Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

I've been reading some of the tech articles on audiworld.com about motor oil, and one says that Castrol is the official oil of Audi (which I'm assuming all Audi's use synthetic oil -- I know my TT does), BUT another tech article on there is talking about pour point depressants and that in colder temps, mineral based oil carbons turn waxy. It further states that Castrol takes the conventional oil, puts the pour point chemicals in there to break up these crystal formations, and then labelled as "synthetic". This is not a true synthetic motor oil, then, is it? Why would Castrol synthetics be used, when they are not actually synthetics at all? (assuming I understand correctly).

Also, I have to do the 30k maintenace on my wife's 04 VW bug, and the manual says to check "12v starter and auxilary battery". I asked the VW service manager here what that means, and what I should do, but he said don't mess with it, I probably wouldn't have the equipment to do it. But the shop here is generally full of dumb shits, which brings me back to why I'm doing it myself in the first place....so, anyone know what I should be looking for exactly?

TIA

-Michael

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

ok there are 3 types of oil standard which is fuel/gas/petrol related which causes the sludging and well known in the USA, then we have semi synthetic which has minimal fuel/gas/petrol but it still has it with very minor quantities and 99.9% better than the first option but still lacking, lastly is full synthetic which is man made and costs more but lasts 2x more than normal and you cant mix it with any other cheap crap like the above ( so costs more for a top up ) I go for the semi synthetic because the rest are a rip off, first oil absolutely not - second depending on the car and age - 3rd = ultimate performance till they make something better;)

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

Ok, so it sounds like Castrol, given the information I presented earlier, is in the second category, with minimal carbons? Does that mean that all oils that say synthetic are made the same way it is, unless it says 100% synthetic? Is that even in the ballpark of semi-correct? I ask because I'm wondering what brand I should get when I change my oil in the future. All I know between the different brands is that the more expensive it is, generally the more additives it has, or so the articles would have me believe.

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

i go with the castrol syntech i think it just makes the car run better year round. 5w 40 i like it better than the mobil 1 and the oem stuff from germany(pentosin) and use a k&N oil filter its expensive but its an Audi treat it good nothing but the best

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

Mobil 1 full synthetic, and nothing else. I'm not sure theres a better oil you can use.

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

Mobil 1, Redline are my two top picks. I never use anything else.

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

Mobil 1 with a K&N oil filter, change it every 3-4K she runs like a champ!

RE: Castrol Oil & 12v starter question
 

ditto on the Mobil 1 and a K&N filter, mate [8D]