New UK Motorist

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Discussion

Jimmlepap

Original Poster:

30 posts

194 months

Monday 7th June 2010
quotequote all
Hi,

Schoolboy question. at petrol stations in south africa they have (free) water available to fill up if you need and (free) tissue to wipe your dipstick when checking your oil levels and pleasant attendants to get you some oil if you need it.

this country doesn't seem to offer these (I understand the lack of attendants) things at garages and my mate says his mechanic does all that when he gets a service which i think is a load of crap.

do they even sell oil at petrol stations here. (I've not looked properly to be completely honest)

Any advise for me and the Rover will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Pints

18,444 posts

195 months

Wednesday 9th June 2010
quotequote all
Jimmlepap said:
Hi,

Schoolboy question. at petrol stations in south africa they have (free) water available to fill up if you need and (free) tissue to wipe your dipstick when checking your oil levels and pleasant attendants to get you some oil if you need it.

this country doesn't seem to offer these (I understand the lack of attendants) things at garages and my mate says his mechanic does all that when he gets a service which i think is a load of crap.

do they even sell oil at petrol stations here. (I've not looked properly to be completely honest)

Any advise for me and the Rover will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Some stations provide plastic gloves or paper towels, although these tend to be exceptions rather than the rule. If you use a garage where they have a shop you can sometimes find a small selection of oils but I've never bought anything other than fuel from a garage over here.

You normally even have to pay if you want air in your tyres, FFS!

Although even in SA I wouldn't trust the oil they sold on the forecourt. Did you ever check the type of oil they put in your car? Mine takes 5W-30 and I only use Castrol or Mobil. I can't bear to think what crap they'd put in if you left it to a South African pump attendant.

Edited by Pints on Wednesday 9th June 16:55