Gates Radiator Pressure Cap (RC122) High-Quality Part For Suzuki

Important

Always Check this product is correct for your vehicle before purchase.

Customer Feedback

We're dedicated to customer satisfaction, that's why our feedback is so great.

Over 10 Years Online

Experience is premium in the automotive business, and we have loads of it.

Free Expert Advice

Our experts are happy to answer your questions on oil or anything else we stock.

Genuine Uk Stock

All shipped from the UK

No Leak Guarantee

Any damages, we replace, no quibbles

Free Shipping

Free UK Mainland Shipping on all listings

Express Shipping Available

Upgrade your purchase to priority handling

60 Day Returns

Quick and efficient returns policy

In Brief:

  • Brand: Gates
  • Quantity: 1 Unit

Important

Always Check this product is correct for your vehicle before purchase.

Full Details:

FREE SHIPPING ✔ EBAY SELLER SINCE 2010 ✔ UK STOCK

Like all Gates' pressure caps, this Gates Radiator Pressure Cap (RC122) is constructed from corrosion-resistant, heavy gauge metal. This ensures a long service life accurate control of pressure.

This part meets or exceeds environmental regulatory standards to reduce air pollution, and is manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specifications in function, form and fit.

Pressure [bar]0,9
Outer diameter [mm]59
Height [mm]25
Pressure [psi]13

Customer Feedback

We're dedicated to customer satisfaction, that's why our feedback is so great.

Over 10 Years Online

Experience is premium in the automotive business, and we have loads of it.

Free Expert Advice

Our experts are happy to answer your questions on oil or anything else we stock.

Genuine Uk Stock

All shipped from the UK

No Leak Guarantee

Any damages, we replace, no quibbles

Free Shipping

Free UK Mainland Shipping on all listings

Express Shipping Available

Upgrade your purchase to priority handling

60 Day Returns

Quick and efficient returns policy

Benefits:

  • Meets or exceeds OEM specifications
  • Wide range of applications covering all makes and models
  • Engineered for precise pressure control
  • Requires no adjustment for installation

Cross Reference Details:

AUDI
  • 321121321C
DAIHATSU
  • 1640187706
  • 1640187709
DODGE
  • MB221633
IZH
  • 210731304010
  • 21161304010
  • 4021304010
  • 4121304010
LADA
  • 21011304010
  • 21051304010
  • 210731304010
  • 21073130401060
MAZDA
  • 076615205
  • SE0115205
MITSUBISHI
  • MB221633
MOSKVICH
  • 4121304010
PORSCHE
  • 92810625703
SUZUKI
  • 1792063210
  • 1792078000
TOYOTA
  • 1640123070
  • 1640140120
  • 1640141020
  • 1640141021
  • 1640760010
VW
  • 321121321C

Fitment / Compatibility Details:

Acura
  • Integra Petrol Saloon 1.5 1488cc 63KW 85HP D15A1
  • Integra Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1488cc 63KW 85HP D15A1
  • Integra Petrol Coupe 1.5 1488cc 63KW 85HP D15A1
Audi
  • 80 Petrol Saloon 1.5 1471cc 55KW 75HP YJ
  • 80 Petrol Saloon 1.5 1471cc 63KW 85HP ZC
  • 80 Petrol Saloon 1.6 GLE 1588cc 81KW 110HP YZ
  • 80 Petrol Saloon 1.6 GT 1584cc 74KW 100HP XX
  • 80 Petrol Saloon 1.6 GTE 1588cc 81KW 110HP YS
Daihatsu
  • Charade Petrol Hatchback 1.0 993cc 37KW 50HP CB 20
  • Charade Petrol Hatchback 1.0 993cc 38KW 52HP CB 20;CB 22
  • Charmant Petrol Saloon 1.3 1290cc 48KW 65HP 4K
  • Charmant Petrol Saloon 1.6 1588cc 57KW 78HP 4A
  • Charmant Petrol Saloon 1.6 1587cc 60KW 82HP 4A
  • Charmant Petrol Saloon 1.6 1587cc 61KW 83HP 4A
  • Charmant Petrol Saloon 1.6 1588cc 55KW 75HP 2T
  • Mira / Domino Petrol Hatchback 0.5 547cc 20KW 27HP AB 30
Honda
  • Integra Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1488cc 63KW 86HP D15A1
  • Prelude Petrol Coupe 2.0 i EX 16V Cat 1958cc 101KW 137HP B20A5
  • Prelude Petrol Coupe 2.0 i EX 16V 1958cc 103KW 140HP B20A9
IZH
  • Orbita Petrol Hatchback 1.6 1569cc 56KW 77HP VAZ2106
  • Orbita Petrol Hatchback 1.7 1702cc 63KW 86HP --
  • Orbita Petrol Estate 1.7 1702cc 63KW 86HP --
Lada
  • 1200-1500 Petrol Estate 1200 1198cc 44KW 60HP 2101
  • 1200-1500 Petrol Estate 1500 1452cc 55KW 75HP BA3 2103
  • 1200-1500 Petrol Estate 1.3 1300 1294cc 51KW 69HP BA3 2105
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1600 1569cc 58KW 79HP BA3 2106
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1500 1458cc 55KW 75HP BA3 2103
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1300 1294cc 51KW 69HP BA3 2105
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1200 L/S 1198cc 44KW 60HP 2101
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1.3 2106 1294cc 49KW 67HP BA3 2105
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1500 N/S 1452cc 55KW 75HP BA3 2103
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1300 1294cc 48KW 65HP BA3 21011;VAZ-21011
  • 1200-1600 Petrol Saloon 1600 N/L 1569cc 57KW 78HP BA3 2106
  • Nadeschda Petrol MPV 1.7 1690cc 58KW 79HP 21213
  • Nadeschda Petrol MPV 1.7 i 1690cc 59KW 80HP 21214-27
  • Nadeschda Petrol MPV 1.8 i 1774cc 67KW 91HP VAZ-2130.1
  • Nadeschda Petrol MPV 1.8 1774cc 60KW 82HP 2130
  • Niva Petrol SUV 1600 4x4 1569cc 63KW 86HP 2121
  • Niva Petrol SUV 1600 4x4 1569cc 54KW 73HP 2121
  • Niva Petrol SUV 1600 1569cc 56KW 76HP 2121
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1200 Junior/L 1198cc 44KW 60HP 2101
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1300 Spezial/L 1294cc 48KW 65HP BA3 2105
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1500 Special 1452cc 55KW 75HP BA3 2103
  • Riva Petrol Estate 1300 1294cc 48KW 65HP BA3 2105
  • Riva Petrol Estate 1500 1452cc 55KW 75HP BA3 2103
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1700 i Classic 1690cc 62KW 84HP B032123
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1.6 1569cc 57KW 77HP BA3 2106
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1500 1452cc 49KW 67HP BA3 2103
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1500 S 1499cc 52KW 71HP 21083
  • Riva Petrol Saloon 1600 1569cc 56KW 76HP BA3 2106
  • Riva Petrol Estate 1500 1452cc 49KW 67HP BA3 2103
  • Riva Petrol Estate 1700 1690cc 62KW 84HP B032123
  • Toscana Petrol Saloon 1300 1294cc 48KW 65HP BA3 2105
  • Toscana Petrol Saloon 1500 1452cc 55KW 75HP BA3 2103
Mazda
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1490cc 53KW 72HP E5
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.1 1071cc 41KW 56HP E1
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.3 1272cc 44KW 60HP T;TC
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.1 1071cc 40KW 54HP E1
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.3 1296cc 44KW 60HP E3
  • 323 Petrol Saloon 1.3 1296cc 44KW 60HP E3
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1490cc 55KW 75HP E5
  • 323 Petrol Saloon 1.5 1490cc 65KW 88HP E5
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1490cc 63KW 86HP E5
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1490cc 65KW 88HP E5
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.1 1071cc 40KW 54HP E1
  • 323 Petrol Saloon 1.5 1490cc 55KW 75HP E5
  • 323 Petrol Hatchback 1.3 1296cc 50KW 68HP E3
  • 323 Petrol Saloon 1.3 1296cc 50KW 68HP E3
  • 323 Petrol Saloon 1.1 1071cc 40KW 55HP E1
  • 929 Petrol Saloon 2.0 i GLX 1998cc 88KW 120HP FE (8V)
  • 929 Petrol Saloon 2.0 1998cc 74KW 101HP FE (8V)
  • B-Series Petrol Pickup 2.0 1998cc 65KW 88HP FE (8V)
  • B-Series Diesel Pickup 2.2 D 2184cc 47KW 64HP R290
  • B-Series Diesel Pickup 2.2 D 2184cc 46KW 63HP R290
  • B-Series Petrol Pickup 1.6 1587cc 60KW 82HP F6
  • Montrose Petrol Saloon 2.0 1970cc 66KW 90HP HE3;M;MA
Mitsubishi
  • Galant Petrol Estate 2.0 GLX 1997cc 75KW 102HP 4G63 (SOHC 8V)
  • Galant Petrol Saloon 2.0 GLS 1997cc 66KW 90HP G63B
  • Galant Petrol Saloon 2.0 GLS 1997cc 75KW 102HP 4G63 (SOHC 8V)
  • Galant Petrol Saloon 2.0 Turbo ECi 1997cc 110KW 150HP 4G63-T (SOHC 8V)
  • Pajero/Shogun Petrol SUV 2.6 4WD 2555cc 76KW 103HP 4G54
  • Pajero/Shogun Diesel SUV 2.3 TD 2346cc 62KW 84HP 4D55
  • Pajero/Shogun Petrol SUV (Open) 2.6 2555cc 76KW 103HP 4G54
  • Pajero/Shogun Diesel SUV (Open) 2.3 TD 2347cc 62KW 84HP 4D55-T
  • Pajero/Shogun Diesel SUV (Open) 2.5 TD 2477cc 62KW 84HP 4D56-T
  • Pajero/Shogun Diesel SUV 2.5 TD 2477cc 64KW 87HP 4D56-T
  • Tredia Petrol Saloon 1.4 GLX 1410cc 51KW 70HP 4G12
Moskvich
  • 2140 Petrol Saloon 1.5 1469cc 55KW 75HP UZAM412
  • AZLK 2137 Petrol Estate 1.5 1478cc 55KW 75HP AD52
  • AZLK 2140 Petrol Saloon 1.5 1478cc 55KW 75HP --
Porsche
  • 928 Petrol Coupe 5.0 S, S4 4957cc 235KW 320HP M 28.41
  • 928 Petrol Coupe 5.0 S4 Cat 4957cc 235KW 320HP M 28.41;M 28.42
  • 928 Petrol Coupe 5.0 GT 4957cc 243KW 330HP M 28.47
  • 928 Petrol Coupe 5.4 GTS 5397cc 257KW 350HP M 28.49;M 28.50
  • 928 Petrol Coupe 5.0 S 4957cc 212KW 288HP M 28.45;M 28.46
Suzuki
  • Alto Petrol Hatchback 0.8 796cc 29KW 39HP F8B
  • Carry Petrol Van 0.8 797cc 27KW 37HP F8A
  • Carry Petrol Platform/Chassis 0.8 797cc 27KW 37HP F8A
  • LJ80 Petrol SUV (Open) 0.8 797cc 29KW 39HP F8A
  • Samurai Petrol SUV 1.0 970cc 33KW 45HP F10A
  • SJ410 Petrol SUV (Open) 1.0 970cc 33KW 45HP F10A
  • SJ410 Petrol SUV 1.0 970cc 33KW 45HP F10A
  • SJ413 Petrol SUV 1.3 1324cc 44KW 60HP G13A
  • SJ413 Petrol SUV 1.3 1324cc 47KW 64HP G13A
  • SJ413 Petrol SUV (Open) 1.3 1324cc 47KW 64HP G13A
Toyota
  • Dyna Petrol Platform/Chassis 2.0 1994cc 72KW 98HP 5R
  • Dyna Diesel Platform/Chassis 3.4 D 3431cc 66KW 90HP 13B
  • Dyna Diesel Bus 2.4 D 2481cc 55KW 75HP 2J
  • Dyna Diesel Bus 3.4 D 3431cc 66KW 90HP 13B
  • Dyna 150 Diesel Platform/Chassis 3.4 D 3431cc 66KW 90HP 3B
  • Hiace Petrol Bus 1.6 1588cc 49KW 67HP 12R
  • Hiace Diesel Pickup 2.2 D 2188cc 49KW 67HP L
  • Hiace Diesel Bus 2.2 D 2188cc 49KW 67HP L
  • Hiace Petrol Van 2.0 1968cc 65KW 88HP 18R
  • Hiace Diesel Van 2.2 D 2188cc 49KW 67HP L
  • Hiace Petrol Van 1.6 1588cc 49KW 67HP 12R
  • LandCruiser Petrol SUV 2.4 2367cc 77KW 105HP 22R
  • LandCruiser Petrol SUV 2.4 2367cc 81KW 110HP 22R
  • LandCruiser Diesel SUV 4.0 Diesel 3980cc 74KW 101HP 2H
  • LandCruiser Petrol SUV 4.2 4230cc 88KW 120HP 2F
  • LandCruiser Diesel SUV 4.0 D 3980cc 77KW 105HP 2H
  • LandCruiser Petrol SUV (Open) 3.9 3878cc 96KW 131HP F
  • LandCruiser Petrol Pickup 4.2 4230cc 89KW 121HP 2F
  • LandCruiser Diesel Pickup 3.6 D 3576cc 66KW 90HP H
  • LandCruiser Diesel Pickup 4.0 D 3980cc 76KW 103HP 2H
  • LandCruiser Diesel Pickup 3.4 D 3432cc 66KW 90HP 3B
  • LandCruiser Petrol SUV 3.9 3878cc 96KW 131HP F
  • LandCruiser Petrol SUV 4.2 4230cc 89KW 121HP 2F
  • LandCruiser Diesel SUV 3.6 D 3576cc 66KW 90HP H
  • LandCruiser Diesel SUV 3.0 D 4WD 2977cc 59KW 80HP B
Triumph
  • Acclaim Petrol Saloon 1.3 1335cc 51KW 69HP EJ
VW
  • LT 28-50 Petrol Van 2.0 1984cc 55KW 75HP CH
  • LT 28-50 Petrol Platform/Chassis 2.0 1984cc 55KW 75HP CH
  • LT 28-50 Diesel Platform/Chassis 2.4 D 2383cc 51KW 69HP 1S;ACT
  • LT 28-50 Diesel Van 2.7 D 2702cc 48KW 65HP CG
  • LT 28-50 Diesel Platform/Chassis 2.7 D 2702cc 48KW 65HP CG
  • LT 28-50 Petrol Bus 2.0 1984cc 55KW 75HP CH
  • LT 40-55 Diesel Van 2.4 D 2383cc 55KW 75HP CP;DW
  • LT 40-55 Petrol Van 2.0 1984cc 55KW 75HP CH
  • LT 40-55 Petrol Platform/Chassis 2.0 1984cc 55KW 75HP CH
  • LT 40-55 Diesel Van 2.4 D 4WD 2383cc 55KW 75HP DW

About:

OPIE OILS was established in 1925 and has been trading on the Internet since 2004. In this time we have become the UK's largest independent online retailer of quality Oils and Fluids. We sell the most comprehensive range of quality and specialist oils for Cars and Bikes anywhere in Europe.

Available in our ebay shop are oils and fluids for all makes of cars and bikes, from the most extreme modern super cars and bikes to vintage cars and motorcycles. We stock engine oils, gear oils, differential and axle oils, brake fluids, power steering fluids, coolants and workshop products from Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Fuchs, Silkolene, Motul, Millers Oils, Millers Classic Oils and Red Line.

Unmatched Expertise, unrivalled Choice and great Value for money are what make Opie Oils the market leader.

OPIE KNOW OILS

Delivery:

Our products are delivered Free of charge, usually through Royal Mail or FedEx.

How long will it take to get my order?

After receiving cleared funds we will dispatch all orders within the time frame given on the item listing. The majority of items are held in stock and dispatched from our UK warehouse. UK delivery will take less than 7 working days (i.e. Monday to Friday inclusive), unless we contact you to advise otherwise. In case of Bank Holidays please allow an extra working day.

We may list products which are not held as stock and are special order items. In this instance delivery times may be longer, but we will advise you within one working day if this is the case. Some items may have a specific delivery lead time stated in the description which should also be observed.

Where can my order be delivered to?

Currently we usually only offer delivery throughout the UK. However, where items are eligible for eBay Global Shipping Programme, that will be displayed on the listing. As per eBay policy we can only send to the address that is entered on eBay checkout.

We regret that our couriers are not able to deliver to PO boxes, university campuses and military bases.

How will I know when my order will arrive?

You will receive confirmation once your order has been placed as well as a shipping notification on the day of despatch. Once we are notified of the tracking number, then we will update the dispatch details accordingly.

No Leak Guarantee

We send hundreds of parcels every week. No-one else specialising in the mail order of oils and fluids sends more - and we've been doing it for years. We know how to pack your parcel so that it reaches you safely.

We use high quality, custom made boxes to enable us to pack orders sensibly, offering optimum protection against courier damage.

If - despite our best efforts - any order is damaged, we'll replace it without question!

Returns:

We always want you to be satisfied with your order and pride ourselves on our customer service. If you wish to return goods, please note our returns policy and follow the directions below.

Cancellation and returns

You must obtain a Returns Authorisation Number before returning any goods. Please contact us for this. Please note that we ask for this to ensure any returns are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Our cancellation policy does not affect your rights when we are at fault, e.g. if goods are faulty or mis-described.

You can cancel your contract before delivery, and up to 14 working days after delivery through distance selling regulations. To do this please message us through eBay. We will refund your money, including the original postage charges through PayPal, within 30 days.

If you cancel, you must return the goods to us at your own expense. You are responsible for the risk of loss or damage when returning items, so you should take out appropriate insurance cover to meet their values.

Faulty Goods

If there is a problem with the goods please contact us to discuss the matter further.

If the goods are found to be faulty within a reasonable time after delivery, you may reject them and claim a full refund.

If a fault is found later on or if you delay in making a complaint you will still be entitled to a replacement. If a replacement is not available, you may be able to claim part or full refund of your money.

Liability

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that the goods are the correct fitment or application. We cannot accept responsibility for additional charges or consequential loss incurred if a product does not fit or does not give the desired results. Our liability is limited to the price paid for the goods only.

Making a Return

  1. We are happy to accept returned goods in the following circumstances:
    1. In the unlikely event we have sent incorrect goods (i.e. not what you ordered as shown on your order confirmation)
    2. When the goods are faulty or can be shown to be faulty within 6 months of purchase
    3. When the goods supplied do not fit your vehicle and we provided incorrect guidance to you as to which product/s were suitable. We ask that you return the goods in the original packaging, clean and resaleable.
    4. In any circumstance within 30 days of you receiving the goods. This is your 14 day right to cancel under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 plus an additional 16 days we offer to our eBay customers
  2. In any of the above circumstances, we will refund the cost of all monies paid, including the cost of the postage you paid for us to deliver the goods to you.
  3. We will additionally refund the cost of return postage to us in circumstances a, b and c above.
  4. However, if you are cancelling your contract with us under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations, you will need to return the goods to us at your expense.
  5. In all circumstances, we recommend that you obtain proof of delivery. If the goods are of a value exceeding 100 x the cost of a 1st class Royal Mail letter stamp, you should obtain insurance against loss.
  6. You must obtain a Returns Authorisation Number before returning any goods
  7. Please note, failure to follow the returns procedure may cause delay in your return, exchange or refund.
  8. Please return any goods with their original packaging to:

    Ebay Returns,
    Opie Oils,
    The Fuel Depot,
    Cardrew Industrial Estate,
    REDRUTH,
    TR15 1SS

Feedback:

At Opie Oils we believe in 100% customer satisfaction and are very proud to say that our feedback reflects this.

In the unlikely event that you are not 100% satisfied then please give us the opportunity to resolve any issues you may have before leaving feedback.

You can contact us through the eBay Messaging Service. We aim to respond to any correspondence within 1 working day.

FAQ:

Delivery / Returns Information:

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

We will aim to dispatch all orders within 1 working day of receiving cleared funds (Monday to Friday). The vast majority of items are held in stock and dispatched from our UK warehouse. UK delivery will take less than 7 working days (i.e. Monday to Friday inclusive), unless we contact you to advise otherwise. In case of Bank Holidays please allow an extra working day.

We may list products which are not held as stock and are special order items. In this instance delivery times may be longer, but we will advise you within one working day if this is the case. Some items may have a specific delivery lead time stated in the description which should also be observed.

Which Courier do you use?

The vast majority of orders sent to UK destinations are sent via FedEx and UKMail. Smaller low value orders are despatched using Royal Mail.Deliveries will take place between the hours of 8 am to 6 pm. If you are out when the courier arrives, the courier will attempt delivery on the next working day and will leave a card to confirm.

FedEx and UKMail will normally attempt to deliver the item twice before returning the item to us. If your item is sent by Royal Mail and no one is in to take delivery, you will be left a card and your item will be held at a local Royal Mail depot for collection. Please ensure someone is present to sign for the item. Should the item be returned to us we will have to charge for re-delivery.

What is your Returns Policy?

Please see our returns information on the Returns tab.

How can I return items that I have ordered in error?

Please see our returns information on the Returns tab.

How do I get my Tracking No?

Once we are notified of the tracking number, then we will update the dispatch details accordingly.

To where can my order be delivered?

We can usually only offer delivery throughout the UK, however where a listing is elibible for eBay Global Shipping Programme you will see this on the listing.. As per eBay policy we can only send to the address that is entered on eBay checkout.

We regret that our couriers are not able to deliver to PO boxes, university campuses and military bases.

Oil Information:

Why is one synthetic oil so much more expensive than another?

There are three types of synthetic oils; Hydrocracked, Polyalphaolefin (PAO) and Ester oils.

Hydrocracked oils are not really synthetic at all; they are highly refined and modified mineral oils that (due largely to the outcome of a landmark court case) can legally be sold as synthetic oils. All cheaper oils and the 'synthetic' component of part-synthetic or semi-synthetic oils are hydrocracked mineral oils.

PAO synthetics are genuine, lab-made synthetic oils that are better lubricants than hydrocracked oils as they are built for their specific use, rather than the hydrocracked oils that are modified to perform a purpose.

Ester based oils are the top end of oil technology and give the best protection available. The ester content (usually ester oils are mixed with PAO oils) has several functions that are very useful. Esters are electrostatically charged so they stick to metal surfaces, meaning that when the vehicle is started, there is already a layer of oil present. They are also more stable at higher temperatures, making them ideal as performance lubricants. The ester content also helps to make those oils better lubricants in general.

Is it okay to mix oils?

Generally speaking, yes! Mixing oil brands, types (synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral) and viscosities is fine. There are a few exceptions;castor and plant based (as used in some biodegradable oils) are not safe to mix with conventional oils. The only problem with mixing oils is that the quality of the better oil is diluted by the lesser one.

Do I need a diesel or petrol oil for my car?

In the case of cars with diesel particulate filters (DPFs/FAPs), they will often need an oil that meets an ACEA C specification, which relates to low ash oils. The ACEA specification of an oil is always written on the bottle (so long as it meets the spec!) The use of oils that do not meet the correct ACEA C specification can result in the particulate filter becoming blocked, an expensive repair.

Other than that, there isn't really such a thing as a diesel engine oil as the vast majority of oils are suitable for both petrol and diesel engines, regardless of how they are marketed. If you look at the specifications listed on an oil, there is usually an ACEA A and an ACEA B specification. The A refers to petrol engine specifications and B to diesel. You will see that the numbers next to the letters are either the same or very close, meaning that the oil is suitable for both types of engine.

Many car manufacturers have their own specifications and as long as the oil meets the relevant one, there is no need to consider the ACEA specifications as they will be part of the manufacturer ones.

How often should I change my oil?

The life of the oil is dependent on many factors.

Full synthetic oils last longer than semi-synthetics or mineral oils, so although they may cost more in the first place, a full synthetic can work out as a cheaper option in the long run. Many cars specify the use of full synthetic long-life oils and these may last over 20000 miles or up to 24 months.

If the car is used on track, the oil is subjected to far harsher conditions than motorway use. That may mean that a good track oil will have broken down sufficiently to need changing after 10 hours of use, whereas the same oil would be good for over 100 hours of use on motorways. Short journeys are very hard on the oil as it does not get the chance to get warm and flow properly as well as acceleration and deceleration making the engine work harder. Motorway use is the easiest condition for oil, the speeds are fairly consistent and rarely push the engine hard, there is plenty of air flow to help cool the engine and the oil has a chance to get up to temperature and flow properly.

Certain engines suffer from fuel dilution (fuel mixing with the oil) and that is one of the quickest ways that an oil can breakdown.

Should I use an oil additive?

Generally, no. Good quality engine oils already contain a complex additive pack including detergents and dispersants, anti-wear, anti-corrosion and anti-foaming additives. The only additives we sometimes advise using are the limited slip differential friction modifiers, for certain differentials, and engine oil additives to assist in the process of breaking in a new engine.

My engine burns oil - should I use a thicker one?

It depends on the engine, what sort of use it gets, how much oil is being used and type of oil being used.

Certain engines really prefer a specific grade of oil to operate optimally, others aren't so fussy. It's best to ask us if you aren't sure if your car can use a range of different viscosity oils.

Most car manufacturers consider it acceptable for an engine to burn a litre of oil every 1000 miles or in some cases, 1000km. While topping up the oil at that frequency may be annoying and possibly expensive, there is generally nothing to worry about.

Using a full synthetic oil may help to reduce oil consumption if a mineral or semi-synthetic oil is being used. Mineral based oils consist of a mix of different sized molecules and the smaller ones can evaporate and then burn relatively easily, increasing the rate of oil consumption. The molecules in synthetic oils are uniform, so they are less likely to evaporate and burn.

My car is only being used on the road - do I need a full synthetic oil?

It depends on the car. Certain manufacturers specify that oils must be synthetic to meet the warranty requirements, so by using a more basic oil, your warranty can be invalidated

If your car has a diesel particulate filter, all the oils that meet the ACEA C specifications are synthetic and by not using one of those, the filter will become blocked.

If a car requires a 0w-x grade of oil, then it must be a genuine synthetic oil as it is impossible to make an 0w viscosity oil from mineral oils.

Even in cars that do not need oil that meet the above criteria, most of the time a synthetic oil is a preferable option as they give better protection and last longer. This is very relevant in engines used on track.

Will using a certain oil help my engine to make more power?

When a top quality oil of the correct viscosity is used, a vehicle may actually have a higher power output at the wheels than with other oils. The 'gain' in power is actually a reduction of the power lost in the engine. Internal resistance due to pumping losses and viscous drag and friction is where power is lost and minimising those will lead to more efficient running. Using a good oil reduces the friction as well as increases the protection.

A common approach to lubricating a powerful engine is to use as thick an oil as is available, but that adds to the internal resistance as the engine has to work harder to move the oil. That can also lead to increased wear in the engine as the oil does not flow as well as the engine would like. Often an increase in the quality of the oil used rather than the viscosity will be sufficient for many modified cars and that will actually give better protection as well as a slightly increased power output.

What colour is oil?

Automotive oils are naturally clear, not the amber colour that people assume they are. The reason they are often amber coloured is due to a dye manufacturers add and is only added as people assume oils should be a certain colour.

There are many oils on the market that differ from the 'norm' and this is simply due to the addition of different coloured dyes. The dyes have no actual benefit to the oil, other than making it stand out as different to the rest.

Why does my oil turn black?

As well as lubricating an engine, another important feature of oil is that it cleans, removing combustion by-products from the engine and keeping them in suspension in the oil. This prevents the by-products from settling and building up as deposits in the engine.

Should I use an oil flush?

In the vast majority of cases, there is no need to flush the engine and flushing can be harmful. What can happen is the flush can loosen harmless deposits in the engine, but then not remove them. Your new oil goes in and after it gets warm and is flowing nicely, the bits which are loosened come off into the oil, so you end up with hard bits floating around in your oil - the last thing you want! If you really want to flush the oil system, the best thing you can do is drain out the oil that is in there, put in some basic mineral oil and run the car for a short while so the oil gets nice and warm. After running it, drain out the mineral oil and put in the correct oil.

What oil should I use to run in an engine?

A basic mineral oil should be used for running in as friction between the piston rings and cylinder linings is needed to allow the engine to bed in properly. If a synthetic oil is used, it prevents sufficient friction being generated and can lead to the bores becoming glazed. That causes a loss of power and increased oil consumption. We also sell specialist running in oil and trouble-shooting products to assist with running-in.

My garage recommends a brand of oil in my car, you recommend something different

So is our recommendation safe to use? Yes, absolutely. Garages often only stock one brand of oil, so they suggest that you should use that, but as we stock several brands, we often have something from a different manufacturer that will be as good if not better than the oil the garage uses.