Does it matter what kind of oil, antifreeze, and power steering liquid I use?
(2011-12-20 15:20:20) 1. Says: I have a 2005 cadillac deville and was wondering does it actually matter what kind of brand or kind like synthetic oil?2. Says: The brand of the fluid manufacturer doesn't matter so much. The type of fluid does.Oil: Quaker State is the "worst" on the market. That's why it doesn't "meet or exceed" any manufacturer standard. Anything else is acceptable.
Transmission Fluid: Anything on the label that says "Compatible" with "Dexron III" is acceptable. (Unless your car uses Dexron 6, check the writing on the dipstick for sure)
Power steering: There's not much on the market besides Honda and non-Honda. So anything non-Honda is acceptable. Do not use transmission fluid like Ford does though, it's too thin.
Antifreeze. Here's where I differ from GM's recommendation. I have seen too many problems with their Dex-cool. I instead, use and recommend Prestone All Makes, All Models, Extended life. It is compatible with Dex-cool, can be mixed or used instead of. It has all the lubrication and anti-rust, anti-foam additives as "Dex" without the nasty goo. It is a light green in color. Just remember tor purchase the Extended Life variety.
Synthetic Oil is different. It is designed not to break down, therefore has a longer life. Because engine wear still occurs the need to change engine oil on a regular intervals is necessary. The only drawback is increased occurrences of oil leaks is higher as opposed to conventional oil. In my opinion, stick to conventional oil and change the oil routinely.3. Says: Power steering no is does not matter, antifreeze it does cadilac uses dexcool unless you want your antifreeze to jell up, do not mix dexcool with standard green coolants because they are not compatible.Oil i would stick with whats on the cap most gm's use 5w30 some also use 10w30 as long as it is quality oil's and changed frequently shouldn't have a problem personally i would steer away from store brands.Gl4. Says: You are VERY smart to ask this kind of question. READ your OWNER's MANUAL!!! is VERY specific as to WHAT typoe of oil coolants and fluids to use in there. You MUST use only synthetic Mobil One or the new DEXOS or other SYNTHETIC ONLY OILS that meet the GM specification number found in your MANUAL chart. I differ on the coolant issue. I would flush and fill with MERCEDES coolant, since dexcool has had a bad rap for years and can gel up and cause gasket failure in time. Use ONLY GM power steering fluid. Any fluid NOT approved by GM for use in GM is SERIOUSLY BAD for your engine gaskets, seals, plastics, alloys and other EXPENSIVE items like sensors and acualizers. Threr are even BETTER oils than the ones I listed, but they come from EUROPE! PLEASE, actually read and understand your owner's manual and NEVER let ANYONE top up your fluids at a quicky lube UNLESS they show you from where the fluids come from!!! more damage has been done to cars at the quicky lubes than ANYWHERE else. There are NO universal fluids for ANY car out there!!5. Says: Oil brand doesn't matter as long as the oil meets the latest GF-5 specs and is the proper viscosity. The type of power steering fluid DOES matter. There's really no such thing as universal PS fluid. Use what the owner's manual says. Antifreeze for your vehicle is DexCool--period. G-5 universal is NOT approved as a replacement.6. Says: oil doesnt matter, p.s. does, antifreeze needs to be matched w/ whats in it. green prestone is good for any car but u dont wanna mix and that car shud use dex-con but if its green just use green7. Says: It doesn't matter but for performance and mileage you should follow your owner's manual synthetic is the best oil it last and gives you better performance8. Says: Anyone that needs to ask a question such as this should not go under the hood of a car! Tag: Does it matter what kind of oil, antifreeze, and power steering liquid I use?