There are three types of synthetic oils, Hydrocracked, Polyalphaolefin (PAO) and Ester oils. Hydrocracked oils are not really synthetic at all, they are highly refined and modified mineral oils that due to a court case can legally be sold as synthetic oils. All cheaper oils and the ‘synthetic’ component of semi-synthetic oils are hydrocracked mineral oils.

PAO synthetics are genuine, lab-made synthetic oils that are better lubricants than hydrocracked oils as they are built for their specific use, rather than the hydrocracked oils that are modified to perform a purpose.

Ester based oils are the top end of oil technology and give the best protection available. The ester content (usually ester oils are mixed with PAO oils) has several functions that are very useful. Esters are electrostatically charged so they stick to metal surfaces, meaning that when the vehicle is started, there is already a layer of oil present. They are also more stable at higher temperatures, making them ideal as performance lubricants. The ester content also helps to make those oils better lubricants in general.

In general, yes. There are a few exceptions, Castor and plant based (as used in some biodegradable oils) are not safe to mix with conventional oils. Other than those few exceptions, mixing oil brands, types (synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral) and viscosities is fine. The only problem with mixing oils is that the quality of the better oil is diluted by the lesser one.

When a top quality oil of the correct viscosity is used, a vehicle may actually have a higher power output at the wheels than with other oils. The ‘gain’ in power is actually a reduction of the power lost in the engine. Internal resistance due to pumping losses and viscous drag and friction is where power is lost and minimising those will lead to more efficient running. Using a good oil reduces the friction as well as increases the protection.

A common approach to lubricating a powerful engine is to use as thick an oil as is available, but that adds to the internal resistance as the engine has to work harder to move the oil. That can also lead to increased wear in the engine as the oil does not flow as well as the engine would like. Often an increase in the quality of the oil used rather than the viscosity will be sufficient for many modified cars and that will actually give better protection as well as a slightly increased power output.

Yes is the simple answer. All of the filters we sell meet or exceed the manufacturer (OEM) specifications, so they are as good if not better in performing their function than the ones the manufacturer supplies.

This depends if the manufacturer supplies the washer with the filter, if they do then yes you receive the washer, but some do not.

The vast majority of orders sent to worldwide are sent via the best delivery agency available, with smaller / lighter items sent via our drivers. We may use other couriers around the globe outlying areas and islands. Overseas destinations are served by a variety of couriers but in the main we use what is best comfortable by our clients.