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Then you've come to the right place. Find articles from the industry's experts on everything from better mileage to better performance. Whether you're getting your new ride ready to race or getting your old ride ready for winter, you'll find everything you need to know in one convenient place.
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Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Oil Changes
The Top 10 Rules Of High-Mileage Car Maintenance
A Quick–Hit Checklist To Get Your Car “Road Trip–Ready”
3 Ways To Squeeze Another 10-20% Out Of Your Gas Dollars
Yellow & Orange Alert: Fall Driving Safety Tips
Smooth Moves: The Top 5 Summer Driving Safety Tips
Can You Handle The Truth About Synthetic Oil?
Is Your Engine Craving Synthetic Motor Oil?
The Importance Of Oil In Every High Mileage Diet
The Oil Recipe For Less Sludge In Your Engine’s Diet
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- How Do I Earn Castrol Credits?When you join The Crew and contribute to the site, you'll earn valuable Castrol Credits, which can be used toward cool Castrol merchandise and exclusive John Force Racing memorabilia.
How To Earn Castrol Credits:
Join The Crew: 40 Credits
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Reply to a Post: 5 Credits
Reply to a post or comment on an article and earn 5 Castrol Credits. But watch those yes or no answers – only real contributions earn you Castrol Credits! Limited to 5 Castrol Credits per month.
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you refer, up to 9 friends. Limited to 18 Castrol Credits total.
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Get 5 Castrol Credits for each addtional email program you subscribe to. You must keep your subscription for a minimum of 3 months.
Enroll in the Castrol Engine Warranty Program: 25 Credits
Keep your engine running like new for years to come. Enroll your vehicle in the Castrol Engine Warranty program and get 25 Castrol Credits.
Add an Oil Change Service: 10 Credits
Once you've enrolled your vehicle in the Castrol Engine Warranty program, just log your first oil change online and you'll get 10 Castrol Credits.
For more information visit the About Us section: http://www.castrolcrew.com/About/
- How often should I change my motor oil when using Castrol SYNTEC?
In determining oil change intervals using SYNTEC, Castrol leans toward the conservative side and recommends following the engine manufacturers' guidelines found in your vehicle's manual for the specific type of driving you do.
This is important because combustion byproducts and other contaminants are still going to build up in any type or brand of engine oil. A number of factors including the engine design, type of driving, weather conditions, oil filter used, etc. determine how much buildup is created. By changing your oil frequently, you remove by-products of combustion such as acid, soot, abrasives, water and unburned fuel. All of these substances can have damaging effects on both the performance and life of your engine.
Manufacturers recommended service intervals today cite maintenance schedules based on "Normal Driving Conditions". If you short trip the vehicle, drive in traffic, travel at speeds over 60 mph then you are in all likelihood running a "Severe Driving Condition" interval.
If you read the fine print on many of the oil life monitors and how they work they point out that in the event of battery disconnect or power loss revert to a 3 month/ 3,000 mile oil change interval. Why? Because it establishes a base point and it is the safest interval for maximum engine protection and longevity.
We have tested our oil under considerably higher oil change intervals and it has performed very well. However, with the number of unknowns as mentioned above, we must err on the side of caution and reiterate that the manufacturers' recommendation be followed.
We recommend for ultimate protection that you change your engine oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first).
- My application is calling for API SL,SJ. What does API SM mean?
The API Engine Classification System, established in 1970, utilizes letter designations for categories, which reflect the oils performance characteristics and also identify the TYPE of service for which the oil is intended.
The categories are divided into 2 groups:
- API 'S' categories - for SPARK - are for GASOLINE engines
- API 'C' categories - for COMPRESSION - are for DIESEL engines
The second character found beside the 'S' further defines the performance of the oil. The rating system starts with 'SA' for vehicles serviced prior to 1930. With the evolution of performance improvement, the second letter is changed. They have finally evolved to the present SM level effective 2004.
Oil is back serviceable, meaning SL/SM can be used in applications calling for SJ SH and so on.
SA SB SC SD SE SF SG SH SJ SL SM
[_____[_____[_____[_____[_____[_____[_____[_____[_____[_____[___...
1930 1964 1968 1972 1980 1988 1993 1996 2001 2004
Castrol SYNTEC for example, is rated for API service SM/CF which means it can be used in BOTH gasoline and light duty diesel applications calling for this service.
- SM –CURRENT - For all automotive engines presently in use, Introduced in 2004
- SL – Obsolete - For model year 2003 and older engines.
- SJ – Obsolete - For model year 2000 and older engines.
- SH – Obsolete - For model year 1996 and older engines.
- SG – Obsolete - For model year 1993 and older engines.
- SF – Obsolete - For model year 1988 and older engines.
- SE – Obsolete - For model year 1979 and older engines.
- SD – Obsolete - For model year 1971 and older engines.
- SC – Obsolete - For model year 1967 and older engines.
- SB – Obsolete - For older engines. Use only when manufacturer recommended
- SA – Obsolete - For older engines. Use only when manufacturer recommended
For more information, please contact the American Petroleum Institute at:
API
1220 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005-4070
- Can I use automotive oil in my Motorcycle? If not, why?
Castrol does not recommend using automotive oils in motorcycles. The Reason? In 1996 the American Petroleum Institute (API) upgraded the performance standards of automotive oil from SG to SJ (currently SM). This upgrade impacted the friction modifiers and zinc and phosphorus levels, to address the fuel economy, catalytic converter and pollution issues of passenger car owners. For motorcycles, the additional friction modifiers can affect wet clutch performance, and motorcycle engines appreciate a higher level of the anti-wear ingredients of zinc and phosphorus.
We have formulated our line of Castrol Motorcycle oils to be API SG. This allows us to optimize the formula specifically for motorcycles without being constrained by the specification demands for passenger car engines, which our passenger car oil must meet. All Castrol Motorcycle oils have low volatility to reduce the effects of oil evaporation, and they can be up to 50% lower than many API SL/SJ passenger car engine oils. API SJ engine oils have a minimal shear stability requirement; therefore, some types may lose their viscosity more quickly when used in a motorcycle, due to the stresses of these bike engines.
The Castrol motorcycle line includes oil for 2 stroke, 4 stroke and V-Twin oils with a wide variety of viscosity ranges and oil types, including mineral, synthetic blend and fully synthetic formulations. This variety offers superior performance for all motorcycle rider demands and every type of riding condition.
For an air cooled motorcycle, we recommend a V-Twin formulation.
Castrol Power RS V–Twin
For the liquid-cooled, either V-twin or 4 stroke would be appropriate, and your choice should be based on the viscosity requirements of the motorcycle.
Castrol Act>Evo X–Tra, Power RS GPS and Castrol Power RS R4
Castrol’s line of motorcycle products are available through motorcycle specialty shops and regional distributors.
To purchase online visit: www.proformanceusa.com
For more information on all of Castrol’s motorcycle oils visit: www.castrol.com/motorcycles and click 'Products & Services' then 'For You' then 'Motorcycles'.
- Have the zinc levels been reduced in your engine oils? What oil can I use that will not harm my flat tappet cams?
The latest API SM / ILSAC GF-4 category calls for reduced Zinc and Phosphorus levels to allow extended catalyst life in current model vehicles. There appear to be field issues associated with the SM/GF-4 oil's level of anti-wear in the classic car engines known as flat tappet cam engines. The current late model passenger car engines are not flat tappet cam engines and have no reported field issues related to the level of anti-wear chemistry in the SM/GF-4 oils.
Primary Recommendations for Flat Tappet (Solid Lifter) Cam Engines
Castrol Syntec SAE 20W-50 (Recent reformulation identified by "Recommended for Classic Cars" text on back label) (min Zn = 0.12 = 1200 ppm)(full synthetic)
Also suitable for cars older than 1988
- Castrol Power RS GPS 10W-30, 10W-40 and 20W-50 (min Zn = 0.12 = 1200 ppm)
- Castrol Power RS R4 10W-50 and 5W-40 (min Zn = 0.12 = 1200 ppm)
- Castrol Power RS V-Twin 20W-40 and 20W-50 (min Zn = 0.12 = 1200 ppm)
- What grade of oil is best to use?
While a certain grade of oil may be suitable for one vehicle, it does not mean it is best for your vehicle. The GRADE of oil depends on the vehicles engine design, and the GRADE recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is the BEST for your specific vehicle.
This information can be found in the vehicles owner’s manual, by contacting the manufacturer directly, or by visiting the Castrol Grade Calculator at: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/LubesSelector.do?categoryId=82915691
Oil flow is critical to proper engine protection. When your engine starts, the motor oil circulating throughout the engine must be pumped to reach critical engine parts. Using a grade that is too heavy can hamper the lubrication. Conversely, using a grade that is to light for your vehicle can hamper the high shear protection needed for your engine and can cause vehicle damage.
Also, by deviating from the grade recommended by the manufacturer you could potentially void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Please follow the guidelines of the manufacturer, for the recommended GRADE and API specific to your vehicles engine design.
- Can I use Castrol SYNTEC in my high mileage engine and will it cause leaks?
Castrol always recommends to follow the guidelines of your manufacturer and suggest sticking to the appropriate weight recommended for your vehicle.
Quality synthetic motor oil can be used in old as well as new cars, including cars in which conventional oil was previously used. While using synthetic motor oil in newer cars has been well documented, Castrol SYNTEC also provides added protection through enhanced seal compatibility- which is extremely important for older cars. Therefore, synthetic motor oils are beneficial for the good health, long life, and top performance of new and old cars. And any consumer looking to get the most out of their car should consider using premium Synthetic motor oil.
If you are confident with the integrity of your engine, making a switch from GTX to SYNTEC at this time could really benefit your engine, especially if you plan on extending the life of your engine.
There is one caution when switching to a Synthetic with a high mileage engine, especially an engine that is already experiencing leaking. Synthetic oils contain ‘Detergents’ that can begin to clean away any sludge or buildup in the engine, particularly around the seals where sludge sometimes gathers. Detergents help your engine run clean and cool and therefore efficient. If however, you have any damaged seals currently blocked by this sludge, a synthetic or synthetic blend oil may wash the blockage away causing a leak to soon become apparent or make an existing leak more apparent. Synthetics will not cause leaks. The sooner you use a synthetic the better.
Another option is GTX High Mileage, conventional oil with a special additives package that benefit engines over the 75,000 mile mark.
For more information on Castrol Products, please visit: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericsection.do?categoryId=82915461&contentId=6003531
- What oil formulation should I use?
What oil formulation you choose really depends on what YOU want to get out of the product.
Do You Have A High Mileage Engine That Is Showing Signs Of Its Age?
It’s a fact…as your engine ages, its performance decreases and oil breaks down faster. In general, older engines tend to operate at higher temperatures. Over time these additional factors can cause seals to deteriorate, gaskets become brittle and usually leads to increased oil consumption and reduced performance.
To combat this process, Castrol GTX High Mileage is specially formulated to provide an added level of protection for vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles. It is specially formulated with premium base oils and some semi-synthetic components to provide many benefits specifically for high mileage engines.
- Formulated with premium base oils to provide superior protection against oil burn off.
- Contains seal conditioners that provide an added level of protection and reduce oil leakage in high mileage engines.
- Contains proprietary additives that provide maximum protection against engine wear and harmful deposits.
- Reduces deposit formation to minimize compression loss and maximize engine performance.
GTX High Mileage does not breakdown as easily as other leading motor oils, Thereby providing an added level of protection for higher mileage vehicles.
Do You Travel In Stop And Go Conditions Or Do Any Towing Or Hauling?
SYNTEC BLEND part synthetic is the only motor oil that is a proprietary blend of Castrol conventional oil and SYNTEC molecular components. Its synthetic blend formula provides added protection versus conventional oils for severe driving conditions. These conditions are defined in car and truck owner's manuals as stop and go traffic, towing & hauling, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, and even idling -- conditions that you face every day, these "severe" driving conditions can tear apart your motor oil, weakening its ability to protect your engine and ultimately resulting in premature wear. SYNTEC BLEND provides an added level of protection versus conventional oils, enabling it to withstand the extreme stress caused by these severe driving conditions.
Consider Castrol SYNTEC
- No leading motor oil provides more horsepower (5W-30 as tested vs. leading competitive 5W-30)
- SYNTEC provides superior protection against deposits. Corrosive particles such as acid, soot and oxidized fuel fragments can cause costly damage to critical engine parts.
- SYNTEC contains a Powerful Additive Package that neutralizes corrosive particles, preventing them from grouping together and forming sludge.
- Neutralizes acids in your engine that can cause rust and corrosion on vital engine parts such as cylinders, bearings and hydraulic valve lifters.
- SYNTEC meets the world's toughest gasoline engine protection requirements.
- SYNTEC provides Stability & Endurance under extreme conditions (heat, load, speed) that can cause conventional oils to break down.
- SYNTEC delivers the ultimate performance under high-temperature conditions: unsurpassed protection against volatility burn-off and viscosity increase.
- SYNTEC can be used with confidence in every gasoline engine passenger car, new or old, regardless of oil previously used.
- SYNTEC is fully compatible with all conventional and synthetic oils.
- SYNTEC offers a level of protection that Outperforms All Leading Conventional Oils, passing severe industry torture tests.
Consider Castrol EDGE
Castrol EDGE delivers an advanced proprietary formula that provides performance and protection in extreme conditions such as towing, hauling, high and low temperatures, rapid acceleration and stop and go traffic.
EDGE is a completely different formula from SYNTEC that contains a different mix of base oils and additives. EDGE meets the GM4718M specification and offers guaranteed protections for up to 15,000 miles, or one year, whichever comes first.* Finally, EDGE provides unsurpassed engine wear protection** that no leading synthetic oil, not even Mobil 1, can beat. This has been proven in industry tests conducted at an independent testing facility.
*Guarantee excludes severe service applications such as frequent towing and hauling, racing dirty conditions and extreme idling. If your vehicle is covered by a warranty, follow your car manufacturer's recommended oil change/service intervals, which can be found in your owner's manual.
**5W-30 results based on industry standard Sequence IVA Wear Test
Performance and protection that outperforms conventional, high mileage and synthetic blend motor oils.
Castrol EDGE exceeds the world’s toughest industry-agreed standards.
- Can I switch back to conventional after using a Synthetic?
All of Castrol’s oils are fully compatible with one another, and there is no cause for concern if you choose to switch from conventional to synthetic or vice versa. Because of this, it is not necessary to flush the engine. It is a common myth that you cannot go back to conventional motor oil after using synthetic.
Even if you've switched to premium synthetic motor oil like Castrol SYNTEC, you can always go back to conventional oil, but why would you want to? Consider Castrol SYNTEC Full-Synthetic motor oil a "super lubricant," as it seeks out and neutralizes harmful particles in your engine, fights sludge on vital engine parts, neutralizes acids in your engine, and is fully compatible with conventional motor oil. For example, Castrol SYNTEC actually engulfs particles preventing them from grouping together and forming engine sludge. Synthetic motor oils deliver superior engine protection versus conventional oils, and once you try it, while you can go back, we doubt you'll want to.
- What is the shelf life of Castrol motor oil and how can I determine the date of manufacture?
There is no shelf life for Castrol motor oil, however we would suggest that for maximum protection and performance, the product be used within 3 years of the date of purchase.
Our recommendation is to discard motor oil that has experienced a shelf life of 3 or more years after purchase.
- What is the difference between EDGE and SYNTEC?
EDGE is a completely different formula from SYNTEC that contains a different mix of base oils and additives. EDGE meets the GM4718M specification and offers guaranteed protections for up to 15,000 miles, or one year, whichever comes first.* Finally, EDGE provides unsurpassed engine wear protection** that no leading synthetic oil, not even Mobil 1, can beat. This has been proven in industry tests conducted at an independent testing facility.
*Guarantee excludes severe service applications such as frequent towing and hauling, racing dirty conditions and extreme idling. If your vehicle is covered by a warranty, follow your car manufacturer's recommended oil change/service intervals, which can be found in your owner's manual.
**5W-30 results based on industry standard Sequence IVA Wear Test
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