What oil do I use?

Question

I am an oil novice. My last few cars have been French and required no oil top-ups ever!

I know my 2002 Alfa 156 2.0JTS requires frequent oil checks and usually a top-up, but I ran out last month and we go on holiday on Tuesday (to drive about

3000 miles!). I don't have a chance to get to my usual Alfa garage before we go, so what is a good, common equivalent to the red canned Selenia I normally use? I will only really be passing petrol stations, or maybe a halfords...

What 'number' (?W? weight?) do I need? Do I need synthetic or something else?

Thanks for the advice.

Stu · Accepted Answer

"GT"  wrote innews:42f7888d$0$11293$     The correct weight should be stated in your handbook. For most engines, a semi-synthetic is normally sufficient if changed regularly. Fully synthetic offers the ultimate protection, but is expensive. It is not usually necessary unless it is an especially high performance engine, although some manufacturers now specify it for all their engines. Check with your handbook. If in doubt and you can afford it, go for the fully synthetic.

Colin Wilson · Answer

Out of interest, can you top up "regular" oil with fully synth, or do you have to do a full drain / refill ?

Stu · Answer

Colin Wilson  wrote in news:    No, they're all compatible these days, AFAIK. Top-ups are normally a small percentage of all the oil in the system, so they don't matter too much anyway (unless you top up every week :-)).

Colin Wilson · Answer

Cheers - might pick some up then...

What oil do I use?

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