top ups

[danr55]

coolant nearly run out after yesterday, is there any different types and if so, what should i be slinging in there ?

oil is near low, what should i be topping up with, and how much am i likely to need to put in ?

p.s yes, i know i know nothing about cars

[The Swede]

Go for best oil possible: 0W40 or 5W40 if you have to. Castrol still the best. (even according to the guys working for the competitor's Lubricants departments )

I have no experience with coolant. I just know you need LOTS of anti-freeze.

[chris]

I have always thought it best not to mix types of oil. Therefore i'd ring your dealer in the morning to see what they put in it. I know mine uses Castrol but a fair few don't. They'll also be able to tell you the grade you need.

Probably best to ask they as well about the coolent. The marks between min and max represent a small percentage of the total amount held, so you may get away with using water. I seem to remember huge problems people had a few years back on their VW's and Audi's. Each brand had it's own coolant, which didn't mix at all well with the others...

[The Swede]

Very true.

It's OK to mix 'makes' of oil, but different "grades" is not ideal.

Remember running a project with Lubricants business of ***** (an Anglo-Ducth oil company ) and the guys told me mixing synthetic and mineral oil was really bad.

Check your service book. They often write down what oil they use.

Top dealer if he uses Castrol, chris ! Is that a Subaru dealer or a VW-Audi dealer (I think VW has a deal with Castrol)

[WR 1mposter]

Haxby's and Ashburton subaru use Shell Super Helix 5/40
New local dealers Vospers use Texaco 5/30

[Gee Wr1]

My dealer uses Shell Helix 5/40

[chris]

Very true.

It's OK to mix 'makes' of oil, but different "grades" is not ideal.

Remember running a project with Lubricants business of ***** (an Anglo-Ducth oil company ) and the guys told me mixing synthetic and mineral oil was really bad.

Check your service book. They often write down what oil they use.

Top dealer if he uses Castrol, chris ! Is that a Subaru dealer or a VW-Audi dealer (I think VW has a deal with Castrol)

My local Subaru dealer uses Castrol, can't remember what the local VW and Audi dealers use, i've not had to use either of them for 1 year and 3 years respectivly.

[danr55]

cheers guys. i think my pads are good for another hundred or so miles
so i think the car might be going back to the dealers for a half way service in the next week

[duffnote]

My dealer uses Shell Super Helix. Friend of mine who works for Shell says its the same supply as Castrol. Antifreeze - I top with Halfords own brand.

[danr55]

found out crossroads use castrol formula rs 10w 60...
is this good ?

[WR 1mposter]

WRC Tech recommend this also Dan