Remember to regularly check your car’s oil level. And if you need to top up, new text service can help you choose the right oil

With a text message

HERE’S a neat idea. If you are ever confused about which type of oil is right for your car – you know, I have a diesel car but what’s the right oil to top up with? – then there’s a new service from Havoline. Simply text oil and your registration number and the correct Havoline oil type for your car is sent back – in seconds!

You’ll find the number next to the Havoline oils in the forecourt shop. However, therein lies the drawback. You have to be in a Texaco petrol station. And texts are charged at 50p per text plus standard network charges. However, that’s a small price for making sure you put the right oil in your engine – as the choice seems so bewildering.

I phoned up Brian Hayes, the marketing manager who has introduced this service, to ask him about the service.

Brian explained that with the more complex engine technology we’re seeing – all based around better efficiency, lower friction and so on – leading manufacturers have needed to develop a much increased range of engine oils.

“Ten years ago the three oils from the Havoline range would have met the requirements for 95% of the cars on UK roads,” Brian told me. “Today, the Havoline range encompasses some 13 different engine oils.”

So remember: text and top up. Correctly.