[n_aditya]

Finally toying with the thought of switching to Synthetic oil. Read through the posts and Mobil1 seems to be the preferred choice.

Just need a few clarifications guys...

One of the people who would change the oil for me (after the engine flush of course) said that the grade of mobil1 used would be 0W40.

I have an esteem mpfi which has clocked around 51,000 kms. Which grade of Mobil1 synth oil is best and how much would i end up shelling out per liter? I drive mostly in chennai where the weather is mostly hot and humid, and driving style is pretty spirited. No redlining but i do shift at around 5k RPM often.

I was told that only the oil would cost around INR 3.6k to 3.8k for 4 ltrs. Flushing agent and oil filter plus labor etc is extra.

Planning to get this done next weekend. Is it also necessary to change the oil filter to K&N or OE oil filter is sufficient?

Also read here that flushing needs to be done on a cold engine, while the guy mentioned otherwise. Do i need to wait for the engine to cool down before flushing? If yes cool down as in temp guage at C or practically cold like early morning first start condition?

[Jaggu]

Replies inline in bold.

Originally Posted by n_aditya

One of the people who would change the oil for me (after the engine flush of course) said that the grade of mobil1 used would be 0W40.

Thats fine

I have an esteem mpfi which has clocked around 51,000 kms. Which grade of Mobil1 synth oil is best and how much would i end up shelling out per liter? I drive mostly in chennai where the weather is mostly hot and humid, and driving style is pretty spirited. No redlining but i do shift at around 5k RPM often.

Try getting 0W50 if available, otherwise 0W40 is fine


Also read here that flushing needs to be done on a cold engine, while the guy mentioned otherwise.

Flushing agent needs to be added and run the engine for sometime as prescribed in the flushing agent cover/can.

No usually its done on hot engine (check the flush can), yes its better to open the drain plug once the engine cools to avoid any burn injury.

Also remember to open the oil fill plug and dip stick to let the oil out completely. Also remove the oil filter and wait for a minute or two to let the residue oil drain out.

Do i need to wait for the engine to cool down before flushing? If yes cool down as in temp guage at C or practically cold like early morning first start condition?

Absolutely not required

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by Jaggu

Replies inline in bold.

Hey that was super quick. Thanks a ton Jaggu. Any idea of how much Mobil1 0W40 or 0W50 retails for? I was quoted 3.8k for 4 liters. Is it a good buy?

[Jaggu]

Prices am not sure, i think when i bought last time 1.5 years back i paid 800 per liter (i really dont remember) maybe nitrous can help. Coming to think of it, he is the right person to contact in Chennai.

[n_aditya]

thanks again for the prompt reply Jaggu.

Just another small query.... Any opinions on Shell Helix Ultra (synthetic)? Price difference b/w Shell and Mobil1 is around 1k for 4 liters. Is it justified to go ahead with Shell synth oil? How does it compare with Mobil1?

Isn't 0W40 or 0W50 overkill for Chennai? It simply does not get that cold there, and there must be limit to cold-start benefits when 20W~ is considered 'normal'.

5W50 or 10W50 oil will be just fine; brand, pricing, availability etc are dealer issues.

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by SuperSyn

5W50 or 10W50 oil will be just fine; brand, pricing, availability etc are dealer issues.

As rightly pointed out 0Wxx is definitely an overkill in chennai.

Will pick up 5W50 or 10W50. Do you think i should go for Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil1?

[yogi1771]

Have been using Shell Helix Ultra 15w50 in my car no complaints whatsoever

[Jaggu]

Yes you dont require the 0 in the 0Wxx for Chennai and hence i recommended the xx to be high. BUT as far as my exp goes Mobil 1 is Mobil 1, only Motul has been/can be referred as good in Inidan context.

If you are leaning towards Shell i suggest Castrol Magnatec another fine brew at a very affordable cost

[nitrous]

IMO, Castrol magnatec is bare minimum oil for a Team-BHPian.
But, Shell Helix Ultra is fully-synthetic and Magnatec is semi-synthetic.
And we know which is better.

[Jaggu]

and i was suggesting cheaper but good option, me says mobil way better than shell

[rr_zen]

Originally Posted by n_aditya

As rightly pointed out 0Wxx is definitely an overkill in chennai.

Will pick up 5W50 or 10W50. Do you think i should go for Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil1?

@aditya: I think 5W50 should be the ideal choice as opposed to 0WXX. When you have decided to go in for synthetic oil, why compromise on quality. I would urge you to opt for Mobil 1.

Also, let me know how the entire process goes as thats one of the items on cards for my Esteem too, once am back.

As far as sourcing it is concerned, I remember Nitrous mentioning in this very thread that he can help out with that.

[n_aditya]

Stopped on my way home yesterday at the Shell Bunk in Vadaplani Chennai and . They have stopped stocking Shell Helix Ultra (synth) as the demand is very less and its expensive.

The staff was courteous to offer to check in the warehouse and keep me posted though. I prefer Shell as the price difference is 1k (?) and oil change intervals are no different between the two.

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by rr_zen

Also, let me know how the entire process goes as thats one of the items on cards for my Esteem too, once am back.

Sure dude. Will post an update soon. Planning to do this oil change activity next weekend. Month end na.

[rohan_fonseca]

Any feedbacks on castrol edge 5w40? May have been asked before but no definative reply.