil You Use

So the "Magnatec" I used is Fully Synthetic and shows the exact Fiat specification in my handbook. They actually promote a "Stop Start" version for my car but what the heck, they are most likely the same and only noticed it in Tesco the other week on a crazy offer.
I have found many many older threads saying that Magnatec is not fully synthetic. They have been using that brand for years over many variations of oil.
I change the oil and filter every 5000 miles, it is only 3 litres, and Asda and Tesco have some very low pricing on the Castrol oils right now. I normally use the Tripple QX from Eurocarparts (in the Ducato too). I doubt they have any problems with it in the very many vans they run!
 
I think when "Magnatec" first came out it was advertised as some sort of a miracle oil with magnetic properties which were just spiel , & initially quite expensive for what it was....base stock oil no different than other oils, with additives that Castrol mixed in.

I'm not trying to wind anybody up, I'm just pointing out what some people in the motor trade/engine builders on forums thought about this oil. It wasn't that bad, but it certainly didn't have a magical effect on an engine. It did however cause sludge especially so when left in too long. Just saying.
 
Certainly Asda have some very good deals on their own branded fully synth oils at the moment, or at least they did the other day when I was in. I bought 5 litres of 5w30 acea c3 fully synth for my Saab for just £14. That makes my 5000 mile oil changes a very cheap affair, especially doing them myself, less than £20 and that includes a genuine GM oil filter for my own particular vehicle model. :D
 
Lidl's are doing it even cheaper.

I paid £33 for 5ltrs this time, same as last time. Quantum Platinum, from the local garage. Could have got it cheaper from Amazon.

I wonder if the supermarket stuff is as good?

Thanks,
Mick.
 
Last edited:
According to the Castrol website, some variants of Magnatec are semi-synthetic (10W 40 A3/B4) and others fully synthetic (5W 40 C3). Interestingly, the Magnatec Professional 0W 20 specified for my Suzuki is not listed any more, and putting the car details into their oil search comes up with Edge 5W 40!
 
According to the Castrol website, some variants of Magnatec are semi-synthetic (10W 40 A3/B4) and others fully synthetic (5W 40 C3). Interestingly, the Magnatec Professional 0W 20 specified for my Suzuki is not listed any more, and putting the car details into their oil search comes up with Edge 5W 40!

Edge Professional 0W20 is also available, in various flavours, some of which are specific to individual marques, for example Honda & Volvo.

Some internet research would be needed before going this route, methinks; if you do a search on this oil, prepare to be confused :confused:.

There is also an Edge Professional 5W20, which has a more generic application.
 
Last edited:
Yes, I will try to find out the precise spec. of oil for the Suzuki. Not an immediate problem - the car is under warranty until next April, so I've been having main dealer services, and it hasn't needed any topping up.
For my twinair engined 500, I've found Petronus Syntium 3000AV 5W40 has all the right numbers, and I've managed to get it from Euro Car Parts for around £20 for 4 litres.
 
I'm obviously quoting what Castrol say about their "magnetic" properties that the oil magicly has....;)
Castrol says about the molecules in Magnatec oil: "They cling to critical engine parts like a magnet."

This "like a magnet" doesn't say anything about magnetism. The important word here is "cling".

Castrol could also have said: "They cling to critical engine parts like snot to a handkerchief."
 
Lidl's are doing it even cheaper.

I paid £33 for 5ltrs this time, same as last time. Quantum Platinum, from the local garage. Could have got it cheaper from Amazon.

I wonder if the supermarket stuff is as good?

Thanks,
Mick.

The supermarket branded oil is made by well known players in the oil market. I looked on the base of the Asda container and it is clearly marked Tetrosyl. There's little point in being an oil snob, as long as the oil spec meets the particular spec for your engine, what's the point of spending loads more money on a top name brand?
 
Castrol says about the molecules in Magnatec oil: "They cling to critical engine parts like a magnet."

This "like a magnet" doesn't say anything about magnetism. The important word here is "cling".

Castrol could also have said: "They cling to critical engine parts like snot to a handkerchief."

Try not to take things too seriously fella, I tend to make my stints on the forum a pleasurable experience combined with a wee bit of banter:D You need to chill out & try not to take things so personally. That's the thing about social media sites, you can never really tell the real temperament of someone. Whether you mean to or not, you sound perplexed..:devil: Happy trails..:) Now where's my handkerchief!
 
The supermarket branded oil is made by well known players in the oil market. I looked on the base of the Asda container and it is clearly marked Tetrosyl. There's little point in being an oil snob, as long as the oil spec meets the particular spec for your engine, what's the point of spending loads more money on a top name brand?
Good point.
Worth a punt maybe.

Mick.
 
Well, I don't believe much of what oil companies say about their engine oils. Most of it is marketing blabla.

Take for example Mobil 1 Extended Life 10W-60. According to Mobil that oil is specially meant for older, worn, higher mileage engines. However, if you order it, then you get Mobil 1 Motorsport Formula 10W-60 delivered. The name suggests that it is a totally different product, but if you contact Mobil for an explanation, then they simply tell you that they rebranded the oil, but the product stayed the same, since Mobil has only one 10W-60 oil. Ah, of course, that makes sense...
 
A bit like those painkillers that were sold in several versions for headache, backache etc. Turns out they were all the same in different boxes!
 
Take for example Mobil 1 Extended Life 10W-60. According to Mobil that oil is specially meant for older, worn, higher mileage engines. However, if you order it, then you get Mobil 1 Motorsport Formula 10W-60 delivered. The name suggests that it is a totally different product, but if you contact Mobil for an explanation, then they simply tell you that they rebranded the oil, but the product stayed the same, since Mobil has only one 10W-60 oil. Ah, of course, that makes sense...

Well, both racing engines and old cars share 'loose' piston rings.One oil, two uses.
 
Back
Top