Looking for high quality oils at good prices?

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

After a lifetime in and around the motor trade I've learned that one of the ways to ensure engine - and transmission - reliability is to use a high quality lubricant. I'm always on the lookout for suppliers of brands I know to be "good" who are quoting cheaper prices. Two of my favourites are Opie oils and Powerenhancer who I can recommend without reservation but I've just made an interesting discovery. CMG Oils Direct: https://cmgoilsdirect.co.uk/

I came across them while doing an ebay search for prices for oil for the Ibiza, Panda and Punto, all of which I'll be servicing within the next few weeks now I've got the Mazda under control. My favourite oil brand has been for some time Fuchs and they are doing The Ibiza's Pro C-3 5w-30 and the Fiat's Flex3 5W-40 at a better price, by a fair margin, than I can find it anywhere else. So, just about to place my order and thought I'd alert you all to them. I'm sure you'll recognize most of the oil brands they sell but Fuchs and Quantum may not be so well known. Fuchs is a very big German oil company: https://www.fuchs.com/uk/en/products/product-program/automotive-lubricants/engine-oils/ who's name you may, of may not know? Quantum is a far less well known brand which I first ran into at TPS: https://tps.trade/ and was offered as an alternative to the VAG branded (and expensive) lubricants. It used to be supplied to them by Castrol but it's now a Fuchs product: https://www.fuchs.com/uk/en/company...p UK has announced,TPS) Quantum range of oils. I've used Quantum branded oils in a number of our cars over the years and it's good stuff.

By the way, Cox Motor Group I first came across when looking for some parts for daughter in law's old Honda Jazz - needed an obscure dealer only part - and they did me a very good price. I may well end up buying the new O/S/F driveshaft, I am soon going to have to get round to doing on the Ibiza, from them too. Didn't realize they did such good prices on oil though.

Edit. Oh happy day! I'd been looking at their (CMG that is) prices on ebay last night and first thing this morning but just went into their dedicated website https://cmgoilsdirect.co.uk/ and the prices are even cheaper for the same product. I rang them up to ask if this was a mistake or what and was informed that there are costs to them - seller fees etc - on ebay which don't apply in their online store, saves about £4 on the price of 5 litres of the stuff for the Ibiza, Shipping is free too!

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Just a wee add on to the above. If you're trying to search the CHG Direct site right now then it's got a glitch which makes it difficult to order as clicking on a recommended oil - when you've searched under the vehicle reg - doesn't put it in your checkout cart. I've rung them and they know about it and are working to get it all working correctly again. In the meantime if you want to order then click on the Magnifying sign on the home page. Then type in the brand - Ie Fuchs or Quantum, or whatever - and the list of that brand selection comes up. Then click on the particular product you want and you'll find you can put it in your checkout cart and it works normally from then on. Just did this with the Pro C-3 5w-30 and the Flex 3 5W-40 (Fuchs) and it came to £62.98p all in - no shipping etc. That'll do me. Oh, and 2 day shipping quoted too, although i won't hold my breath on that one being, as I am, up here in Edinburgh.

 

[porta]

That is good

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

That is good

I think so. I know I can run them on much cheaper products but I've learned over the years not to do it with long term "keepers". By the way, just noticed that the link I mentioned to Fuchs being the suppliers of Quantum oils also mentions that they are specified first fill suppliers to the factory - fourth paragraph down - That'll more than do it for me!

 

[The Panda Nut]

My last purchase of oil was through Halfords price promise. They matched the internet advertised prices. This gave me oil from a proper supplier at very reasonable price. Whether they still maatch the internet Im not sure but they did a year ago.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Blimey, Just noticed an "email received" on my desktop so opened my email. Several entries from CMG direct:

11.23 am order received from CMG and being processed.

12.31 pm message from DPD saying they are expecting my D.J.Cox parcel shortly and will be keeping me informed on delivery.

12.32 pm message from CMG saying order completed and dispatched, expect tracking info from our courier.

12.32 pm copy of invoice confirming transaction from CMG.

Wow, how's that for service/ might even arrive tomorrow seeing as how they are located in Morcambe so not exactly at the other end of the country.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

My last purchase of oil was through Halfords price promise. They matched the internet advertised prices. This gave me oil from a proper supplier at very reasonable price. Whether they still maatch the internet Im not sure but they did a year ago.

Halfords is often somewhat Poo Poo'd by many but I'm actually quite keen on them. They're open on a Sunday for a start and have been a real lifesaver on occasion. Stock of "serious" car repair items - ball joints, suspension arms and the like - are not in great evidence but our's will offer to get them for you. No advantage over buying from the factor in the first place though. What they are very good for though is simple service stuff - oil and air filters, engine oil, batteries, etc. What you really need to do though is find some way of getting one of their trade cards or find someone who has one. Then you'll find some very good discounts, especially on Halfords branded service parts, although I got an excellent price on a Yuasa battery for the Panda. Don't expect discount on non motor service related parts though. For instance, a few years ago I tried offering the card for a Dashcam and some bicycle related bits but I don't remember that it got anything off at all.

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi all,

Halfords currently giving good trade card discount on petronas oil they stock-I was surprised.
5 litres Low saps c3 10w40 was about £26 I bought 4 (-:

Halfords have hooked up with euro car parts for parts halfords order in for customers.

Best wishes
J

 

[AndyRKett]

I think so. I know I can run them on much cheaper products but I've learned over the years not to do it with long term "keepers". By the way, just noticed that the link I mentioned to Fuchs being the suppliers of Quantum oils also mentions that they are specified first fill suppliers to the factory - fourth paragraph down - That'll more than do it for me!

My understanding is that Quantum is a VW brand, Owned by VW. obviously I always assumed someone made it for them, but my car has exclusively only had quantum oils used since it was new, first with the VW dealerships and now with the VW specialist Garage I use. I once bought some oil from the parts counter in my local VW dealership and what they gave me was Quantum, that's when they told me this is VW oil and what they use in the service department.
Current garage is the same only uses Quantum oil on my car as I always ask for genuine parts and fluids.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

My understanding is that Quantum is a VW brand, Owned by VW. obviously I always assumed someone made it for them, but my car has exclusively only had quantum oils used since it was new, first with the VW dealerships and now with the VW specialist Garage I use. I once bought some oil from the parts counter in my local VW dealership and what they gave me was Quantum, that's when they told me this is VW oil and what they use in the service department.
Current garage is the same only uses Quantum oil on my car as I always ask for genuine parts and fluids.

'Morning Andy, I just came across the article I first saw quite some time ago regarding Quantum oils. Thought it might be of interest? https://www.fuchs.com/uk/en/company...-LUBRICANTS-UK-for-all-new-QUANTUM-oil-range/

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

'Morning Andy, I just came across the article I first saw quite some time ago regarding Quantum oils. Thought it might be of interest? https://www.fuchs.com/uk/en/company...-LUBRICANTS-UK-for-all-new-QUANTUM-oil-range/

Shame it's not dated. I too have been using quantum oils for a long time, although I tend now to go for their parent Fuchs branded items. It would be interesting to know when they - TPS - changed supplier of their Quantum brand from Castrol to Fuchs. Interestingly. or maybe not? - my 2016 Ibiza has a "SEAT recommends Castrol" sticker on the bonnet closing plate. Now knowing that Fuchs are a recommended factory first fill provider, I wonder if they now come with a Fuchs recommendation. Maybe not though because I wouldn't be surprised to find there are more than one recommended first fill providers.

 

[AndyRKett]

Shame it's not dated.

the date on that article is 13.04.2017 so maybe for the first couple of years of its life it got castrol oil at the dealership as all servicing was done under a service plan for the first 4-5 years.

One argument for those Purists when it comes to oils is that Quantum Branded oils are for VAG group cars so as a consequence, anything outside of VAG group would have its own brand specified. I know people can get quite anal about having Selenia in their fiats despite the stupid costs. (even though its just rebranded Petronas)

I am sure some would argue that Quantum branded oil is not suitable for their non VAG cars.

I'd be interested to know, Is this the Same Fuchs that formed from the company that made the famous Fuchs Alloy wheels for the original Porsches ?

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I'd be interested to know, Is this the Same Fuchs that formed from the company that made the famous Fuchs Alloy wheels for the original Porsches ?

No.

History | FUCHS LUBRICANTS (UK) PLC

Read about the history of the FUCHS-Group: Milestones in the 85-year FUCHS history - from 1931 to today.

www.fuchs.com

The story of the Porsche Fuchs wheel

Find out how the legendary Fuchs wheel, first designed for the 911 S, has gone on to become a classic Porsche design in its own right

www.porsche.com

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

the date on that article is 13.04.2017 so maybe for the first couple of years of its life it got castrol oil at the dealership as all servicing was done under a service plan for the first 4-5 years.

One argument for those Purists when it comes to oils is that Quantum Branded oils are for VAG group cars so as a consequence, anything outside of VAG group would have its own brand specified. I know people can get quite anal about having Selenia in their fiats despite the stupid costs. (even though its just rebranded Petronas)

I am sure some would argue that Quantum branded oil is not suitable for their non VAG cars.

I'd be interested to know, Is this the Same Fuchs that formed from the company that made the famous Fuchs Alloy wheels for the original Porsches ?

Now how did I miss that date? It's right at the start of it!

I did ask what oil the dealership was using when they were looking after it during it's 3 year warranty period and was told it was Castrol but they were unable to say more than that because, they said, it comes in great big trade barrels which aren't available to the public. I was a bit disappointed with that but they wouldn't let me see if there was any further ident on the drums so I don't know what spec it was they were using. I suspect, as she was on the time/mileage regime - not extended interval - that it will have been the 5w-40 rather than 5W-30, but I don't know. i actually rang Fuchs when I started doing the servicing myself and they strongly suggested the Titan GT1 PRO C-3 SAE 5W-30 which is the suggestion for the long life application, saying that there were considerable benefits to using that spec oil even when on a yearly/mileage limited service regime - been using it ever since.

I use the Titan GT1 flex3 5w-40 in the Panda and Punto because it was also suggested by them and meets the Fiat spec too. First time I serviced the Panda I did run the recommended Petronas from S4p as that's what they supply and I'd bought all the other items from them at that time. She seemed to be "happy" on it but I noticed when I changed to the Fuchs aat the next service that there was a shorter period of cam follower rattle on start up with the Fuchs. I think the Fuchs gets through the oilways quicker on startup.

No idea about the wheels, would be interesting to know though.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

No.

History | FUCHS LUBRICANTS (UK) PLC

Read about the history of the FUCHS-Group: Milestones in the 85-year FUCHS history - from 1931 to today.

www.fuchs.com

The story of the Porsche Fuchs wheel

Find out how the legendary Fuchs wheel, first designed for the 911 S, has gone on to become a classic Porsche design in its own right

www.porsche.com

Oh, there you go. Thanks Bonefish!

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I also rate Fuchs lubricants - it's what I have in the 4x4 multi at the moment and it too quietened the start-up clatter to a noticeable degree.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Oh, there's a "ping". Message from DPD "Ian will be delivering your D J Cox ltd parcel today between 14.50 - 15.50." That's pretty good I think, only just over 24 hours since i placed the order. Much quicker than any other oil delivery I've had. Fingers crossed it's not a soggy mess like the SAE 30 I recently took delivery of for the cultivator. Not from Cox though, that was an agricultural supplier. Come to think of it I should see if Cox do "straight" oils, might be cheaper than my present supplier for the machines?

 

[AndyRKett]

Thanks @Bonefish Blues will take a good look at those links later when I have time, but you’ve saved me a lot of hassle.

@Pugglt Auld Jock my golf was also serviced on the normal regime, 12k miles or 1 year. It was therefore getting two services a year at one point but there was no way I was going to trust the 18k mile extended service schedule. Probably cost me a lot of money but saved me the expense of poor servicing. Maybe had I only planned to keep the car 3 years then 18k mile services wouldn’t have mattered. And let’s be honest, they don’t make an oil deliberately bad for 12k mile servicing, they’re unlikely to make a 12k mile service oil magically much better for an 18k mile service interval, so my assumption was that there is little difference between the 12k and 18k mile oils used, they just say you’ll be alright for another 6k without doing anything else, but obviously charging you a bit more for that long duration service.

Probably all cars and oils are perfectly capable of 18k miles with little issue, but I planned to keep the car so wanted it serviced properly.

Though I never understood people who have to change the oil ever 3000 miles which seems to be popular in the USA. 3k miles to me at one time could be less than a couple of months and there is no way I’m throwing away £50 of oil every two months.

Oil like tires and car cleaning is one of those things people get carried away with having to have the exact oil with the right this that or something else in it.

I’ve found quantum oil to be very competitively priced so it’s the obvious choice. I dare say something like castrol is probably more expensive in halfords than quantum is from the counter in my VW dealership

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Though I never understood people who have to change the oil ever 3000 miles which seems to be popular in the USA. 3k miles to me at one time could be less than a couple of months and there is no way I’m throwing away £50 of oil every two months.

Oil like tires and car cleaning is one of those things people get carried away with having to have the exact oil with the right this that or something else in it.

I’ve found quantum oil to be very competitively priced so it’s the obvious choice. I dare say something like castrol is probably more expensive in halfords than quantum is from the counter in my VW dealership

The on demand as you wait oil change service is as much a cultural thing as anything else in the US, I think? For a long time they were into cheaper "straight" oils which didn't have long life capability. Still, to this day, when you get speaking to people, they are very suspicious of longer oil changes and of synthetic oils. The quick change oil service station is big business over there: https://topfranchise.com/articles/the-top-7-oil-change-franchise-businesses-in-usa/ you see them everywhere and they always look busy. As I say, I think, probably more than anything, it's a cultural thing, a way of life.

Maybe @Cheest could fill us in with his thoughts?

 

[AndyRKett]

The on demand as you wait oil change service is as much a cultural thing as anything else in the US, I think? For a long time they were into cheaper "straight" oils which didn't have long life capability. Still, to this day, when you get speaking to people, they are very suspicious of longer oil changes and of synthetic oils. The quick change oil service station is big business over there: https://topfranchise.com/articles/the-top-7-oil-change-franchise-businesses-in-usa/ you see them everywhere and they always look busy. As I say, I think, probably more than anything, it's a cultural thing, a way of life.

Maybe @Cheest could fill us in with his thoughts?

I remember the old V8 Range Rovers which I think originated from an old Buick V8 of the 1950s/60s. Used to need regular 3k oil changes, but this was back in the 70s and 80s when engines were designed with slide rules milled from aluminum castings on hand controlled machines, so as you can imagine the tolerances in the engine parts were pretty bad and the potential for swarf and other contaminants to work their way into around the engine was high even after years of use.

I actually stumbled across some youtube channels you'd probably enjoy Jock. They take engines they have bought from scrap yards and take them apart to see why they were scrapped. Usually only buying the engine that's been scrapped from a car where the engine has been replaced so as to ensure there is always something interesting to be found that has failed in the engine.
The most horrific engine I have seen them look at so far (not for failure but for design) was an audi 4.2V8 that had the whole timing assembly on the gearbox end of the engine, and used about 4 or maybe 5 separate chains to link all the timing gear together..... and plastic tensioners/guides so you don't need to be a genius to know what's going to happen there.

They also explore a lot of engines that have been poorly serviced, so lots of failures through oil problems.

One thing that shocked me to discover recently is my wifes parents NEVER service their cars. there cars have no service history at all, and what's even more shocking than that is they have a 20 year old landrover that they still use daily, They have works vans (again never serviced) that are 18 and 15 years old, and yet the engines keep going even if every other part of the car is falling off. The landrover had a new engine a few years back but not because of the lack of servicing but because of the typical Rover K-series head gasket failure that they fitted to the freelander aswell as many other cars.

I have seen in the USA as well, there are many non car people who do zero servicing on their cars and garaged taking engines apart with the oil looking like road bitumen.