Another Castrol question

[rfsurfer]

I didnt want to hijack the other Audi thread, but I do have a somewhat similar question. Ive searched around and learned alot about Castrol, Syntec, Edge and GC.

Ive been running GC in my 08 Audi A4 for the last two years at 5k OCI but its becoming harder and harder to find. Edge w Syntec is now readily available, but im getting tired of Castrol switching names every week.

Even though VAG *strongly* recommends Castrol at all North American dealerships, would you be happy to switch to M1 0-40? Is it just marketing that makes the dealers push Castrol?

Basically, im looking for a high quality oil I can use in this 2.0 FSI oil burner (about 1qt per 5k) where I dont have to spend more time finding the oil than it takes to change it. Im thinking M1 0-40 unless theres a strong preference for something else thats better and still easily purchased locally.

 

[dparm]

VAG and Castrol have a partnership. Don't kid yourself -- this sort of thing goes to the highest bidder. Same thing happens with Corvettes and Vipers getting Mobil 1 as factory fill.

M1 0w40 is an outstanding oil, you can absolutely use it.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Actually the SRT team picked M1 0w-40 as the only oil that met their requirements and had the wide operating range that North America requires.

They wanted one oil that would work anywhere and be readily available. M1 was only to happy to co-market.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: dparm
VAG and Castrol have a partnership. Don't kid yourself -- this sort of thing goes to the highest bidder. Same thing happens with Corvettes and Vipers getting Mobil 1 as factory fill.

M1 0w40 is an outstanding oil, you can absolutely use it.


I think you are discounting all the R&D that oil companies do with engine builders. Castrol, Pennz, XM have invested a lot into their relationships with auto companies. It's not just a lower bidder getting the oil contract.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Originally Posted By: dparm
VAG and Castrol have a partnership. Don't kid yourself -- this sort of thing goes to the highest bidder. Same thing happens with Corvettes and Vipers getting Mobil 1 as factory fill.

M1 0w40 is an outstanding oil, you can absolutely use it.


I think you are discounting all the R&D that oil companies do with engine builders. Castrol, Pennz, XM have invested a lot into their relationships with auto companies. It's not just a lower bidder getting the oil contract.


Like with most bed buddies, you tend to throw business their way, no doubt the oils recommended by the auto mfgrs are a quality product...

There probably isn't a gasoline passenger car on the face of the earth that won't perform just fine on the M1 0W-40...

 

[rfsurfer]

M1 0-40 it is.

Should I expect any noticeable difference in idle/performance/consumption between GC 0-30 and M1 0-40?

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: rfsurfer
Should I expect any noticeable difference in idle/performance/consumption between GC 0-30 and M1 0-40?


Only if you're one of the kooks who swears their car 'likes' oil X or 'runs smoother' on brand Y. In which case go ahead and make your mind up how your car will idle, perform or consume oil now.

I think you'll find that it does exactly that.

Otherwise I seriously doubt you'll ever notice a difference aside from the color of the bottle. Certainly not in actual operation.

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: scurvy
Originally Posted By: rfsurfer
Should I expect any noticeable difference in idle/performance/consumption between GC 0-30 and M1 0-40?


Only if you're one of the kooks who swears their car 'likes' oil X or 'runs smoother' on brand Y. In which case go ahead and make your mind up how your car will idle, perform or consume oil now.

I think you'll find that it does exactly that.

Otherwise I seriously doubt you'll ever notice a difference aside from the color of the bottle. Certainly not in actual operation.



I disagree. In my RX I can feel a difference between different oils.

 

[rfsurfer]

nope, I dont calibrate the butt-dyno regularly, so it would have to be quite different for me to notice.

Im just thinking if i need to be more aware of consumption....although w/ these 2.0T you've got to be on top of it anyway.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: lexus114
In my RX I can feel a difference between different oils.


I wish you lived closer. I'd gladly do the labor for a few oil changes if you'd be willing to test drive the car afterwards and let me know which one feels 'better' from the driver's seat.

 

[lexus114]

Yeah, Chicago is kinda far. I`m serious though, I can tell a difference in performance. Its a finicky motor I`m telling ya.