ARTICLE: Synthetic oil vs Mineral oil

tsk1979 · 5th June 2007, 22:33

When SM is as cheap as SL, why go for SL?
SL was introduced way back in 1998, now its SJ(since 2004)

Hellcat · 15th June 2007, 19:59

As all of us know Gearbox oil is essentially the same as engine oil.
I am looking to change the gearbox oil in my 2005 Baleno shortly.
What is the best oil for the gearbox? Please do give your inputs in terms of Brand/Performance/Grade and availability.

Sorry to post it in this section, as I didn’t want to start another thread.

Appreciate all the help in advance.

Cheers
Hellcat

Sam Kapasi · 15th June 2007, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellcat

As all of us know Gearbox oil is essentially the same as engine oil.

Is it? I didn't know that.
Anyways, after doing some research for my Lancer, I was told that the best available option is Elf. It is called Gearelf4 and comes in a red plastic dabba.
Here is a photo that can help you.

I have no comparitive tests, but I used it in my (well-loved) lancer and I am most happy.

PatienceWins · 15th June 2007, 22:33

Is Shell Helix 15W-50 suitable for Hyundai Getz 1.3?
The user manual says 10W-30. What are the options? Thought about Shell as it is available in shell petrol pump. Where can I get synthetic oil in bangalore?
Have a nice day.

tsk1979 · 15th June 2007, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

Is Shell Helix 15W-50 suitable for Hyundai Getz 1.3?
The user manual says 10W-30. What are the options? Thought about Shell as it is available in shell petrol pump. Where can I get synthetic oil in bangalore?
Have a nice day.

In Delhi heat 10W30 will fry your engine. Thats for europe. For summers 20W50 and for winters 15W40 is best.
15W40 is most popular nowadays as all weather oil.

Hellcat · 16th June 2007, 10:28

Thanks Sam, I have got good reviews on Gearelf4,
Guys any other brands I can consider, what about mobil/shell/castrol or any other brand do they have any gearbox oil.

Hellcat

ad75 · 16th June 2007, 13:52

my bother's indigo TDI is due for an oil change
which is the best Shell synthetic oil for this car
shell helix ultra 15w50 or shell helix super 15w40.
usage 70% city 30% highway.

paras211 · 16th June 2007, 14:07

i bought an extra litre of castrol sport synthetic oil for my corolla so it went into my ill maintaned pulsar its become super smooth
i used to shift at 5k revs now i am doing it at 7k i mean it sounds 5k before but dont know the effexts on my corolla because i got a freeflow too as i got my oil change

btw toyota says 10000km oil change with mineral oil what bout synthetic ?? when should i change?

shuvc · 16th June 2007, 15:52

Car is due for 20K service. I am contemplating switching to synthetic.
MUL service engineer has agreed to put in oil that I bring in. He'll arrange for the flushing. His only criteria was - externally brought oil should be of the same grade recommended for the Baleno - 15W40.
# Is Mobil1 available in Kolkata ?
# Mobil1 is 5W50, right ? In that case what should be my argument, if the service engineer says it's not 15W40 and hence he cannot put it in.
# Are there any 15W40 synthetics available ?
# My fallback option is Castrol Magnatec of the required grade

ps: I would prefer to get the oil change done at the dealer workshop as I don't know of any reliable mechanic outside.

nitrous · 16th June 2007, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellcat

As all of us know Gearbox oil is essentially the same as engine oil.

STOP! or ur gearbox will break!
Gearbox oil and engine oil is different.GB oil is denser.

Hellcat · 16th June 2007, 17:07

Nitrous my friend, you got it all wrong, I know that both the oil's are different, my question is what is a better alternative for the company provided gearbox oil?

Hellcat

tsk1979 · 16th June 2007, 17:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad75

my bother's indigo TDI is due for an oil change
which is the best Shell synthetic oil for this car
shell helix ultra 15w50 or shell helix super 15w40.
usage 70% city 30% highway.

15W50 is certainly better. Moreover the ultra is API-CG as compared to super which is API-CF4

PatienceWins · 17th June 2007, 10:43

Hyundai says I should go for 20W-40 for my Getz. Is it alright if I go for Shell Ultra 15W-50? What are the options I have for 20W-40?

Btw, Any reliable place in Bangalore to get Synthetic oil?

jkdas · 17th June 2007, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

Hyundai says I should go for 20W-40 for my Getz. Is it alright if I go for Shell Ultra 15W-50? What are the options I have for 20W-40?

Btw, Any reliable place in Bangalore to get Synthetic oil?

Dude, check the old post. Theres' a shop called General Motors near JC Road.

I use Mobil Syn for my Xing. The performance difference is awesome!

tadukuttan · 17th June 2007, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsk1979

15W50 is certainly better. Moreover the ultra is API-CG as compared to super which is API-CF4

Are you sure about that one? The cans of Shell Helix Ultra 15w-50 I have been getting have these specs - API SL/CF, ACEA A3/B3/B4 98, JASO SG, Diamler Chrysler 229.1, VW 501 and 505 etc. And approvals from Ferrari, Porche, Rover etc.

Or maybe this is old stock, and the newer ones are API-CG?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

Hyundai says I should go for 20W-40 for my Getz. Is it alright if I go for Shell Ultra 15W-50? What are the options I have for 20W-40?

Not sure there are a lot of options available in Bangalore. I use Shell Helix Ultra 15w-50. Works better for me compared to Mobil 1 5w-50. Dont think that is meant for Elantra. And then to confirm my judgment, somebody else I know on the forum blew a few bearings in his CRDi Engine with Mobil 1.

So Shell it is, until there are reliable places in Bangalore to get Mobil 1 from, and of course, they need to stop charging those silly rates as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

Btw, Any reliable place in Bangalore to get Synthetic oil?

Shell gas stations, especially the one on Vittal Mallya Road. The other shell stations run out of stock every now and then.

Price a month ago was Rs. 2750/- for 4 liters.

5th June 2007, 22:33	#316
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	When SM is as cheap as SL, why go for SL? SL was introduced way back in 1998, now its SJ(since 2004)
	() Thanks

15th June 2007, 19:59	#317
Hellcat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 222 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	As all of us know Gearbox oil is essentially the same as engine oil. I am looking to change the gearbox oil in my 2005 Baleno shortly. What is the best oil for the gearbox? Please do give your inputs in terms of Brand/Performance/Grade and availability. Sorry to post it in this section, as I didn’t want to start another thread. Appreciate all the help in advance. Cheers Hellcat
	() Thanks

15th June 2007, 22:33	#319
PatienceWins Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,416 Thanked: 807 Times View My Garage	Is Shell Helix 15W-50 suitable for Hyundai Getz 1.3? The user manual says 10W-30. What are the options? Thought about Shell as it is available in shell petrol pump. Where can I get synthetic oil in bangalore? Have a nice day.
	() Thanks

16th June 2007, 10:28	#321
Hellcat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 222 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	Thanks Sam, I have got good reviews on Gearelf4, Guys any other brands I can consider, what about mobil/shell/castrol or any other brand do they have any gearbox oil. Hellcat Last edited by Hellcat : 16th June 2007 at 10:29.
	() Thanks

16th June 2007, 13:52	#322
ad75 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 271 Thanked: 25 Times View My Garage	my bother's indigo TDI is due for an oil change which is the best Shell synthetic oil for this car shell helix ultra 15w50 or shell helix super 15w40. usage 70% city 30% highway.
	() Thanks

16th June 2007, 14:07	#323
paras211 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 646 Thanked: 108 Times View My Garage	i bought an extra litre of castrol sport synthetic oil for my corolla so it went into my ill maintaned pulsar its become super smooth i used to shift at 5k revs now i am doing it at 7k i mean it sounds 5k before but dont know the effexts on my corolla because i got a freeflow too as i got my oil change btw toyota says 10000km oil change with mineral oil what bout synthetic ?? when should i change?
	() Thanks

16th June 2007, 15:52	#324
shuvc Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kolkata Posts: 2,913 Thanked: 352 Times View My Garage	Car is due for 20K service. I am contemplating switching to synthetic. MUL service engineer has agreed to put in oil that I bring in. He'll arrange for the flushing. His only criteria was - externally brought oil should be of the same grade recommended for the Baleno - 15W40. # Is Mobil1 available in Kolkata ? # Mobil1 is 5W50, right ? In that case what should be my argument, if the service engineer says it's not 15W40 and hence he cannot put it in. # Are there any 15W40 synthetics available ? # My fallback option is Castrol Magnatec of the required grade ps: I would prefer to get the oil change done at the dealer workshop as I don't know of any reliable mechanic outside.
	() Thanks

16th June 2007, 17:07	#326
Hellcat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 222 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	Nitrous my friend, you got it all wrong, I know that both the oil's are different, my question is what is a better alternative for the company provided gearbox oil? Hellcat
	() Thanks

17th June 2007, 10:43	#328
PatienceWins Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,416 Thanked: 807 Times View My Garage	Hyundai says I should go for 20W-40 for my Getz. Is it alright if I go for Shell Ultra 15W-50? What are the options I have for 20W-40? Btw, Any reliable place in Bangalore to get Synthetic oil?
	() Thanks