Castrol don`t seem to give the HTHS viscosity on their spec sheets, while Mobil 1 and others do.

I rang Castrol to to discuss oil specs and was told-seemingly "no, you won`t find that" Why? (didn`t like to ask...)

More on the subject.


"High-temperature high-shear-rate (HTHS) viscosity is an indicator of a motor oil's resistance to flow in the narrow spaces between rapidly moving parts in fully warmed up engines. The most common test here is ASTM D 4683, which simulates the conditions found in an engine's crankshaft and connecting rod bearings, as well as other narrow regions. This measurement has important implications for such factors as engine fuel economy, valvetrain wear and bearing protection."

Source

tinyurl.com/5zxtwz

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i am told that after 40,000 miles, my rear pads are 85% worn and need replacing.
My dealer is quoting £145 to do this.
is it safe to use another firm, say kwik fit? Will they have the right parts, o as good a job and not harm all the ridiculous VW computers etc? Read more

Have an Astra 1.6cc 8 valve 75bhp. Recently noticed strange bubbling coming from front passenger side possibly expansion tank maybe heating matrix. Am losing a little water but can't find any sign of a leak 'no wet patch under car/no water staining under bonnet'. Car does run on the cool side stuck open thermostat I fancy for that. Cooling system seems to be pressurized when releasing filler cap in the morning. If this was a domestic heating system I'd say air lock ! do these cooling systems air lock and how do you vent them ? Thank for any ideas you can give me IGR. Read more

Has something changed in the way drivers are taught to stop at giveways?

We now have a culture whereby drivers are actually in such a hurry that they do not stop at giveways unless they really have to by braking at the last minute. Why? Do they always anticipate there is no traffic in the road they are turning into?

This is so bad that I now have to anticipate a car always nudging out when I pass a junction. How many times have you seen a car in front of you swerving to avoid a car bumber that is not level with the junction?

Where has this driving culture come from? How can we change it?

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Two weeks ago i bought a 55 plate 1.6 tdci ford focus that had covered 29,000 miles, from a small independent dealer who told me the car is under ford warranty until november, when the car is three years old. I booked the car into my local ford rapid fit centre for a major service a week after buying it, i was told by the by them that doing this will keep my warranty evven though the car is missing a stamp in its service history. They informed me that there is oil on the turbo, indicating an oil seal failure and the car needs to be checked out at the main ford dealership next week. When i collected the car from its service, the ford mechanic told me that my warranty wont cover the work that needs to be done, but if i complain to customer services and explain that i am a loyal ford customer and have always had my cars maintained by ford(and he would vouch for that), then they may pay for it. He later said to tell them that the turbo is not a seviced part and therefore should be replaced without charge. how true is this? I would be extremely gratefull for your opinion where i stand with the warranty, and for any advice on what to say to ford if the is any dispute.
thanks. Read more