Time 4 a service

[Diddler]

Guys,

With all the spending for Christmas, we kinda loose sight of our baby's needs and mine definately needs a good service.

I have already got my new belts, plugs, oil filter, Forte oil treatment (Thanks for recommending, CJ) and the brother that works over in the Mitsi Garage got me a 5 gallons of Synthatic oil (which i'm not going to used due to the fact that when you start using it, you have to keep using it) so hopefully at the end of the week I'll be picking up some Castrol GTX Magnetix.

As a matter of interest is there anything else i should look out for with the service?

[kevinod]

Sounds like you have it pretty well covered, apart from checking the various fluid levels, maybe check brake pads and discs too? Clean the stepper motor while you're at it maybe, throw a drop of oil on the various latches (doors, bonnet, boot)...

Hadn't heard that once you start using synthetic oil that you have to keep using it though?? Whats the reason behind that? Was going to use it in my own, went for semi-synthetic after 'cos thats what we had handy but I'm told fully synthetic is the one to go for usually.

Kev.

[Diddler]

I thought the same myself, but one of the mechanics told me that if i started using it i would have to keep using it because the engine gets used to it and other oils would then damage it! Unless you do a full oil flush everytime you change oil!

[Myfeckin FTO]

Hadn't heard that once you start using synthetic oil that you have to keep using it though?? Whats the reason behind that? Was going to use it in my own, went for semi-synthetic after 'cos thats what we had handy but I'm told fully synthetic is the one to go for usually.

Kev.

Fully Synth for me - I don't think you should mix fully Synth and semi - synth oil - buts thats not to say you couldn't use semi synth oil at service after having been using fully synth - The likehood is that these cars have been on a diet of fully synth in Japan before they get here anyway.

IMO - you should be using fully synth oil in the FTO in any case - opinions on what type seem to vary from 10-30 to 0-50

What type of oil do other forum members put in their car

[Diddler]

Hey thats not to say you guys can't change my mind. I'll do whatever's in the best interest of my female dog! Just going on what i was told.

Exhaust has started to get a bit smoky over the last few days and i don't want to cause any damage. I presume the oil treatment will sort this out?

[Myfeckin FTO]

Exhaust has started to get a bit smoky over the last few days and i don't want to cause any damage. I presume the oil treatment will sort this out?

You sure its smoke - my exhaust tends to steam on these cold winter mornings - does it still smoke when the engine is warm?

[CJ]

Mine has had been filled with GTX Magnetec (semi synth) 10w 40 for the past few years, its a popular choice with a lot of owners. In the case of Magnetec, it leaves a thin film of oil on componants for days after the engine has been last run, the main advantage of this is to protect the engine from 'cold starts' which is the main driver behind normal engine wear. As regards having to stick with fully synth after using it for the first time, I'd take that with a pinch of salt. As long as you don't mix semi synth, fully synth and mineral, you should be fine.

CJ