Halfords oil Forums

thesnail

Anybody any feelings, or info on using Halfords own brand engine oil?

I see that Halfords oil is about half price to the other popular brands (Castrol, etc ) according to the specification on the tin they are both the same.

so now the big question, will the cheaper oil give the same protection, and does the specification, mean that both oils are the same?

Any views (especially well informed technical ones ) would be appreciated.

Bryan

maddie

Hi Bryan,if both same spec then both same level of protection--- watch for oil types ie synthectic , semi syn . or normal---sny is better than semi as semi is better than normal
terry

DubPaul

Halfords oil is fine.

I used their classic oil and it's rebranded Duckhams I think.

bandaid

I'm no expert, not a chemist or petro- chemical engineer, but, in my opinion, so not a fact, I remember being told that the important stuff is the specifications, if they are what the engine manufacturer recommends, I would say you'd be ok.

I reckon its probably the same as Tesco's cornflakes and Kelloggs....same manufacturer , different name and price.

However, this is just my opinion, running my engines on the cheaper oil has had no detrimental effect, to my knowedge. Although I do change engine oil every 6 months, so If I save anything, its probably not alot. Rolling Eyes

bigbazza

Quote
Hi Bryan,if both same spec then both same level of protection--- watch for oil types ie synthectic , semi syn . or normal---sny is better than semi as semi is better than normal
terry

Qiute right but don't mix them as a friend of mine did.

bandaid

it would appear,

at long last

I got something right Rolling Eyes

vmeldrew

homenaway

Hi,

I've used Halfords "Part" synthetic (rather than "semi" these days!) when I've done my own oil changes between garage services without problems.
At one time it was supplied to them by Comma but they probably change suppliers from time to time Smile

I always use a Peugeot OEM filter which is sometimes as cheap as the Halfords filter and have been supplied with both Vauxhall branded and Motaquip oil at our Peugeot main dealer spares desk at various times, but provided it meets the various international specs for your vehicle there shouldn't be a problem.

Do you know what brand of oil the average garage uses?

On my recent garage service bill the semi-synth oil was listed at £22+VAT for six litres.

Steve

teemyob

Hello there,

I do our own oil changes on Truck, Van and cars.

I have tried all different brands with the same spcification and only found two exceptions over the years.

A) VW longlife (Castriol) oils are expensive but good for use in engines that do a lot of town miles.
B) Mobil 1, the original Fully Synthetic is just that bit better than the other known and unknown brands with the same specification, lasting around 20% longer. However, the price tag does not justify this.

I tend to buy oil in French Hypermarkets as it is much cheaper. Auchans own brand is sold along the lines of....

Auchan Own Brand Fully Synthetic from €17 for 5 litres
Auchan also had some offers on Shell Helix Recenlty and 10w-40 Semi was only €15 for 5 literes.

In Summer I use Semi Sythetic 10w-40
In Winter 0w-40

There are some good buys on ebay! 25 litres fully sythetic going for around £50 + £8.99 postage.

Hope this helps,
Trev.

gaspode · Moderator

Most independent garages (and many main dealers) use "Comma" oils in my experience (and I've been in more garages than I care to remember). It shouldn't make any difference which manufacturer produces the oil as long as it meets the specification laid down by the vehicle manufacturer.

Synthetic oils are usually manufactured to a higher specification than semi-synthetics so it's true to say that semi-synthetics should not be used where a full synthetic is specified. The other way around should be OK as the synthetic would almost certainly exceed the makers specification - it would be a waste of money though.