Oils and Lubricants
1st Choice Mechanical Repair uses and recommends Castrol engine oils and fluids. Castrol international reputation exceeds that of other engine oil companies and has been a leading and reputable brand for many years.
Their range of oils is vast and you can rest assured that whatever vehicle you own, Castrol will have the correct oil.
Read More to check what oils are available for your vehicle.
CHECKING THE OIL IN THE ENGINE
1st Choice Mechanical Repairs recommends checking your vehicle’s engine oil at least bi-monthly. How the vehicle is used, how old the vehicle is and many other contributing factors will determine the rate of oil consumption. Your vehicle will use up oil between changes, so we recommend regularly keeping an eye on the oil level.
USING THE CORRECT OILS
If the oil level is low, do not put just any oil in the vehicle. The engine will require a specific type of engine oil, so check your owner’s manual. Using the wrong type of engine oil can harm the engine. We strongly recommend contacting 1st Choice Mechanical Repairs technicians for advice on what oil your vehicle’s engine takes and what we recommend if the oil is low.
It is great to be pro-active and check your engine oil. However, if you are not confident please do not hesitate to contact us.
HOW TO CHECK THE OIL
Dipsticks vary in style and how they show the oil level, so check the owner’s manual for your vehicle. The dipstick will most likely have a yellow handle. With the engine NOT running, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean on a tissue and re-insert it all the way back down the tube until it stops. Remove and inspect the tip to see where the oil level is. Re-insert the dipstick into its tube, and make sure it is secured.
OIL CONSUMPTION
Oil consumption occurs in all engines, new or old. The upper components of the engine require constant lubrication, which requires small quantities of oil that will become burnt during the combustion process with temperatures reaching above 800 decrees Celsius.
The most significant losses of oil occur during this combustion process and will naturally cause oil levels to drop over time.
OTHER CAUSES OF DEPLETION
New vehicles with new components that have not been bedded in will allow greater volumes of oil to pass by the piston rings. This is normal, but it is a good idea to keep an eye on it. If it becomes excessive, bring it in to be looked at. Adverse driving conditions or situations that are strenuous or arduous, such as a constant higher RPM, towing, even very low RPM from idling for long periods of time, can affect the oil levels. It is normal, but monitor the levels to catch any problems.
Using an incorrect oil for the engine is more than likely going to interfere with consumption. The oil must meet minimum viscosity (thickness) specifications and be suited to the characteristics and design of the vehicle. This is not acceptable. The wrong oil should not ever be used, even for a short time. In most cases, there will be several types of oil that can be used in the engine, and these options can change depending on how the engine wears. Contact 1st Choice Mechanical Repairs for advice on engine oil.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our Expertise Extends to AUDI, Skoda, and VW Vehicles: Trust Us to Keep Your European Vehicle in Top Shape!
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- Type of service required Minor servicing, major repairs, or complex diagnostics can vary in time and cost depending on the work involved.
- Older vehicles or cars tailor-made with limited engine access may take longer to inspect and repair.
- Parts & equipment needed Specialised tools, advanced diagnostics, or replacement parts may be required for certain jobs and can impact your final quote.
Most Asked Car Service Questions
Have questions about our mechanical services? We’ve answered some of the most common queries to help
you understand how we work and what you can expect
Why should I choose 1st choice mechanical repair?
That’s easy. We take pride in being honest with our customers and providing excellent customer service. Our team puts our customers first as our owner, Andrew, won’t do business any other way. We appreciate that we wouldn’t be here without you and we are dedicated to building strong relationships with every customer who walks through our door.
Can you service my car if it is under a new car warranty?
Yes. 1st Choice Mechanical Repairs has suitably trained technicians and the same computer software and Castrol fluids that match or exceed the oils used by dealers. We guarantee that we can beat their prices and provide a more personalised service where you can actually speak one-to-one with your allocated technician. You can also enjoy peace of mind that your new car warranty will not be voided.
What if i can't bring my car to your shop?
Not a problem. If you live locally in Wollongong, 1st Choice Mechanical Repairs will happily pick up your vehicle. We are generally open earlier than advertised. Give us a call to see if we are available. If necessary, we can drop you off and pick you up at your place of work, as great customer service always comes first to our team.
How often should I get my vehicle serviced?
Every vehicle is different, we advise a minimum of 10,000 km or 1 year, but if you contact us we will be more than happy to advise you on what would be best depending on how often you use the vehicle and the type of engine that it has, petrol/diesel and any other specific requirements.
How do i check my engine oil, water and tyre pressure?
If you are unsure about any car maintenance essentials, you can always give 1st Choice Mechanical Repairs a ring. We’ll take a look at your engine oil, water and tyre pressure completely free of charge. We will also show you how it’s done, so you know how to do it in the future. It is important to point out that some vehicles require special fluids, so make sure you get expert advice to ensure you use the correct type.
I have heard a noise from somewhere or a light has come on to my dash?
Don’t ignore anything! Call us, it may be minor but it may be an early warning sign that something is wrong and requires attention. Early detection of a problem will save you money and prevent further issues and the car possibly being off the road for a prolonged period.