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Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2013 9:00 pm
by LobbyLudd
'Comma' have been fully prepared to issue a basic supplementary sheet giving a further breakdown of 'typical inspection data' for their 20w50 'Classic' engine oil (the one in a nice metal old style tin in a retro beige colour)
On the other hand the 20w50 Classic engine oil similarly packaged (but in nice British racing'?) green, metal can by Halfords seems completely impossible to obtain any further basic specification than a sales description simply stated on the can.
Funny

The product application and sales description is almost word for word the same as for the 'Comma' product ??
(e.i. An oil "Specially blended for Classic Cars from the 60s 70s and 80s where an oil of this quality....etc.........etc......... )
Have bought and used the Halfords in the past on recommendation from fellow Minor owners, just wanted a bit more info on the product, didn't think that was too much to ask for an item specifically aimed and sold to a specialist market ?
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 7:43 am
by charlie_morris_minor
probably because comma are the manufacturer of the oil where as halfords are a retailer and the oil, whilst made to the same basic spec, could be made by several different companies over time so the details might \ will vary.
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 7:59 am
by Trickydicky
If I remember rightly Comma make the halfords oil, its just badged "Halfords"
http://www.commaoil.com/passenger-vehic ... ategory/32
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 6:28 pm
by lambrettalad
it's good stuff ..............oil give it five
just for the more mature amongst us
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 5:25 pm
by LobbyLudd
So in theory if it is, it has the same specification at the least as the 'Comma Classic 20w50' ?? It does seem to look the same.
At the moment presumably we are buying something that we only assume has the very minimum of that 'type' of spec in order to be labelled "classic" -
Although Heinz Tomato Soup and Tesco 'own brand' Tomato Soup would appear to each look the same each has ingredients shown on the tin (it may not taste the same of course ) . Also in this case the 'own brand' is produced to be sold cheaper than the well known brand.
(not suggesting putting Tomato soup into into the old 'A' series though.
It was the additional 'anti wear' elements added, ( ' TBL' etc. - Zinc etc.etc. and in what % proportions) I felt would be useful information if only 'Mr Halford' was not seemingly so un-prepared in providing it, presumably for some marketing reason, thus helping us to make our own individual buying choice.
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 6:27 pm
by MarkyB
I think marketing and customer service are different departments, probably in different cities or continents!
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 8:49 pm
by LobbyLudd
RESULT!!
Having today contacted Halfords direct, the lack of information that had been encountered in their store 'at the point of sale' twice has been made up somewhat by a helpful reply from their 'customer services dept'
A product specification sheet was attached to a prompt answer from them by email and also offered that if any further specific additional information was required they would in turn be prepared to ask the manufacturer.
So in fact this indeed seems to be available to any customer interested in requesting further information in this way
(Interestingly this spec sheet had the Comma logo at the top of the sheet provided without any hesitation by Halfords )
Well done to Halfords Customer Services Dept. on this occassion I would like to now say !
By the way a local motor spares factor that stock the Comma labelled Classic 20w50 in the 5l metal tin quoted £5 more than the Halfords badged version.
I now feel a bit more prepared to "pay me moneys and makes me choice"

Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:06 pm
by bigjim
if you need any data from a supplier for any oil grease etc ask for a COSHH safety data sheet, they have to supply them by law(control of substances hazardous to health)if they dont have remind them of their legal obligations and see how fast they jump.
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:47 pm
by bmcecosse
Yes - but it will only tell you that it is dangerous/wear gloves etc etc when handling. It won't tell you anything about it's mechanical performance......
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:57 pm
by bigjim
will make them more helpful though
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 5:43 pm
by dalebrignall
if you want a good fully specked 20/50 go to b &q and buy the carlube datona i think its under £12 or wilkinsons is about 9 pounds i think.
Re: Famous retailer - 20w50 Oil Spec Sheet, Why Not?
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 8:26 pm
by bmcecosse
You don't NEED a fancy oil for the A series - at least, not in reasonably standard form. The Morrison or Wilco 20W50 is fine - but just don't expect it to last for 'ever'. I suggest 3000 miles will be plenty........