Gates VULCO-FLEX II Radiator Hose 550X35 (VFII-278) OE Quality Part For Ford

Important

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

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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

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Express Shipping Available

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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

This VULCO-FLEX II Radiator Hose 550X35 part number: VFII-278 is part of the OE matching, high quality Hoses & Connectors range offered by Gates and available at Opie Oils!

Automotive and industrial hose applications become more demanding every day. New rubber compounds, higher working pressures and temperatures, stricter environmental and safety regulations all make the hose and connector selection process a challenge. The traditional practice of mixing and matching hoses and fittings from different manufacturers carries a risk of poor quality or incorrectly fabricated hose assemblies. This can cause equipment damage, engine failure and more

Gates engineer OE matching or exceeding quality hoses and connectors that can withstand sever operating temperature and pressures to keep your engine operating at peak performance.

Hose Length [mm]550
Inner diameter 1 [mm]35
Inner diameter 2 [mm]35
Observe broschure

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:

  • Engineered to resist electrochemical degradation, the leading cause of hose failure.
  • Matches or exceeds OE quality
  • Ensures perfectly sealed conditions

Cross Reference Details:

CHEVROLET
  • 96419283
OPEL
  • 1336870
VAUXHALL
  • 1336870

Fitment / Compatibility Details:

Fiat
  • Regata Petrol Saloon 75 1.5 1498cc 55KW 75HP 138 C3.048
  • Regata Petrol Saloon 85 1.6 1585cc 60KW 82HP 149 A.000
  • Regata Petrol Saloon 70 1.3 1301cc 50KW 68HP 138 B2.000
  • Regata Petrol Estate 85 1.5 1498cc 60KW 82HP 138 B3.000
  • Regata Petrol Saloon 70 1.3 1301cc 48KW 65HP 149 A3.000;149 A7.000
  • Regata Petrol Saloon 85 1.5 1498cc 58KW 79HP 149 A5.000
  • Regata Petrol Saloon 85 Super 1.5 1498cc 60KW 82HP 138 B3.000
  • Regata Diesel Saloon 60 Diesel 1.7 1714cc 43KW 58HP 138 B6.000
  • Regata Petrol Estate 75 1.5 1498cc 55KW 75HP 138 B3.048;138 C2.048;138 C3.048;149 C1.000
  • Regata Petrol Estate 1.6 1585cc 60KW 82HP 149 A.000
  • Strada Petrol Hatchback 1.1 1116cc 40KW 55HP 138 B.000;138 B1.000;138 C1.000
  • Strada Petrol Hatchback 1.1 1116cc 43KW 58HP 146 A4.048
  • Strada Petrol Hatchback 1.3 1301cc 50KW 68HP 138 B2.000
  • Strada Petrol Hatchback 1.5 1498cc 63KW 85HP 138 A4.000
  • Strada Diesel Hatchback 1.7 Diesel 1714cc 40KW 55HP 138 A5.000
  • Strada Petrol Convertible 85 1.5 1498cc 63KW 86HP 138 A4.000
  • Strada Petrol Convertible 85 1.5 1498cc 60KW 82HP 138 B3.000
  • Strada Petrol Convertible 50 1.3 1302cc 50KW 68HP 138 B2.000
  • Uno Diesel Hatchback 1.3 Super Diesel 1302cc 33KW 45HP 127 A5.000;146 B1.000
Ford
  • Granada Petrol Hatchback 2.0 1998cc 80KW 109HP N8B
  • Granada Petrol Saloon 2.0 i 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9D
  • Granada Petrol Hatchback 2.0 i 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9D
  • Granada Petrol Saloon 2.0 1998cc 80KW 109HP N8B
  • Granada Petrol Estate 2.0 i 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9D
  • Sierra Petrol Estate 1.9 1998cc 80KW 108HP N8A
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 1998cc 80KW 109HP N8A
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 i 1998cc 90KW 122HP N9A
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Cosworth 4x4 1993cc 158KW 215HP N5D
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 RS500 Cosworth 1993cc 167KW 227HP YBD
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 i DOHC 1998cc 85KW 115HP N9E
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 i DOHC 1998cc 85KW 115HP N9E
  • Sierra Petrol Estate 2.0 i DOHC 1998cc 85KW 115HP N9E
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 RS Cosworth 1993cc 150KW 204HP N5B;YBB
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Cosworth 4x4 1993cc 162KW 220HP N5C
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 RS Cosworth 1993cc 150KW 204HP N5B;YBB
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Cosworth Cat 4x4 1993cc 162KW 220HP N5C
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 4x4 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 i 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 i 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 i 1998cc 80KW 109HP N8A
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 i 1998cc 92KW 125HP N9B
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Cosworth 4x4 1993cc 162KW 220HP N5D
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 4x4 1998cc 92KW 125HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Saloon 2.0 i 1998cc 92KW 125HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Estate 2.0 i 1998cc 92KW 125HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Estate 2.0 4x4 1998cc 92KW 125HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Estate 2.0 i 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Estate 2.0 4x4 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9C
  • Sierra Petrol Hatchback 2.0 4x4 1998cc 88KW 120HP N9C
Hyundai
  • Elantra Diesel Hatchback 2.0 CRDi 1991cc 83KW 113HP D4EA
  • Lantra Diesel Saloon 2.0 CRDi 1991cc 83KW 113HP D4EA
Mercedes-Benz
  • 123 Diesel Coupe 300 C Turbo-D 2998cc 92KW 125HP OM 617.952
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 200 D 1988cc 40KW 55HP OM 615.940
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 200 D 1988cc 44KW 60HP OM 615.940
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 220d 2197cc 44KW 60HP OM 615.941
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 220d 2197cc 49KW 67HP OM 615.941
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 240 D 2399cc 53KW 72HP OM 616.912
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 240 D 2399cc 48KW 65HP OM 616.912
  • 123 Diesel Saloon 300 Turbo-D 2998cc 92KW 125HP OM 617.952
  • 123 Diesel Estate 240 T D 2399cc 53KW 72HP OM 616.912
  • 123 Diesel Estate 240 T D 2399cc 48KW 65HP OM 616.912
  • 123 Diesel Estate 300 T D 2998cc 59KW 80HP OM 617.912
  • 123 Diesel Estate 300 T Turbo D 2998cc 92KW 125HP OM 617.952
Mitsubishi
  • Carisma Petrol Hatchback 1.6 1597cc 66KW 90HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Saloon 1.6 1597cc 73KW 99HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Hatchback 1.6 1597cc 73KW 99HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Hatchback 1.6 1597cc 70KW 95HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Saloon 1.6 1597cc 70KW 95HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Hatchback 1.6 1597cc 76KW 103HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Saloon 1.6 1597cc 76KW 103HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Carisma Petrol Saloon 1.6 1597cc 66KW 90HP 4G92 (SOHC 16V)
  • Colt Petrol Hatchback 1.6 Turbo ECi 1597cc 77KW 105HP G32BT
  • Colt Petrol Hatchback 1.2 EL, GL 1198cc 40KW 55HP 4G16
  • Colt Petrol Hatchback 1.2 EL, GL 1198cc 44KW 60HP 4G16
  • Colt Petrol Hatchback 1.5 GLX 1468cc 51KW 70HP G15B
  • Colt Petrol Hatchback 1.5 GLX 1468cc 55KW 75HP 4G15 (8V)
  • Colt Petrol Hatchback 1.6 Turbo ECi 1597cc 92KW 125HP 4G32 T/C
  • Colt Diesel Hatchback 1.8 GL Diesel 1795cc 43KW 58HP 4D65
  • Colt Diesel Hatchback 1.8 GL Diesel 1795cc 44KW 60HP 4D65
  • Cordia Petrol Coupe 1.6 GSL 1597cc 55KW 75HP 4G32
  • Cordia Petrol Coupe 1.6 Turbo 1597cc 84KW 114HP 4G32 T
  • Cordia Petrol Coupe 1.6 Turbo 1597cc 85KW 116HP 4G32 T
  • Cordia Petrol Coupe 1.8 GSL 1755cc 66KW 90HP 4G37
  • Galant Petrol Saloon 1.6 GLX 1597cc 55KW 75HP 4G32
  • 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)
  • Galant Petrol Saloon 2.4 GLS 2351cc 82KW 112HP G64B
  • Galant Diesel Saloon 1.8 Turbo-D 1795cc 60KW 82HP 4D65 T
  • L 300 / Delica Petrol Bus 1.6 1597cc 48KW 65HP 4G32
  • L 300 / Delica Petrol Van 1.6 1597cc 48KW 65HP 4G32
  • Lancer Petrol Saloon 1.6 1597cc 60KW 82HP 4G32 GS
  • Lancer Petrol Saloon 1.5 GLX 1468cc 51KW 70HP G15B
  • Lancer Petrol Saloon 1.5 GLX 1468cc 55KW 75HP 4G15 (8V)
  • Lancer Diesel Saloon 1.8 Diesel 1795cc 44KW 60HP 4D65
  • Sapporo Petrol Coupe 2.4 2351cc 91KW 124HP 4G64 (8V)
  • Tredia Petrol Saloon 1.4 GLX 1410cc 51KW 70HP 4G12
  • Tredia Petrol Saloon 1.6 Turbo 1597cc 84KW 114HP 4G32 T
  • Tredia Petrol Saloon 1.6 Turbo 1597cc 85KW 116HP 4G32 T
Nissan
  • Almera Diesel Hatchback 2.0 D 1974cc 55KW 75HP CD20
  • Almera Diesel Saloon 2.0 D 1974cc 55KW 75HP CD20
  • Bluebird Diesel Saloon 2.0 D 1952cc 49KW 67HP LD20
  • Bluebird Diesel Hatchback 2.0 D 1952cc 49KW 67HP LD20
  • Bluebird Petrol Saloon 1.8 Turbo 1809cc 99KW 135HP CA18T
  • Bluebird Petrol Saloon 1.8 1809cc 66KW 90HP CA18S
  • Bluebird Diesel Estate 2.0 D 1952cc 43KW 58HP LD20
  • Bluebird Diesel Estate 2.0 D 1952cc 49KW 67HP LD20
Opel
  • Ascona Petrol Saloon 1.6 N 1584cc 44KW 60HP 16 N
  • Ascona Petrol Saloon 1.6 S 1584cc 55KW 75HP 16 S
  • Manta Petrol Coupe 2.0 E 1979cc 81KW 110HP 20 E
  • Manta Petrol Saloon 2.0 E 1979cc 81KW 110HP 20 E
Saab
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V 1985cc 94KW 128HP B202I
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 127KW 172HP B202
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 129KW 175HP B202XL
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 127KW 172HP B202
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 T16 1985cc 150KW 204HP B202L
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 T16 1985cc 150KW 204HP B202L
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V CS 1985cc 96KW 131HP B204I
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16v 1985cc 143KW 195HP B202L
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 1985cc 99KW 135HP B202I
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 Carlsson 1985cc 143KW 195HP B204L
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 1985cc 99KW 135HP B202I
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V 1985cc 92KW 125HP B202XI
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V 1985cc 94KW 128HP B202XI
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 118KW 160HP B202XL
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 129KW 175HP B202L;B202XL
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V CS 1985cc 94KW 128HP B202I;B202XI
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 120KW 163HP B202XL
  • 9000 Petrol Hatchback 2.0 16V Turbo CS 1985cc 136KW 185HP B202L
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Turbo 1985cc 118KW 160HP B202XL
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V CD 1985cc 96KW 131HP B202I;B204I
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Turbo CD 1985cc 108KW 147HP B202S;B204E
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Turbo CD 1985cc 120KW 163HP B202XL
  • 9000 Petrol Saloon 2.0 16V Turbo CD 1985cc 136KW 185HP B202L
Toyota
  • Camry Petrol Saloon 3.0 2959cc 138KW 188HP 3VZ-FE
  • Camry Petrol Estate 3.0 2959cc 138KW 188HP 3VZ-FE
Vauxhall
  • Carlton Petrol Saloon 1.8 S 1796cc 66KW 90HP 18 SV
  • Carlton Petrol Saloon 2.0 1998cc 85KW 115HP C 20 NE
  • Carlton Petrol Estate 1.8 S 1796cc 66KW 90HP 18 SV
  • Carlton Petrol Estate 2.0 1998cc 85KW 115HP C 20 NE
  • Carlton Petrol Saloon 1.8 1796cc 65KW 88HP E 18 NVR
  • Carlton Petrol Saloon 1.8 i 1796cc 85KW 115HP 18 SEH
  • Carlton Petrol Saloon 2.0 i 1998cc 90KW 122HP 20 SE
  • Carlton Petrol Estate 1.8 1796cc 65KW 88HP E 18 NVR
  • Carlton Petrol Estate 1.8 i 1796cc 85KW 115HP 18 SEH
  • Carlton Petrol Estate 2.0 i 1998cc 90KW 122HP 20 SE

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.