Castrol magnetic 10w40 or shell helix hx7 10w40

nottingham13

Which oil is better the castrol magnetic 10w40
http://magnatec.castrol.com/en/product-range/product-detail/10W-40-A3-B4/


Or shell helix hx7 10w40?

http://www.shell.co.uk/home/content/gbr/products_services/on_the_road/consumer_lubricants_tpkg/cars/find_right_car_oils/helix_hx7/hx7/

mikey72

Both shell and castrol have messed about with normal, semi synthetic, and synthetic in those ranges.

Both those are semi synthetic though, and I've used both happily in the past.
Both are good brandnames.

Tobster86

What car is it going in?

In some old diesels both of those will pass through the valve stem seals in significantly higher volumes than some CF-4 rated 15W40 mineral oil that will be cheaper and better.

If it's a modern vehicle, those both suggest low-mid performance in which case I'd favour investment in more frequent oil changes than the brand of oil itself.

nottingham13

Peugeot 205 petrol low annual mileage. And only done 50k miles

Tobster86

Annual change with semi synth 10W40, I can't imagine it takes a lot of oil so I'd go for any of the premium ones. Between the two you've mentioned, it really is swings and roundabouts.

Don't spend extra on a 'good' oil filter they really are all the same, and don't over-tighten it! (I'd like to speak to whoever did the previous oil change on an old 306 diesel I just bought as a vegetable oil burner. The filter should be tightened with a slight wrist action not an extension bar!)

bazster

How could anyone here possibly know which of those is the better oil? Assuming it's the right type of oil for the job, just get whichever is cheaper.

A._Badger

Tobster86 wrote: »

Don't spend extra on a 'good' oil filter they really are all the same, and don't over-tighten it! (I'd like to speak to whoever did the previous oil change on an old 306 diesel I just bought as a vegetable oil burner. The filter should be tightened with a slight wrist action not an extension bar!)

Not true. Oil filter quality varies widely and some are particularly poor. When in doubt buy the manufacturer's own brand (and always with a new washer)- they are often just a few pence more expensive.

There have been numerous dig and delve investigations into oil filters. This is just one - it's from the US but generally quite interesting..

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/

mikey72

A._Badger wrote: »

Not true. Oil filter quality varies widely and some are particularly poor. When in doubt buy the manufacturer's own brand (and always with a new washer)- they are often just a few pence more expensive.

There have been numerous dig and delve investigations into oil filters. This is just one - it's from the US but generally quite interesting..

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/

I always buy a decent brand oil filter.
Dealer or Halfords, who have had excellent reports when their filters have been chopped to pieces.
They are a bit pricey, but good value with a trade card.