A general chat over the counter at my main VX agent proved illuminating.
1
The new Vectra serviceing interval is recommended at a maximum of 20K miles or two years. Diesels 30K or two years
2
The spec for the petrol engined cars factory filled oil is 0W-30 Super synthetic.
3
My understanding is that bedding in a new engine with synthetic oils is not recommended, as the lubricity of the oil is to efficient.
4
Engines not properly "bedded in" can have a substantially increased oil consumption.
5
The industry pandering to the fleet market is the main driver for the large service intervals described. What value do you now put on a fully stamped service book?
6
Imagine a new Vectra towing a caravan in the south of Europe in mid summer, when ambient temperatures are elevated. This oil must be at "the end of its (specification) tether" irrespective of when it was last changed
What is the secondhand market going to recieve four years down the line I wonder?
Julian Lindley
|
Vauxhall has serious problems with the oil lights coming on in new Vectra 2.2DIs. And these are press fleet cars. Can't work out if it's too much oil going to the head, or what.
HJ
|
In response to JL's point 6 - As a caravanner I would be horrified to discover that factory fitted oil was only -30. When towing, in this country, the cooling ability of most cars is stretched because the continuous power requirement is doubled or trebled. From experience, this specifically includes Vauxhalls. In these circumstances I would want to fit an outsize oil cooler, Evo style, before venturing to even hotter climes like France in summer.
In my view, this move of Vauxhalls is pandering to the fleets with absolutely no regard for medium or long-term customers.
|
Take it from an engineer IN the automotive R+D business - you're second paragraph is true of all the OEMs. It's refered to as "Cost of Ownership". It's all about reducing CoO - nothing to do with extending the life of your motor.
Think about this too: with massively improved materials and build processes these days, with good care just about any car is capable of lasting many years and many 0,000's of miles - manufacturers have to find some way to make sure cars are worn out after 10yrs/100k to keep up new sales.
The OEM service schedule should be regarded as the MINIMUM amount of servicing required for a car to last a reasonable (generally 12yrs/150k) life. If you want to protect your investment and make it last 2 decades and several 00,000 miles then MORE servicing will be required.
|
|
|
|
HJ,
Is the 2.2 DTI engine different to the one used in the previous model Vectra? Does it have a reputation like the 2.0 DI and DTI for using oil? Just curious.
Regards,
Richard
|
|
So am I doing right by allowing the Fiesta to run in on the factory oil? I'm thinking of changing it every 5,000 miles after the first 10K service.
|
|
Most manufacturers use a factory fill oil which is not the same as they recommend for service.It usually contains less additives in an effort to speed up the running-in process.
|
"The new Vectra serviceing interval is recommended at a
maximum of 20K miles or two years. Diesels 30K or two years"
Apart from the alarming prospect that, for an average mileage driver, the mechanics of a Vauxhall diesel will not be inspected, by a technician, for at least two years, I had thought that, because the engine oil, in a diesel, collects a higher proportion of soot and other contaminents, diesel engine oil change periods should be shorter than those of a similar petrol engine. Have Vauxhall now found some wonder oil which is designed to bring in much needed, and lucrative, repair work for their dealer network?
Stamped on the cover of every vehicle handbook, should be this legend. "Oil is much cheaper than engines"
|
|
Do I really have to start worrying about my Astra oil-changes all over again? (big sigh)
|
Do I really have to start worrying about my Astra oil-changes all over again?
From memory of your earlier posts HF, yours is a 1992 Astra Diesel, IIRC? Best consult your handbook, but again from memory, yours is probably due a oil change at around every 5,000 miles.
|
From memory of your earlier posts HF, yours is a 1992 Astra Diesel, IIRC? Best consult your handbook, but again from memory, yours is probably due a oil change at around every 5,000 miles.
>>
Thanks Dynamic, yes you do recall correctly. Will consult handbook when I finally get it.
Since I only do about 5,000 miles per year, should I be looking at 6-monthly oil changes or is once a year good enough?
|
"Since I only do about 5,000 miles per year, should I be looking at 6-monthly oil changes or is once a year good enough? "
Well I suppose some people will say every 6 months but SWMBO's Puggott 106 D is changed every year. Lasted 9 years and 38K miles so far and no signs of wear yet..
Mind you if it was a turbo, might change more often.
madf
|
|
|
Since I only do about 5,000 miles per year, should I be looking at 6-monthly oil changes or is once a year good enough?
Like most, if not all other Vauxhalls, the handbook most probably suggests x mileage or yearly - whichever comes sooner. Your local Vaux franchise should be able to advise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
