Castrol at Walmart.No sludge protection?

[biggiesize]

So yesterday,while I was browsing at walmart I was looking at the oil.I was comparing it to the Castrol the I usually get at Oreilly's.At Oreilly's,I get the one gallon jug (4 quarts) for $14 and change.I noticed at walmart that I could get a 5 gallon jug of Castrol for $12.50.Thats 5 quarts for 2 bucks cheaper that I get 4 at aoto parts stores.However,I also noticed on this Walmart castrol that it does not have the yellow tag that says "superior sludge protection".Is the walmart castrol a cheap version>Perhaps recycled oil?I would love to save a few bucks every oil change but,not at the expense of mudding up my engine.

 

[my98nnj]

Same stuff, different package.
IMHO Castrol is the best oil on the market.
It's kept all my engines squeaky clean and running good.

 

[Turdle]

Same stuff, different package.
IMHO Castrol is the best oil on the market.
It's kept all my engines squeaky clean and running good.

How do you know it is the same stuff? Why would the package be different unless the contents were.

I say the OP brings up a valid point. I would like to see pics of the actual oil, side by side.

Reason I say this?
I had a vehicle that took 6 quarts for a change, so I bought an identical quart and 5 qt jug.
Funny, the stuff in the quart container had more green detergent tint to it-- It was not the same stuff in the 5 qt jug, yet they were the same brand, weight and type.

I say let's investigate this.

Everyone knows the "goodyear" tires at walmart are not really goodyear tires-I am beggining to think just about all the manufacturers out there are cutting quality to fill wally world shelves, whether it is cereal or motor oil.

 

[Kriegen]

Everyone knows the "goodyear" tires at walmart are not really goodyear tires

I didn't know that, kind of disturbing, do you have links to more info?

 

[techboj]

I didn't know that, kind of disturbing, do you have links to more info?

It's a known fact. Technically, the tires are still made by Goodyear but they are NOT the "same" tire that you would be able to purchase from a real tire vendor. Take their version of the Grabber AT Tires.... over the years I have seen slight differences in tread patterns. Even if it looks exactly the same, the tire could have been from a slightly different mold or from third-party tire maker authorized by goodyear through walmart.

This is primarily the reason why you cannot get a "goodyear" tire purchased from Walmart warrented or replaced at a real goodyear shop.

Similarly, here in Canada, we have another big store called Canadian Tire. They carry tires like Dunlop RVXT, General Altimax HP/RT. The Dunlops purchased at Canadian tire are also not warranted directly by Dunlop. The General Altimax (both the HP and RT) have totally different tread patterns. And they carry a Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires (good looking tires with good reviews) - but again similar to Wally world tires, are not warranted directly by Goodyear.

BTW Goodyear owns processing and distribution of most tires like Dunlop, Goodyear in North America.
Cooper tire manufactures the tires for Avon, Mickey Thompson, Dick Cepek, Mastercraft and Sears, among others.

 

[my98nnj]

Oh my god, people, it's still a GoodYear Tire. It's produced exclusively for Wally World.

If that thought process holds true, then everything you purchase at Costco, BJ's ect really isn't the same as you buy in Shop Rite?

Example, Tide in the huge container sold at Costco cannot be returned to Shop Rite, they don't carry it.

Does that not make the Costco Tide actually Tide?

Seriously...... It's called MARKETING 101.

 

[biggiesize]

I dont want to ruin my engine with cheap oil just because of "marketing".I would not put it past walmart to strike a deal with Castrol to give them "discount" oil just to be able to sell it cheaper.My source:The children in chineses sweatshops sewing your shirts.

 

[Verno]

ANyhow, back to the OP's point....
I would compare the containers, maybe one is an older style jug - maybe they aren't the same. Ask your local Oreillys why they don't have the 5 qt jugs, mine does!

 

[my pos mounty]

Don't get me started on Walmart

Oh my god, people, it's still a GoodYear Tire. It's produced exclusively for Wally World.
Seriously...... It's called MARKETING 101.

A goodyear tire made cheaper by using inferior raw materials or cheaper manufacturing processes resulting in a product the manufacturer will not stand behind.

Warning, rant begins at this point, if you love your Walmart, stop here.

Contrary to popular belief, Walmart does not care about the quality of the products, only the bottom line cost and their profit margin. MARKETING 101? Maybe, but what I see when I see that big blue sign with the gay smiley face is CORPORATE greed that contributes to the downfall of the US economy. Why, you ask? Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, it makes more money in profit than the largest third world nation. It is enormous, and how did it get this way? By negotiating with manufacturers to lower their prices, and not giving a crap what the manufacturer needs to do to accomplish it. (made in china? Who cares.. Made by 10 year old girls in a sweatshop? Not my problem, I saved $1.25 on all my purchases!!) They don't care where the product comes from, who made it, how many jobs it will eventually cut out of OUR economy. The manufacturers are being pushed by Walmart (and in the end the American public) to make more products offshore because they can sell the end product for 99 cents less than anyone else. And the American public eats it all up, thinking they saved that 99 cents, when in actuality, the real cost was their neighbors job, and his neighbors job, and his neighbors job, BUT "F" them .. . I save 99 cents!! Never mind the fact that by saving 99 whole cents, the product is inferior and will fail twice as fast.
Welcome to the wonderful world of MARKETING 101.
By the way, I have not purchased more than $200 worth of merchandise in Walmart stores in the last YEAR. I will not go there.

Rant mode off.

 

[dogfriend]

How do you know it is the same stuff? Why would the package be different unless the contents were.



I say let's investigate this.

You could send a sample of each oil to Blackstone (or another testing facility) and have them analyzed to see if they are the same. You could also compare to a VOA on BITOG if they have one posted.

Re: Walmart products vs. Other stores - I have read other accounts that Walmart will often have "special" exclusive products that are built just for Walmart. Walmart is big enough that they can pressure the companies to make cheaper versions to sell at Walmart.

There is a great story about how Snapper mowers stopped selling to Walmart because the CEO realized they would have to destroy the quality to compete:

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/102/open_snapper.html

Re: Motor oil - I don't know about Castrol, but Mobil claims that the Mobil 1 at Walmart is the same stuff you would buy anywhere else.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English...il/Difference_in_Product_Quality_Walmart.aspx

 

[Joe Dirt]

They are contracted by WalMart to build tires the the very barest of government standards. That's why treads can vary, etc... They do meet safety requirements, but the ones (Viva, etc.) that you find only at Wally World are the bare minimum to keep cost down.

The other variable is the shop- I got a set of rear tires on my Thunderbird a few years back at Wally World so I could sell it, and it took them 5 times to get them balanced right, even with a Hunter balancing machine. That worries me as much as the tires, since they're mounting them. That isn't to say that the techs at your local Wally World aren't completely competent, that was just my experience.

I guess at this point, I know that cost enters into the equation for a lot of people as money is tough, but being that the tires are the only thing between my family and the highway, I buy standard issue product from a reputable tire shop. A lot of people curse off the Chinese tires as being uber dangerous, but the Wally World generics like Viva are meeting the same standards. Those aren't good enough for me and my family. That's just my .02 though.

Remember- when tire companies are competing against each other, you get better product- just like cars. Ford got better because of competition. But when you're awarded a contract based on price and bare government standards, what is your incentive to innovate your tire? Pay more, you may get way above the gov't standard, since they're trying to get people away from Michelin, Cooper, BF, etc. at the tire shop- it's about features, and innovation. At WalMart, it's all about the money.

There is a great story about how Snapper mowers stopped selling to Walmart because the CEO realized they would have to destroy the quality to compete

That will be happening more and more I think. Customer loyalty is important now. People have less money to spend, and they're starting to realize that buying 2 at WalMart isn't as good of a deal as buying a better quality item the first time.

 

[MrQ]

That will be happening more and more I think. Customer loyalty is important now. People have less money to spend, and they're starting to realize that buying 2 at WalMart isn't as good of a deal as buying a better quality item the first time.

I don't necessarily believe that. Compare quality at two different stores, say grocery...

Walmart - Prices are cheaper, product not as good, service lacking, but you save a $100 bucks

Randall's - Much more expensive, product is very good, service is excellent, but you spend 50% more on the same product.

With most people today its the bargain bin that's gonna be sold out and not the top of line shelf items. Its the paycheck that dictates your bottom line. I am glad most of you can afford to get the better tires and not shop at Wal-mart, but for the rest us it's how we make do. My dad, my bro, and I all bought tires from Wal-mart. Yes, they are cheap, yes, the quality is not the same, BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Store loyalty is bought, not given. Whoever has the most money to spend on advertising and pricing will end up with more of the customers. The few people out there who think loyalty is everything won't be enough to support a failing competitor.

 

[my pos mounty]

Like I said earlier, don't get me going on Walmart

I don't necessarily believe that. Compare quality at two different stores, say grocery...
Walmart - Prices are cheaper, product not as good, service lacking, but you save a $100 bucks
With most people today its the bargain bin that's gonna be sold out and not the top of line shelf items. Its the paycheck that dictates your bottom line. I am glad most of you can afford to get the better tires and not shop at Wal-mart, but for the rest us it's how we make do.

Rant mode part 2

I have been unemployed for 15 months now, so you wanna talk about just squeaking by, I think I got you beat. I have probably lost more in this past year than I will be able to gain back in the rest of my life, but we shall see. I am up for that challenge.
I think that by spending my money wisely at local shops, I keep local people working at BETTER wages than they will get at the WALMART down the street. I support AMERICAN manufacturers who employ AMERICAN workers. Even if it will cost me just a little more, I have a clear conscience knowing I am doing my part at keeping AMERICAN jobs where they belong, in AMERICA. So, go ahead and save yourself that 10 dollars a week, but remember that when you get laid off from your job or the business your family worked for went under due to lack of work.

Move along folks, theres nothing to see here. Rant mode offf

 

[X6StringerX]

I've noticed Wal-Mart specific items on several occasions, but it's not just Wal-Mart. In fact, last year, I went shopping for a new LCD TV and thought I would check Target because they were running a huge sale. After researching the model of the TV I wanted on the manufacturer's website, I went to Target armed with the information. They had a model that was advertised as the same, but on the back of the case the number had an extra digit. I went to Wal-Mart and found the same results except it was a different digit. I shopped around at several electronics stores and found the same exact model numbers as those from the manufacturer's website. In the end, I bought a totally different model, directly from the manufacturer's online store, and couldn't be happier. I got it for over $500 less than the in-store price at the electronics stores and they gave me a 5-year on-site warranty.

 

[Kriegen]

I've noticed Wal-Mart specific items on several occasions, but it's not just Wal-Mart. In fact, last year, I went shopping for a new LCD TV and thought I would check Target because they were running a huge sale. After researching the model of the TV I wanted on the manufacturers website, I went to Target armed with the information. They had a model that was advertised as the same, but on the back of the case the number had an extra digit. I went to Wal-Mart and found the same results except it was a different digit. I shopped around at several electronics stores and found the same exact model numbers as those from the manufacturer's website. In the end, I bought a totally different model, directly from the manufacturer's online store, and couldn't be happier. I got it for over $500 less than the in-store price at the electronics stores and they gave me a 5-year on-site warranty.

Retailers do this to get around the 110% Best price guarantee crap.

 

[biggiesize]

So,about the Castrol..........

 

[MrQ]

Rant mode part 2

I have been unemployed for 15 months now, so you wanna talk about just squeaking by, I think I got you beat. I have probably lost more in this past year than I will be able to gain back in the rest of my life, but we shall see. I am up for that challenge.
I think that by spending my money wisely at local shops, I keep local people working at BETTER wages than they will get at the WALMART down the street. I support AMERICAN manufacturers who employ AMERICAN workers. Even if it will cost me just a little more, I have a clear conscience knowing I am doing my part at keeping AMERICAN jobs where they belong, in AMERICA. So, go ahead and save yourself that 10 dollars a week, but remember that when you get laid off from your job or the business your family worked for went under due to lack of work.

Move along folks, theres nothing to see here. Rant mode offf

Don't be so quick to judge Mounty. It's not a contest on how hard we all have it. That wasn't my point. Local shops are all fine and good, but really its niave for you to think that you are deciding if that money goes to the employees or to the company's profit margin.

I have been unemployed for 15 months now, so you wanna talk about just squeaking by, I think I got you beat.

Please, think about others before you say stuff like that. Everybody has it rough, who says that you have a better brand of hard times than the rest of us?

 

[Kriegen]

So,about the Castrol..........

Thread did get kind of high-jacked but I think it kinda came down to it's possibly not the same quality but without being able to test it, you may not be able to find out.

 

[Electrohacker]

Rant mode part 2

I have been unemployed for 15 months now, so you wanna talk about just squeaking by, I think I got you beat.

13 months here... I feel some of your pain. luckily my parents have been paying me for odd jobs

 

[my pos mounty]

You know MrQ. You got a point there, and your right. I apologize for how I said some of that.
And My apologies to all about how I said what I was tying to convey. As Is evidenced, this whole WALMART thing is a sensitive area for me and I may have let that get in my way.
However, what I meant by using local shops is that the selling margin stays local and not go to the worlds largest retailer who is hell bent on lowering quality, getting everything made on the cheap no matter what the consequences. The local businesses were once the backbone of the economy (save the auto industry and things of that nature) but now since everyones automatic shopping response is "cheap cheap cheap" and quality comes last, where has this attitude landed us as a world class economy? It has driven millions upon millions of our jobs offshore to cheaper third world nations such as China. By the way, try to find an American owned Copper mine. They no longer exist. Why? Because the Chinese, armed with our money they made from producing cheaply made products paid higher than market rates for the mines. WHY? Let me tell you..its called cornering the market. Sure, they (the Chinese) paid more up front (the reason why copper went so high in the not too distant past and remains that way today). BUT, brace yourselves America, it is gonna go higher and higher because we don't own it anymore and they can dictate the market to us. See the problem with this? This is why I don't use Walmart, they are single-handedly more responsible for killing our economy than anyone else in my opinion (save the banking industry, but thats a longer story) because they are impowering the Chinese and other countries economy and could give a crap what it really costs us as a country. OK, do I sound paranoid? Maybe.. but am I off base with this? I don't think so.