The brand of oil we are going to be reviewing here, is Castrol Magnatec GTX 15W-40, this is a synthetic motor oil. It has been been described as a breakthrough in engine oil technology, Castrol Magnatec is a high quality product containing esther molecules, these provide a unique molecular ... Read review
Advantages: Brilliant stuff. Disadvantages: None at oil . : )
...to be reviewing here, is Castrol Magnatec GTX 15W-40, this is a synthetic motor oil. It has been been described as a breakthrough in engine oil technology, Castrol Magnatec is a high quality product containing esther molecules, these provide a unique molecular attraction. The molecules are actually attracted to metal surfaces, hence the name Magnatec. They provide a continuous oil film, even when your engine is switched off. It is a well known fact ... ...very bad for your engine. Castrol has a good long history of interesting adverts, try Googling "Castrol adverts" if you have that much time on your hands!
Miles.
The higher your mileage, and the more engine wear you have, the faster your oil tends to burn off, the piston rings wear out, losing compression and allowing oil to pass them, also the seals deteriorate, your gaskets go brittle, and you lose power and performance. more
The brand of oil we are going to be reviewing here, is Castrol Magnatec GTX 15W-40, this is a synthetic motor oil. It has been been described as a breakthrough in engine oil technology, Castrol Magnatec is a high quality product containing esther molecules, these provide a unique molecular attraction. The molecules are actually attracted to metal surfaces, hence the name Magnatec. They provide a continuous oil film, even when your engine is switched off. It is a well known fact that 75% of engine wear occurs during the initial start up, and it's been well proven that this oil provides some four times more protection than conventional engine oils, this protection is there right from the moment your ignition key is turned. OK, now we know where they get the name from, and what sort of oil it is.
Viscosity. The term viscosity of this oil, refers to the thickness of the oil, in low temperatures (15) the "W" means that it complies with the requirements for the winter conditions, the remaining figure, (40) just gives the thickness of this oil at high temperatures. So now you know what 15w-40 means.
Synthetic or mineral. This new fangled synthetic oil might be more suited to newer engines, although the old type of mineral oil is more suitable for engines with a few years on the clock. All the engine manufacturers tend to recommend different things nowadays. Synthetic oil is now very popular, and has been in production for quite a few years now. The good old fashioned mineral oil is still widely available, and still has a job to do in older engines. You can mix the two, so no need to be worried about topping up with the wrong one.
Adverts. The advertisment for this oil states that it has "Superior oil burn off protection" I can tell you exactly what this means. Oil Burn Off is a way of saying that all oil in your engine evaporates at a very slow rate, this of course means that your oil level goes down, and this evaporation of the oil, leaves some deposits which are very bad for your engine. Castrol has a good long history of interesting adverts, try Googling "Castrol adverts" if you have that much time on your hands!
Miles. The higher your mileage, and the more engine wear you have, the faster your oil tends to burn off, the piston rings wear out, losing compression and allowing oil to pass them, also the seals deteriorate, your gaskets go brittle, and you lose power and performance.
Cure? Yes there is a cure, you need to use oil containing additives, these limit this burn off, and Castrol make claims that their oil gives some 17% superior oil burn-off protection, compared with other leading oils.
Good record. Castrol is one of the most famous oil companies in the world, and the GTX brand name is known to mean quality, so you are in good hands when you use this oil.
Oil change time! You probably let a garage do your oil change, quite a lot of people do, however, there are many reasons why you should do your own. Firstly, you will know that it has been done, and done properly at that. Secondly, you will know exactly what oil has gone into your engine, preferably one like this Magnatec. You will have the personal satisfaction that you get when you finish a job, which is very easy actually. You will also spot any oil leaks, be able to check the underside of your car, and be sure the correct filter has been used.
How to do it. First and foremost, make sure that it is changed after a run, when the engine is up to normal running temperature, that way, you can make sure the sediment comes out, this is the stuff that turns to sludge when the engine cools. It is exactly this stuff that you really need to get rid of, not just the lovely, easy flowing clean oil. Make sure you have sufficient oil, plus the correct filter first. Run the vehicle up on ramps, (and use wheel chocks) place suitable container underneath, remove sump plug, and go have a coffee while it drains. When you come back, remove the old filter, have a check of the underneath of your car while you are there. When you are sure the oil has stopped dripping, refit sump plug, fit new filter, and top up with the required amount of oil. Simple as that.
Container. This particular container holds five litres, this is the usual size. Like most others, it is a plastic container, you will find that some cheaper brands come in smaller one Gallon containers. These Castrol containers are very good quality, are easy to pour, plus they don't tend to spill or dribble.
Check you have enough. Many engines over two litres need over five litres of oil, so make sure you have that extra pint or so, before you start the job, it may save you having to scrounge a lift to the local motor accessory shop or garage, just for a small top up bottle.
Price. OK, as for the prices, synthetic oil costs more, so as always, shop around for the best deal. Supermarkets are a good cheap source these days.
Website? Yes Castrol do have a website, and it is pretty good. You will find all sorts of stuff on here, even details about the World Rally Championship, Castrol sponsor a WRC Team, (Ford actually) There is also a performance index, for EURO 2008.
The Website details are simply :- http://www.castrol.co.uk
Health and safety. This is only motor oil, so shouldn't be expected to cause any safety concerns as long as it is used for the intended purpose.
Recommended by me? Not everything gets my personal recommendation, but this engine oil does, and that really is saying something
Common sense Please Keep Out of Reach of Children. And don't Pollute drains, yes people do pour it down there. You can return oil of any type, to recycling centres free of charge of course.
