European Oil vs American/Canadian Oil

[ctrcbob]

Every few years, I take a vacation to France where I lease a car for anywhere from three to six weeks. Note I said, I Lease not rent. I get a brand new car with zero miles (kilometers) on it. The last time I went, I read the owners manual of the Renault Laguna II that I leased and it said that I must have the oil changed every 30,000 kilometers. (Over 18,000 miles).

Because we are thinking of going again this year, I have the information from RenaultEurodrive and in checking out the choices I have for a car, I notice that every one of them says that "First Service at 18,640 miles". (Thats close enough to 30,000 kilometers).

Why is it that European Cars can go over 18,000 miles on European Oil, but American/Canadian cars must change their oil every 5,000-7,000 miles?

Is their oil better than our oil?????



.

[TAF]

I think the French oil is certainly a lot "slimier"....

They got the good stuff, 'cause of the "Oil for Food" shenanigans.....

Since the French don't bathe...they can't smell the pistons burning....

I don't know...just a few guesses.

[ctrcbob]

Be nice Todd,

They are nothing like what you have been led to believe. The first time I went in 1989, I expected to hate it. I wanted to hate it. I thought I would hate it. All because I believed all the hate that is printed about them. Well, I found that I loved it over there. (Some in Paris are not so nice, but they are not nice to everyone, including the other French). I get out of Paris as soon as I can and tour different parts of the country, from Normandy (where they love Americans by the way) to Burgundy, to the Valcor, to the Alps. I get treated great and I am always treated with respect. When I don't know how to say the word I want in French, (and I speak very little, although I would not starve) I act it out and they figure out what I need or want.

This year, with the Dollar so low compared to the Euro, I don't know if I can afford it, but I will try for a few weeks in September.

(Also pop down into Italy, but normally stay in France as it's much cleaner).

.

[dwasson]

Well I think that Bob deserves recognition for coming up with an oil thread that doesn't rehash the other 50 oil threads.

Take a bow Bob.

[TAF]

Be nice Todd,Not coming at you....Bob...

But, I worked for over 3 years for a company based out of Paris and spent a bunch of time located in the small town of Louviers, in the valleys of Normandy. Traveled throughout the country...and spent some time in Nice and along southern France.

The stories are endless of why I have such a bad feeling for the French. A quick one though. One of the times I took my wife over for her birthday...we visited Normandy Beach, Ponte du Hoc, Omaha Beach, etc. Mostly because I think EVERY American that travels Europe should visit there....AND because my father-in-law (who had recently passed away before our trip) was a 19 year old pilot of a B17 that flew over it on June the 6th. The employee that was assigned to drive us up, kept making remarks of how the park is a form of American "occupation"...and kept wondering "why would you want to go there". I just told her in my best Southern accent....
"Because of what happened here...you're not doin' the 'goose-step' sweety."

If I never go back...it would be too soon.

[merc406]

[QUOTE=ctrcbob]Every few years, I take a vacation to France where I lease a car for anywhere from three to six weeks. Note I said, I Lease not rent. I get a brand new car with zero miles (kilometers) on it. The last time I went, I read the owners manual of the Renault Laguna II that I leased and it said that I must have the oil changed every 30,000 kilometers. (Over 18,000 miles).

Because we are thinking of going again this year, I have the information from RenaultEurodrive and in checking out the choices I have for a car, I notice that every one of them says that "First Service at 18,640 miles". (Thats close enough to 30,000 kilometers).

Why is it that European Cars can go over 18,000 miles on European Oil, but American/Canadian cars must change their oil every 5,000-7,000 miles?

Is their oil better than our oil?????



Are these all the cars in france like the German one's and Italian one's or just the french one's?
Very interesting for sure, going to Google to see what I can find.

[merc406]

oil changes are about gone on a few cars.....http://www.synlube.com/testcars.htm

[ctrcbob]

Merc406,

The best looking cars over there are either German or Italian. French cars are either very UGLY (most of them) or very Beautiful (Peugeot 607). Most do not have trunks as we think of trunks. (Hatchbacks or squarebacks). The last two times, I leased a Renault Laguna II. Great car. Never had a problem, plus the last one was the best shifting car I ever had. Like shifting through butter. (You guys remember how to shift a manual?)

To counter the stories of "unfriendly" people, I tell about the time I could not find a motel in a small city between the Normandy coast and Paris. So what do you do when you are lost? I asked a baker in my poor French, but at least I tried. Next thing you know, he put down his apron, jumped in his car and told me to follow him. He leads me right to the motel. (Would not take any money either). Does not sound unfriendly to me. (Don't know if a Parisian would do that, like I said, they are "different", but outside of Paris, I've only met friendly people, and they know I'm American).

To get back to Motor Oil. On one trip, I figured I would buy a case of Motul and bring it back. It is sold in the USA as a Motorcycle Oil. Well I found out that it is cheaper here, plus in the US, it is a "premium" oil, but over there, it is an everyday oil sold in their discount stores. The cheapest oils in Europe cost more than the most expensive oils on this side of the pond. The only thing I can figure is that their oils must meet higher standards than our oils but darn if I know why. Their liter bottles are also different than ours. Theirs have an "expandable" spout. Pull up on the handle and the spout pops up. Push spout down for easy storage. Three years ago, when the Dollar was par with the Euro, I asked a guy who owned a BMW 316 how much it cost him to have his oil changed. At that time, he said it was something like $115.00. Hate to see what it would cost in Dollars today. With that kind of cost, they have to run them for 18,000 miles.

.

[dwasson]

One thing I do like about French cars is the phenomenal suspension systems. Most French cars, even the cheap, nasty ones (R5 LeCar) ride much better than you'd expect. They have lots of wheel travel and soft springs, so the wheels follow the road well and don't jar the occupants.

But, as Click and Clack the Car Guys say, "The French copy noone and none copies the French."

[Joe Walsh]

Are you sure it wasn't a TWO STROKE?? :D

[hitchhiker]

Every few years, I take a vacation to France where I lease a car for anywhere from three to six weeks. Note I said, I Lease not rent. I get a brand new car with zero miles (kilometers) on it. The last time I went, I read the owners manual of the Renault Laguna II that I leased and it said that I must have the oil changed every 30,000 kilometers. (Over 18,000 miles).

Because we are thinking of going again this year, I have the information from RenaultEurodrive and in checking out the choices I have for a car, I notice that every one of them says that "First Service at 18,640 miles". (Thats close enough to 30,000 kilometers).

Why is it that European Cars can go over 18,000 miles on European Oil, but American/Canadian cars must change their oil every 5,000-7,000 miles?

Is their oil better than our oil?????

.



..... French .....


:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[merc406]

oil changes are about gone on a few cars.....http://www.synlube.com/testcars.htm



So....I guess no one clicked on the LINK? :confused:

[Amsoil_Dealer]

Is their oil better than our oil?????


.

In the most basic terms...Yes they do have a beter standard for low level oils than we do....At least they used to until very recently. The new SM and GF-4 oils today are pretty doggone good.

I honestly have not kept up with the european specs as I should but I think our new spec oils are knocking on the door of Euro soec oils. RF do you know?

I have been telling you guys all along that 3000 mile recommended drain intervals are ridiculous oil marketing scams designed to sell more oil. Now I woukd not suggest you go 18,000 on any old oil but any oil is good for 5000 in most any mechanically sound car these days.


Don

[Dr Caleb]

Since the French don't bathe...they can't smell the pistons burning....


Franchement, ce genre de poteau est pourquoi beaucoup nord de la frontière sont peu disposés à signaler ici. Vous de types l'aught vraiment à penser au sujet de qui votre assistance est avant vous signalez ce drivel raciste.

C'est l'Internet, et la plupart d'entre nous ne s'est face à face jamais réunie. Et sincèrement, quand les fils se dégénèrent comme ceci, je ne suis pas incliné pour mettre dans l'énormes effort et dépenses priés pour assister à des événements. Le Français frappant peut être tout le sud de fureur de la frontière, mais sans Français, vous auriez perdu les guerres de 1776 et de 1812.

Sorry, I'm a bit rusty . . . but I hope I made my point.

[TAF]

Franchement, ce genre de poteau est pourquoi beaucoup nord de la frontière sont peu disposés à signaler ici. Vous de types l'aught vraiment à penser au sujet de qui votre assistance est avant vous signalez ce drivel raciste.

C'est l'Internet, et la plupart d'entre nous ne s'est face à face jamais réunie. Et sincèrement, quand les fils se dégénèrent comme ceci, je ne suis pas incliné pour mettre dans l'énormes effort et dépenses priés pour assister à des événements. Le Français frappant peut être tout le sud de fureur de la frontière, mais sans Français, vous auriez perdu les guerres de 1776 et de 1812.

Sorry, I'm a bit rusty . . . but I hope I made my point.Although my french is rusty, I can get the gist of what you are saying. It is not "racist drivel" to say that the "french don't bathe so they can't smell pistons burning"....it's a general fact. And was initially said in jest, although a fact is a fact. And, I guess this means you won't be attending one of the Southern Marauder breakfast events....?

As for the Froggies help in the early stages of America's dawning....their involvement pales in comparison to the liberation of France which we have accomplished time after time, in my opinion. It is a corrupt, socialist society that feels it beholds sole proprietorship of Western Civilization. My findings are quite the contrary.

Some friends of mine wanted to join-in....

http://www.fmft.net/archives/frogs/hate%20to%20french.jpg

[hitchhiker]

Franchement, ce genre de poteau est pourquoi beaucoup nord de la frontière sont peu disposés à signaler ici. Vous de types l'aught vraiment à penser au sujet de qui votre assistance est avant vous signalez ce drivel raciste.

C'est l'Internet, et la plupart d'entre nous ne s'est face à face jamais réunie. Et sincèrement, quand les fils se dégénèrent comme ceci, je ne suis pas incliné pour mettre dans l'énormes effort et dépenses priés pour assister à des événements. Le Français frappant peut être tout le sud de fureur de la frontière, mais sans Français, vous auriez perdu les guerres de 1776 et de 1812.

Sorry, I'm a bit rusty . . . but I hope I made my point.

Which French 'surrender' were you talking about?

:D

[ctrcbob]

Todd,

Where the H*ll do you get your inside information that the French don't bathe?

It is obvious that your hatred shows on everything and anything about the French. Your hatred has blinded you to a beautiful clean country. As I said before, when I went in 89, I not only was prepared to hate it, I wanted to hate it, because of all the crap that I heard and believed, but I was wrong and I ended up loving it enough to return every few years.

Although I have no love for their government, I love the beautiful countryside and the people from the provences (not Paris).

Now, let us get back to OIL.

.

[TAF]

Todd,

Where the H*ll do you get your inside information that the French don't bathe?


Ever sit in a boardroom with a bunch of Frenchmen? :puke:

[Ross]

Maybe they use the leftover oil from their French fries?

Can't speak to French hygeine specifically, but Europeans in general don't bathe as often as we do. Used to work for a Swiss company, and met a number of Swiss and Germans. Expensive suits, with smelly bodies underneath. Maybe it's changed since the '80's, but that's the way it was back then.

[ctrcbob]

I give up! :puke:


Now, WHAT ABOUT THE OIL? Does "ELF, Total, Fina, Esso, Agip, Motul" Etc. all last longer than our oils for a reason? :bows: :( Is it their cars? :o I don't know the reason. Just wondering.

.

[wildman649]

canadian oil is better because we have maple syrup in it:P

[Amsoil_Dealer]

I give up! :puke:


Now, WHAT ABOUT THE OIL? Does "ELF, Total, Fina, Esso, Agip, Motul" Etc. all last longer than our oils for a reason? :bows: :( Is it their cars? :o I don't know the reason. Just wondering.

.


Where is RF Overlord on this one?

The answer to your questions is "both". Plus, Americans are brainwashed with the 3000 mile oil change idea.

To your qustions European oils are better to start with. Plus inline 4s and 6s are easier on oil than our V8s. Our cars run hotter, on purpose for emissions reasons, and apparently with more piston ring area, we get more combustion blow by on out eight cylinder cars. These byproducts of combustion use up the effective life of the oil faster than 4s or 6s.

I use oil analysis to monitor how long I can drive on single batches of oil. I have gone 26,000 on one batch in my 6cyl BMW but only 16,000 on my 4.6 V-8 before oil analysis said it was time for a change.

Finally, it also boils down to what we are used to. They are told to run 18,000km between oil changes and they do. We are told to go 3000-5000 miles and we do. We waste millions of gallons of oil with 3000 mile drain intervals. I can tell you with 95% certainty that when we drain our oils at 3000 miles (particulrly in cars with under 100,000 miles on the clock) that the oil is only 25-50% used up. There are thousands of public used oil analysis reports on BITOG that supprort this.

Don

[ctrcbob]

Don,

30,000 Kilometers (more than 18,000 miles), not 18,000 Kilometers.

Thanks.

[Fourth Horseman]

As for the Froggies help in the early stages of America's dawning....their involvement pales in comparison to the liberation of France which we have accomplished time after time, in my opinion.

I don't know about that. Without playing the two super powers off of each other I think the war would have lasted a LOT longer than '83. Not only was the funding critical, but they provided logistics support that we just could not have gotten elsewhere.

I'm not saying I'm a huge fan of the French, or that we haven't repayed the debt with the win of two world wars, but I think we do need to acknowledge that their influence in our revolutionary war operations was considerable.

EDIT: Sorry for getting off topic. 18th century history just gets me going. :)

[hitchhiker]

Where is RF Overlord on this one?

The answer to your questions is "both". Plus, Americans are brainwashed with the 3000 mile oil change idea.

To your qustions European oils are better to start with. Plus inline 4s and 6s are easier on oil than our V8s. Our cars run hotter, on purpose for emissions reasons, and apparently with more piston ring area, we get more combustion blow by on out eight cylinder cars. These byproducts of combustion use up the effective life of the oil faster than 4s or 6s.

I use oil analysis to monitor how long I can drive on single batches of oil. I have gone 26,000 on one batch in my 6cyl BMW but only 16,000 on my 4.6 V-8 before oil analysis said it was time for a change.

Finally, it also boils down to what we are used to. They are told to run 18,000km between oil changes and they do. We are told to go 3000-5000 miles and we do. We waste millions of gallons of oil with 3000 mile drain intervals. I can tell you with 95% certainty that when we drain our oils at 3000 miles (particulrly in cars with under 100,000 miles on the clock) that the oil is only 25-50% used up. There are thousands of public used oil analysis reports on BITOG that supprort this.

Don

I prefer to change at 3000 mile intervals because oil is relatively cheap and I like to see bright clean oil when I check it. Oil will always have particulate matter suspended in it, even with a good filter, so I like to change it often to remove these and keep my engine as clean as possible.

An additional benefit of changing oil often is that the car gets looked over by the service people at the dealership when they look for opportunities to sell repair work. This helps spot potential problems earlier rather than later.

Regards,

David

[jgc61sr2002]

I was also wondering where RF is.


Oil is the life blood of our engines. Clean oil = longevity.

[dflynn5]

Getting back to the original topic....

I doubt the oil is any different. It is certainly way more expensive and remember, European car engines are typically 4-banger 1500cc or less which puts a lot less stress on oil than the big 6/8 here. Europeans change their oil way too infrequently. Americans/Canadians change theirs too frequently.

I remember a cousin of mine who rented a car in Ireland. He decided to check the oil before he drove off. The stick came out with a glob of black sludge at the tip. He asked the attendant incredulously if the car burnt oil.

"Sure I suppose it would if it got any!" was the reply.