All about oil change (Opel Vectra B)

Where to change oil?

• In our experience, changing oil at a garage is the most expensive, as they only offer the most expensive grades of oil. Also, the engine often has time to cool down while the old oil is draining, so not all the dirt is washed out. Some garages charge extra for the work of changing the oil filter on top of the cost of the oil.
• At petrol stations you usually don't have to wait long for your turn. There you can choose cheaper oil from the range offered for sale, and the work of the petrol station employee is included in the price of the oil itself.
• There is nothing to object to in the self-service oil change mode at a filling station using an oil suction pump, if the oil filter is also changed.
• Changing oil at home makes sense if you bought oil at a good price (hardware store, wholesale market, department store, or oil from a gas station).

How often should I change my oil?

The factory manual calls for an oil change for the Vectra once a year. Or every 15,000 km if the annual mileage is significantly higher. But those who drive exclusively long distances should consider 15,000 km as the upper limit, although due to the engine's need for adding oil, new oil is constantly supplied. Or the annual interval is slightly shifted.

If Vectra is driven mainly on short distances, it is recommended to change the oil every six months. The replacement time should be spring and autumn, because fuel condensate, which appears intensively in winter, should be drained with oil before the warm season.



However, even shorter intervals are recommended if the oil level rises in winter due to fuel condensation.

What will you need?

The following aids are needed when changing your oil:

• Oil of the appropriate specification (cheaper in 3, 4 or 5 liter canisters).
• Oil filter suitable for Opel Vectra.
• New sealing ring for drain plug thread,
• A container for draining old oil. An old oil canister with the side wall cut out or an unnecessary basin will do for this purpose.
• An old oil canister can be used to transport old oil.
• An oil can will make it easier to add fresh engine oil.
• Strap tension wrench for loosening filter fastening.

Where to put used oil?

In our time, when there is a growing awareness of the need to protect the environment, everyone knows the consequences of waste oil getting into groundwater. Proper disposal of waste oil when changing it is very simple thanks to the law on waste disposal: motor oil can be returned free of charge where it was purchased. Trade is obliged to accept waste oil, as proof of purchase you only need to present the corresponding receipt. It is even easier to use a waste oil pumping station at a gas station, in this case you do not need to do anything, it will certainly end up in a waste oil tank.

Advice: Used oil is accepted by specialized companies at petrol stations, car repair shops, etc. and is handed over for further processing. For this, the oil should not be mixed with other liquids.