By Leo, Lead Technician – EuroLab Ltd, Auckland
Every vehicle type and engine has a specific oil type and a specially designed oil filter. Servicing your vehicle with any type of oil is like saying a human body can accept any kind of blood from any other human.
What’s Actually In Your Engine Oil?
Engine oil is made up of 80–90% base oil, and 20–10% additives.
For synthetic oil, the base rarely differs; however, the additives are what makes this oil different from one manufacturer to another.
Additives are a blend of other chemicals such as detergents and dispersants. They help keep the engine clean by minimising sludge build-up. These include corrosion inhibitors and alkaline additives to neutralise acidic oxidation products of the oil. It also includes anti-wear additives, like zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) and even some molybdenum disulphide as a dry lubricant.
When your manufacturer selects an oil brand and type for your engine, they study all the above properties and their effects on the fuel economy, protection and longevity of the motor.
What Cheap Oil Actually Does to Your Engine
Choosing incorrect oil or cheap oil can lead to sludge formations within your engine, premature damage and wear on internal parts. At worst, it could cause damage to any parts that seal and contain this oil within your engine.
Similarly, with oil filters — aftermarket oil filters do NOT replicate the cleaning or flow properties of genuine oil filters. Altering the rate of flow could starve your engine of oil, which can cause damage to the engine or external components like oil pumps.
A Classic Example
A recent model European vehicle would leak oil from every seal and gasket and is usually drenched in oil. Mechanics’ solution? The engine needs to come out for repairs or replaced altogether.
We have solved many cases similar to this by simply removing the aftermarket oil filter and replacing it with a genuine filter. Then the engine is cleaned and washed, and no leaks are detected.
The Rule of Thumb
If an oil service on your European vehicle costs you less than $300, you’re likely NOT getting the correct specified oil for your engine nor a genuine filter — as this amount barely covers the cost of goods that are specified for your European vehicle.
Watch the Fine Print
Please take note of the small print on the advertised price at service centres. Usually, they advertise “$399 for European service*”
The footnote reads: *for up to 4 litres of oil and $30 filter.
Certainly, you will be charged more for oil and the filter. As your car would have taken “22 litres of oil” (completely untrue). The other story would be that the filter for your vehicle was very expensive — most European cars’ genuine oil filters are purchased through the dealer networks for around ~$50+.
Call the team at EuroLab and experience the difference. We will only use manufacturer-specific oils and genuine filters. All of our parts are also genuine and purchased locally through the dealer network. We genuinely love cars, and we won’t accept anything but the best for your vehicle.
