Do I need a thicker oil if my car has gone over 115,000 miles?

nu1isit?

Here's my dilemma - at the moment i'm using 15w/40 mulrigrade oil, for my old Corsa Diesel. But recently I've been informed that due it's high mileage (115,000), I should be using a thicker oil.
Can anyone advise me - is this true? I'd rather have the advice a few people to come to a decision with, than risk the advice of one.

Thanks

A_Doonhamer

No, stick with the recommended oil as listed in your cars handbook(if you still have it)

highguyuk

Nope, stick with the recommended ... it was recommended for a reason

vansboy

Vauxhall would suggest you use their 10/40 semi synthetic own label oil.

What you don't mention is the mileage you are changing it at. Consider 4-5000 as a MAXIMUM mileage between changes.

Either doing it yourself or use one of the FastFit tyre places & spend around £15ish!

VB

nu1isit?

Thanks for your advice A doonhamer, highguyuk and vansboy.
To answer vansboy's query - the oil is changed every 4,000 mile mark. This might be a daft question vansboy, but I may as well ask (as I don't know); what difference is there between 10w/40 and 15w/40 - and what affect does it have on the engine?

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR ADVICE SO FAR...

vansboy

Good to see you have the right attitude to low mileage between changes, especially on a diesel!

To give a simple answer to the numbers of the oil spec, it relates to its 'thickness' (viscosity) at different temperatures.

The lower the first number the thinner it will be in lower temperature, so as to get around the inside of the engine quicker.

The higher the second number will keep it thicker, when things get hotter - more of a requirement for older/higher mileage engines.

Like I said it's only a simple answer. But Halfords do a reasonable job, on explaining the variations, on their displays, in the store.

You'll find lots more specification, if you read the packs - some cars do need a verrrry particular oil, but you're OK, as long as you buy brands you know.

Even Asda do a 15/40 for diesels, for around £7ish Where makers call it a DIESEL oil,it'll have additives & detergents, in theory, to lessen smoke & improve emmisions, but you don't NEED to go diesel specific.

VB

nu1isit?

Thanks for vansboy and everyone elses advice again!!!

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Slightly off the subject... anyone gonna recomend going to national tyres for an oil and filter change? I noted on their website, they offer 3 prices of oil change. I have a ford puma, which oil change should I plumb for?

Also, I need a wheel alignment doing.. are national tyres recommended for this job?

mike_the_bike_2

....Oil change is ok but make absolutely sure they fit the correct oil filter ..They will use the cheap oil/filter change to sniff around your car to tell you that you need new tyres/exhaust/wishbones/disks/pads etc etc!

the_devil_made_me_do_it

okie dokie.. may just stick with my old garage then. Can't be bothered with them telling me what i need, just renewed 2 tyres.

Wig

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote:

okie dokie.. may just stick with my old garage then. Can't be bothered with them telling me what i need, just renewed 2 tyres.

You don't *have* to agree to the work.

As to which oil:
duckams hypergrade £15
semi synthetic £20
fully synthetic £25

I don't think it really matters, I'd go for the cheapest.