What oil type for my girlfriends V-reg Focus?

[ol]

Hi all,

My ladyfriends car needs topping up with oil, it's a V-reg Focus, 1.6 petrol.

She came home with a bottle of 10w / 40, is that OK to use? I've tried searching Google but there seems to be lots of contradictory advice.

Thanks in advance

[oakdale]

The correct oil is 5/30 semi synthetic.

[ol]

Thanks very much. So would the oil that she bought damage the car if she used it?

[oakdale]

Although it's not the correct oil, I wouldn't worry too much about topping up with it.

[ol]

Great, thanks very much. It's only a top up so we'll stick it in and then get some of the correct type for the next time.

[Rollcage]

oakdale said:

Although it's not the correct oil, I wouldn't worry too much about topping up with it.

Top up maybe ,but only for a short period. The Zetec is VERY sensitive to oil grade. Even a 10/40 could seriously reduce the life of the engine if left in too long.

[oakdale]

Rollcage said:

oakdale said:

Although it's not the correct oil, I wouldn't worry too much about topping up with it.

Top up maybe ,but only for a short period. The Zetec is VERY sensitive to oil grade. Even a 10/40 could seriously reduce the life of the engine if left in too long.

Ford have specified 5/30 since the early days of the old zetec, when they were having trouble with sticking valves and hydraulic lifters jacking up.
I know of several people who have use 10/40 for long periods without problem on these but would always recommend using the specified oil.

I doubt very much if using this oil would seriously reduce the life of the engine.

[Jamz]

Not a good idea on using different thickness oils! One will just float at the top and the other will float at the bottom...

And there must be something wrong with the car if it needs topping up? ive had my car serviced every 12k miles and its never lost any oil.