Havoline is sleeper for sure. I’d happily use Pro DS in the Toyota or Hyundai if I could get it in 5 qt units from WM. I just don’t like having to deal with the extra 1 qt or so leftover every time. Maybe I’ll just get over it one day and pick some up.
Does Castrol need better products or marketing?
- Thread starter camrydriver111
- Start date
Exactly. Every now and then I’ll run a high detergent, high soluble mono grade group one SAE 30 or 40 like Delo 400, Duron in Canada in an engine that has been operating on pcmo 5w30s.
Quite often the oil will turn dark in a couple thousand miles as it cleans ring zone deposits.
A while back I emailed Valvoline, Mobil, Pennzoil and Castrol. I asked each if there was any way that they could perhaps provide a few static cling oil change reminders. Shortly thereafter a box arrived from Mobil. Inside was about 20 reminders, 5 or 6 Mobil1 stickers and a very nice Mobil1 hat as well a letter thanking me for using their products and signed in ink by a rep. From Valvoline, they sent an envelope with a number of reminders, a few stickers and a letter thanking me. Pennzoil did not respond at all. Castrol sent me an email back saying that they don't do that sort of thing but perhaps I should go to an oil change location that uses Castrol products and maybe I could get some there. I had thought Castrol might be a little more considerate as I live in the same town that bp's North American headquarters are located in. None of this is significant but Mobil certainly seemed to show appreciation for a customer more than the others. It's always in the back of my mind when I'm in the motor oil aisle making a purchase.
That experience alone would have me buying M1 and VL only from there on out.
I had an issue once with my 50 year old Ruger M77 rifle. I knew I could fix it myself easily so I called the support line asking how to buy the needed parts. They sent me the parts free of charge without question. I insisted on paying but the rep wasn’t having it. My next rifle purchase after that was a Ruger and they are always at the top of my list because of that experience. And they make solid stuff.
I'd bet it's far more that people generally don't change their own oil anymore. So the money is in getting OEM fill, quick-lube, and dealership/ service shop contracts. And I suspect few people sit there and mull over whether they are going to get Castrol, Mobil, Valvoline or whoever at the quick-lube place either.
So they've found that classic retail marketing isn't responsive and are doing something different.
Thinking that manufacturers are not marketing because consumers can do their own research and their products will sell themselves is absurd.
Chevron lost focus on the PCEO market 6-8 years ago. And paid for it with significant gallon losses.
They’re now on track to get back in the game in big ways. With their purchase of Neste base oils. They’re making a lot of moves…
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There is quite a bit of truth that most people that have quick lube or dealership oil change service, do not care what gets poured in. Just that it does what it is suppose to do.
I think where oil marketing and advertisement comes in, is to conquest two sets of consumer with those being either self oil change users that probably have more of a legacy one brand loyalty because that is what they grew up with seeing the parents or family member used and that is what they are familiar with and those who are new to self service with no prior brand affiliation yet formed.
Most of us here on BITOG though are probably in neither category and are in the top 1% who chase the specs and not so much the brand.
The Euro Castrol Edge 5W30 or 0W30 A3/B4 with BMW LL-01 and MB 229.5 has always been a favourite of mine. It has around 1000 ppm zinc, high HTHs (3.5 to 3.6 cP), good shear stability and a low Noack volatility ( < 10%). It's a full SAPS oil with a high TBN (>10) for longlife.
When you need a strong 30 grade, with above ILSAC levels of ZDDP, then Edge A3/B4 has you covered.
For those who want a lower SAPS and regular ZDDP levels in a high HTHS Euro 30 grade, you have Edge 0W30 LL with C3, BMW LL-04, MB 229.51/52, Porsche C30, VW 504/507.
When you need a strong 30 grade, with above ILSAC levels of ZDDP, then Edge A3/B4 has you covered.
For those who want a lower SAPS and regular ZDDP levels in a high HTHS Euro 30 grade, you have Edge 0W30 LL with C3, BMW LL-04, MB 229.51/52, Porsche C30, VW 504/507.
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wemay
Site Donor 2023
That ad..... yeah, it's 15 years old. LOL
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Castrol flies off the shelves at the Walmart near me. The only oil that seems to sell faster is Valvoline.
One word answer. Yes.
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2020
- Messages
- 425
Have been a Castrol GTX customer since 1991 and my Plymouth Laser
I have tried a few others but my first choice is Castrol or Mystik and these are based on nostalgic and sentimental reasons
I always thought the bottle design and colors were the best of the majors ......up until the most recent rebrand it now actually looks bumbed down and to simple as compared to the previous look with the metal and oil mixing
But the old classic bottle colors would be the best circa around 1986
I have tried a few others but my first choice is Castrol or Mystik and these are based on nostalgic and sentimental reasons
I always thought the bottle design and colors were the best of the majors ......up until the most recent rebrand it now actually looks bumbed down and to simple as compared to the previous look with the metal and oil mixing
But the old classic bottle colors would be the best circa around 1986
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2021
- Messages
- 1,073
I had to check to check that this wasn't an old post of mine.
I did the same thing and had almost the exact same experiences with all of them. Mobil sent me reminders, a couple of Mobil 1 pens, and a couple of sticker sheets. Valvoline sent me some (very high quality) reminders. Castrol also told me to check with an oil change location.
No shortage of Castrol products at Canadian Tire. Multiply by 0.7 for USD.
I guess we have to admire the fact that they are consistent.
Here is more detail on Castrol Edge Euro Car 0w40 showing it was made in Belgium but repackaged in the USA. Enjoy.
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Their new bottles look awesome. The one time I put it in my van that thing ran quieter than ever. Unfortunately unless its as cheap as Kirkland or ST Im not too likely to buy any.
Patman
Staff member
In the grand scheme of things is the extra $5 to $10 twice a year really going to be a tough financial hit?
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