Astra oil change frequency

Stephen · 2011-06-05T15:37:15+00:00

Hello,I just wondered what the recommended interval was for changing theengine oil on a 1.4L petrol 56 plate Astra?The Haynes book says 9000 miles or 6 months, which seems very frequentto me. I notice in the small print it says Vauxhall's ownrecommendation is twice that: 18000 miles or 12 months but Haynes saythey recommend it more often, especially if driving lots of shortjourneys. What do you think?It also recommends new plugs at 36000 miles or 4 years, and the car isjust over four years old and has done about that many miles. Noproblems with the plugs so far so should I leave them alone, or shouldI change now before problems occur. I see Eurocarparts sell NGK,Bosch, and Denso. Which do you recommend? Why do they sell plugs butnot leads? Isn't it best to change both at the same time?Thanks,Stephen.

Jun 05, 2011 24 Replies

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Grimly Curmudgeon 15 years ago

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember Stephen saying something like:

Years. Stop worrying.

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Mrcheerful 15 years ago

I have noticed a few car parts are getting 'best before' dates on them: brake parts and belts spring to mind.

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Dave Plowman (News) 15 years ago

Yes. There are plenty of NOS parts for the SD1 since Rimmer Bros bought the stock from the India factory. But things like brake cylinders usually need the seals changed as they have hardened and no longer work. Even wiper motor assemblies have to be stripped and re-lubricated. Of course they were very probably badly stored in India. However, if it was vacuum packed and kept in the dark it has more chance of surviving.

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Dave Plowman (News) 15 years ago

I don't think new oil stored in its original container with the cap on would be much to worry about. Petrol in a fuel tank can evaporate. Tyres are exposed to light and air, etc.

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Stephen 15 years ago

Thanks. In that case I'll go ahead and order another one whilst ECP have their 20% off offer on ;)

I think oil prices can only go up, so I may as well stock up now!

Thanks, Stephen.

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