Castrol survey: over half of car owners would like workshops to recommend suitable lubricants for their vehicle.
A new nationwide survey has found that a significant proportion of UK car owners are uncertain about which engine oil to use in their car and would like the workshops they use to be more proactive in recommending suitable products.
According to the survey* commissioned by Castrol, nearly a third (29%) of car owners say they are unsure how to identify what type of engine oil is most suitable for their own car. Women are more likely to be unsure about how to find out which oil to use (42%) than men (14%).
The lack of clarity could have its origins at the start of the ownership cycle, as just 19% say the dealer that sold the car informed them about which engine oil to use during the handover process.
This uncertainty creates an opportunity for workshops. Significantly, a clear majority of respondents (58%) would like their usual workshop to explain which lubricant they would recommend for their vehicle as part of its next scheduled service. This isn’t yet happening for most car owners. When asked: “Does your workshop typically explain which lubricant they plan to use for your vehicle as part of its next scheduled service,” just 41% said ‘yes’.
Car owners rely on a number of factors to inform their choice of engine oil, with nearly a quarter (24%) citing input from the workshop they typically use for vehicle servicing, just behind those who prefer to get this information from the manufacturer of their car (28%). Notably, only 16% would carry out an online search for a suitable product.
Henning von Rheden, Brand & Comms Director, Europe at Castrol, said: “Workshops have a crucial role to play in helping motorists choose the correct oil for their car’s engine, so that it operates safely and efficiently. It’s clear that many drivers are unsure of how to find out what type of engine oil is most suitable for their car, and they actively want workshops to provide more guidance. Consumers are evidently very receptive, and this can create great opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling premium products, as well as fostering greater loyalty.”
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*Survey carried out by OnePoll; sample comprised 1,000 car owners
19 June 2025
Anicecommunication Press Office and Media Relations Castrol Italy >
