Hello guys,

I'm wondering if any difference exist between dealer bulk oil and popular oil like Valvoline, Quaker State....

The reason I'm asking is since my car is new, the oil change always been done at the dealer for warranty reason. It seems that my engine gets more and more noisy. Lately I started my engine and I could hear a terrible valve like noise. I couldn't get rid of the noise after over couple of minutes even when accelerating. I have 75K Km on my car and it maybe just the time to do my own oil change. I'm really concern about the quality of the oil they are using.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Charles

I think they use cheesy cheap oil at the dealer when they buy it in drums. I think you're better off changing your own oil.

My dealer uses Castrol, which is OK with me, but I don't use my dealer.

Due to strict API, SAE, ASTM, and ISO application standards, there is no significant difference from brand to brand. Many brands are re-branded to begin with, and you think you are using brand A and you are using brand B.

My dealer is too far away, and too expensive. I get mine changed at a locally owned quick oil change shop. They are specialists, and less likely to make mistakes than dealers. The dealer uses the newest employee or most underachieving employees for oil change duties. Dealers change oil maybe 10-20 times a day, specialists 100-500 times a day. The specialists have special quality assurance procedures in place, and they are insured. State and Federal laws allow you to get service at any qualified shop.

This post has been edited by bobad: Oct 28 2009, 08:28 AM

The oil in bulk is the same as what you buy at Walmart. Its just cheaper when you dont have to pay for the little containers. Sounds like your timing chain tensioners are giving it up. After sitting overnight, start the car and listen for the noise. If it lasts longer than 30 seconds you need tensioners. Warr for 10yr-100,000 first owner or 5yr-60,000 second owner.

The problem is that horrible sound happen once a while. I tought the tensioner problem was constant after each cold startup? I have a recording of it but can't upload it. It was very loud!

Thanks,

What do you mean by "warranty reason" ? You can have it changed at any local place. But don't use Jiffy Lube they are horrible. My local shop uses it right from the bottles that anyone else uses. They just buy them in bulk. You can see them pour it in.

I seriously doubt a dealer would buy an oil that doesn't meet,or exceed, the API standard for your vehicle. It might not be the same brand name that's in your OM or on the fill cap. The weight might even be different. If you look in your OM they list 4-5 different oil weights. If you live in the dessert you might want something thicker than 10W-30.

If they are buying in bulk you'll never see a plastic bottle. Bulk is 55gal. drums+. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif)