Bulk Oil Mystery Solved! Anyone use Coast 5w-20?

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The Critic

The Critic

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A few weeks ago, I had a routine oil change and tire rotation done at the local Mazda dealer on a friend's 2010 Mazda 3.

I noticed after the service that the bulk oil looked a bit strange. Strange as in contaminated or dirty. And I watched the technician drain the old oil completely and replace the filter, so I know I did not get cheated on the service.

The service adviser claimed the bulk oil is "Genuine Mazda" oil, but bdcardinal confirmed for me that Genuine Mazda oil is not available in bulk form.

So today, I called this dealer's parts department and was told that their bulk oil is supplied by a vendor called Coast oil.

After some digging, I found the spec sheet for Coast 5w-20:

http://www.coastoil.com/specsheets/Coast Oil/Coast Supreme 5W-20 4.07.pdf

The findings are a bit disturbing, to say the least. This particular generic 5w-20 does not even claim to meet the newer Ford WSS M2C930-A spec for 5w-20. It only claims to meet the older Ford WSS M2C-153H spec, which is far less stringent than the WSS M2C930-A spec.

The dealer used this Coast 5w-20 oil at the 3k oil change and at the recent 6k oil change, so I have only been using it for 3,000 mile intervals. Needless to say, if I decide to continue using this dealer for oil changes, I think I will be opting for their extra-cost Castrol GTX bulk oil option instead of this Coast 5w-20 product. Who knows if this Coast branded oil provides sufficient protection, especially if it cannot meet the latest Ford spec. Better yet, I may just change the oil myself.

So, has anyone else used Coast 5w-20 oil? Or has anyone else come across 5w-20 oils that do not meet the latest manufacturer's specs? This is definitely a first for me, and is making me believe that there truly are some "bad" oils out there.
 
After my recent experience at the quick lube for the Honda MTF change, I'll be doing my own oil changes or at least bring my own fluid.
 
Extra charge for castrol dino?!? They must be getting that Coast stuff cheap. Avoid it. And tell them its not Ford Approved. Bulk around here has been Valvoline, Mobil Clean, Amalie and a while back QS was on a tear with their engine guarantee. So I got a bunch of QS paper "service mats". Anyone hang their mats over their old Farrah Fawcett Poster? - "It hides a nasty stain thats lying there" - Top 10 bad lyric
 
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Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Exta charge for castrol dino?!? They must be getting that Coast stuff cheap. Avoid it. And tell them its not Ford Approved.


$3 upcharge for Castrol GTX 5w-20 bulk. Probably worth every penny in this case.
lol.gif
 
I would call the guy out on it. Ask the service manager there if he realizes his cheap Coastal oil doesn't even meet the required specifications for the cars he services. Idiot.
 
They're not stupid, I am sure that oil meets the right specs. Can you imagine the trouble they would have with Mazda if the oil was not up to Mazda spec's. All the other cars go9ing through the shop are getting this oil. Is it really going to matter inthe long run? Not likely..
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
They're not stupid, I am sure that oil meets the right specs. Can you imagine the trouble they would have with Mazda if the oil was not up to Mazda spec's. All the other cars go9ing through the shop are getting this oil. Is it really going to matter inthe long run? Not likely..


My thoughts exactly, this is much ado about nothing.

By the way, can't believe I just realized you are talking about Mazda bulk oil not meeting a ford spec. Seriously?
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
They're not stupid, I am sure that oil meets the right specs. Can you imagine the trouble they would have with Mazda if the oil was not up to Mazda spec's. All the other cars go9ing through the shop are getting this oil. Is it really going to matter inthe long run? Not likely..


Remember the VW fiasco from about seven years ago? Dealers were filling turbocharged VWs with conventional oil. Dealers don't always follow the OEM specifications.

Also, this is the same dealership who uses Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF for their transmission services. They do not use the approved Genuine Mazda fluid.
 
Do you think they even care? ,I can hear it still now,"get the cheapest stuff in here 'they'll never know or care ,we service managers are the real head honcho brain surgeons around here".
 
Originally Posted By: FL_Rob
Do you think they even care? ,I can hear it still now,"get the cheapest stuff in here 'they'll never know or care ,we service managers are the real head honcho brain surgeons around here".


No, they probably don't care. Most consumers probably don't care. BITOG is a maintenance obsessed bunch. It is negligent though if they are using a product that doesn't meet the spec. Especially because it's a dealer!

The Ford are very stringent too. It's an extended length ASTM Seq IIIG.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic

Also, this is the same dealership who uses Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF for their transmission services. They do not use the approved Genuine Mazda fluid.


Youve said enough. I wouldnt use this place. Surely there is even a quick lube place where you can spec better/alternate oil and filters to your liking. Heck, pep boys will give you purolator and a PYB oil change, and upsell from there.
 
Eh just take it to the next quick lube place....these places can smell a sucker from a mile away
 
Originally Posted By: sxg6
By the way, can't believe I just realized you are talking about Mazda bulk oil not meeting a ford spec. Seriously?

Like buster said, the Ford spec is a quality standard for 5w-20 engine oils. It is more stringent than the API and ILSAC testing and if an oil passes the more stringent Ford specs, it is a statement of quality and robustness.

Of course, like you said, since this dealer is a Mazda-only dealer, they are not obligated to use an oil that meets Ford specs. However, this is also the first time that I have seen a 5w-20 oil NOT meet the Ford specs, which is also quite concerning considering that the spec is met by even the cheapest 5w-20 oils.
 
DIY is the best in my opinion. You know exactly what took place. I never heard of "Coast" but I am not surprised. My friend works at a local quick lube. I believe is only in Ohio. They have something like 40 stores (no names please). He said their bulk oil is literally whatever is cheapest that week. They carry name brand in bottle for whatever the upgrade price.
 
People who take their car to the dealer and pay dealer rates expect that OEM parts and correct fluids are used. These are the people who care about their car and want if fixed correctly. There is no excuse for using generic bulk and aftermarket parts when paying top dollar.
 
Originally Posted By: dishdude
People who take their car to the dealer and pay dealer rates expect that OEM parts and correct fluids are used. These are the people who care about their car and want if fixed correctly. There is no excuse for using generic bulk and aftermarket parts when paying top dollar.



Ummm does the word profit ring a bell?
 
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